If you follow Yes with any regularity, you’re well aware of the number of live releases we’ve seen in recent years. Much of it has been part of expanded Yes box sets that have been rolled out. Speculation is high that the next big box will be around Relayer, the 1974 three-song album recorded with keyboardist Patrick Moraz. Before that happens, there’s Live At Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ (6/17/76) to cover the short-lived live era with Moraz.
On June 17, 1976, the Relayer lineup of Moraz, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Alan White performed at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, NJ. The show was for a live broadcast on New York’s WNEW-FM, widely recorded and issued as a bootleg. All cleaned up and relieved of any post-FM noise, Live At Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ (6/17/76) is the official release of that show. Aside from a few cuts on 1980’s Yesshows, this is the only other live document of the Relayer lineup.
At this point in Yes’ history, the group was massive in the United States, playing stadiums all over the country. The setlist included staples like “Siberian Khatru,” “Long Distance Runaround” and “Roundabout.” What sets it apart from most other Yes live sets are not only two, rarely played songs from Relayer — “Soundchaser” and “The Gates Of Delirium” — but also the inclusion of excerpts from recently released solo albums. Dubbed the “Solo Albums Tour,” this was really the only time when solo efforts were given this much attention. Even a slice of the new guy’s album The Story Of O gets some love. Never mind that Jon Anderson’s captivating bits from Olias Of Sunhillow that follow is yet another one-time twist to the plot.
Playing-wise, the band is on fire. Moraz’s synths sound a little thin on “Siberian Khatru,” while his keyboard work everywhere else is magnificent. He obviously shines on “The Gates Of Delirium,” and also adds a lot more spice to “Ritual” from Tales From Topographic Oceans, the album that drove Moraz’s predecessor Rick Wakeman out of the band. The set ends with the Beatles’ “I’m Down,” a somewhat trivial wink of the eye in light of some of the band’s deepest, proggiest material they ever played. Whether you go with the double CD or triple LP package, Live At Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ (6/17/76) is required listening for anyone seeking remnants from the golden age of 70s progressive rock. Don’t let it get lost in the shuffle.
~ Shawn Perry
Purchase Live At Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ (6/17/76)
