The Word Is Live

Performer: Yes
Producer: Yes (Compilation); Steve Woolard (Compilation); David McLees (Compilation)
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Includes previously unreleased tracks. Yes: Jon Anderson (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, percussion); Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin (vocals, guitar); Chris Squire (vocals, bass instrument); Trevor Horn (vocals); Peter Banks (guitar); Geoffrey Downes, Patrick Moraz, Rick Wakeman, Tony Kaye (keyboards); Alan White , Bill Bruford (drums). A three-disc collection of Yes concert performances dating from the early 1970s to the late '80s, THE WORD IS LIVE presents the pioneering British prog-rock group in its various incarnations. The first disc features live tracks from '70 and '71, when organist Tony Kaye's distinctive Hammond lines figured strongly into the band's performances, which here include a jam-heavy take on "America" that precedes its studio version. The second and third discs are filled with concert appearances that have Kaye's replacements, either keyboardist Rick Wakeman or Patrick Moraz, surging through classics such as "Sweet Dreams" and "Roundabout." The set goes on to include Kaye's return to the fold, most notably on the high-energy medley of "Make It Easy" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart." While hardcore, bootleg-seeking Yes fans have undoubtedly heard some of these recordings before, THE WORD IS LIVE performs a great service by compiling these era-spanning tracks, making the set essential for any enthusiast.

Mojo (Publisher) (p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[A] record of a trend-defying band's progress from prog-rock pioneers to US arena rockers..."

The longest-running prog-rock group in the business, Yes flew on the strength of Jon Anderson's high, angelic voice and the group's instrumental virtuosity. The band began in England, rising from the ashes of pop-psych outfits like Tomorrow, Bodast, and Mabel Greer's Toyshop. Extending the technical facility of psychedelia and downplaying the trippiness, it helped forge the template for progressive rock and reigned as its most popular practitioners in the '70s. Over the years, Yes has weathered personnel changes, lawsuits, and changing public tastes while holding on to its original vision.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25