Hello all-
Well its true its true!! Yes was wonderful as usual. The set list was almost
identical to this one below except they dropped whatever Corkscrew (probably
a new song DUH!) is off the list.
It was a beautiful time for me that started at the crack of dawn (actually
just the other side of the crack) and a sleepy Victor was waiting for me at
the airport. We went to his old house and played some tunes for awhile
(including a few Yes numbers) and then went to a great sushi lunch where we
hooked up with the lovely Bob Muller and Holley. After lunch and a few beers
we had a few more tunes at Holley's and went to Victor's old place and had a
cook out with his friends. During our first beer we rang up Kakki to wish
her a Happy Fucking Birthday and she sounded great and seemed ready for the
weekend of festivities. Then it was off to the show. We got row "B" tickets
and managed to get Victor to our seats as well and we also had backstage
passes which we decided not to use (in lieu of getting back to the house to
play more, yes you guessed it, music). Even tho the seats were in row B wew
were dead center behind the sound board. It began to rain just before show
time which was somewhat of a drag, but it sort of cooled us off a bit as it
was hot with no breeze. The Chastain Ampitheater is a wierd venue where you
see tons of people sipping champagne from their good crystal and eating pate
and cracked crab and such from their good china. The whole floor area was
filled with people with picnic baskets filled with tons of goodies.
(Remember when all we required was a nickle bag or some blotter?? Anyways I
digress as usual) I think that this whole vibe detracts from the artists
performance. The conversation level and party atmosphere was too loud and it
pissed me off that people can be so rude while some of the worlds most
amazing and gifted musicians are doing their thing. To top it off the volume
level of the PA was way to low (probably because of the orchestra being all
acoustic instruments that require condenser mics and are hard to get at an
good volume level while you have soome of the loudest electric musicians on
stage at the same time. Especially when you are in a recording situation,
which they were). Many people were hollaring for the guy to turn it up which
he did toward the very end, but still it was no where near the volume that I
have heard these guys play at for 20+ shows that I have seen. It was the
first time in Yes concert history that Chris Squire's bass didin't paralyze
me at some point in the show. All in all the bands performance was 90-95%.
It must be really hard to play Ritual from Tales of Topographic Oceans **ONE
OF MY FAVES** and The Gates of Delirium from Relayer (HI PAT) at such a low
volume and in sync with 50+ other musicians all playing acoustic
instruments. I was hoping they would play some stuff that has not been
played on tour for a long time and more new material from the last few
albums which has been sorely missing from their last few tours. If I never
hear Roundabout, All Good People again live it would be cool with me. I must
have 100 different versions of the song already. Alan White played keyboards
(which I knew he did) for the first time live that I have seen. It was on
the new tune called "In The Presence Of" which I liked alot, but would have
been alot better if it were LOUDER. The arrangements were really interesting
and I can't wait to hear the recordings if they come out. I was not able to
purchase the new EP that they are selling for $10 a pop as they sold out
before the show ever started. (If someone else goes to see them I would love
to get a copy of this CD and would be happy to send $'s and whatever other
bribes necessary to return the favour)
After the show as I said we skipped hobnobbing with the band and went back
to Holley's place and jammed until late. Holley sang some Joni tunes with me
and her two lovely daughters (Julie and Laura) also sat in and sang with us
on some Dave Matthews, Train, Tonic, etc. Her youngest daughter treated us
to her version of Landslide which she sang so sweetly while we all sang
along on the choruses. It was hard to say good night to them but after being
up for about 19 hours I was close to toast. Bob managed to catch a nap " a
la Victor" although in an easy chair as opposed to sprawled out on the floor
with instrument in hand and we took pics which will be forthcoming.
This morning when I woke up I threw my back out and have been in severe pain
ever since. I have eaten so many pain killers and muscle relaxers since this
morning I am not to sure of alot of things, so please excuse any
misspellings, or other inconsistancies. Being pushed in a wheel chair thru
Atlanta airport and New Orleans airport is a totally different experience I
suggest you try. I must have been quite a site with Parker Concert Fly and
VG-8 bag piled on top of me.
Brian Stoltz (Funky Meters) called me on the phone on my way to the airport
(where he was) to tell me he was changing planes with Art Neville (on the
way home from a Meters gig) and saw the entire Yes band with the tour
manager (who got me my tickets thanks very much Paul) waiting for their
plane to Norfolk. He said he had a lengthy conversation with Jon Anderson
about past performances in New Orleans at the old Warehouse and Municipal
Auditorium. Brian and I were suppose to do this concert together till he had
a gig come up (I hate it when that happens)
Well that's about it. I would like to thank my wonderful hosts Victor and
Holley for everything and Bob for the great company (and #21). It's stuff
like this that really reminds me of how lucky I am to be a part of the best
internet community on the web. It's time like these that make life SO much
sweeter. I can't wait to see you call in Mass.
Peace
Michael
>
> set list
> Orchestral Introduction
> Close to the Edge
> Long Distance Runaround
> Don't Go
> In The Presence Of
> Gates of Delirium
> Corkscrew
> Mood For a Day
> Wonderous Stories
> Perpetual Change
> (happy birthday)
> And You And I
> Ritual
> I've Seen All Good People
>
> Starship Trooper
> Roundabout
