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Subject:

affirmative feelings

Author:
John

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Date Posted: 02:20:46 08/23/02 Fri
In reply to: Jeff 's message, "Re: YES, absolutely" on 08:16:46 08/22/02 Thu

How did I feel during the concert? Mainly frustrated during the first third of the show as the dreggs of humanity kept talking over the music and standing up in front of me to purchase more beer from the roving vendors. When we finally found a relatively reasonable refuge I was able to get into the music more.

I really can't stress enough how terribly distracting the audience was during the entire show. I've never experienced something like that before. It was disturbing. I believe that given the chance to just focus on the music and the performance I would have ridden an emotional rollercoaster as the old familiar favorite songs flowed on. As it turned out, I was wrenched from my appreciation every 5 or 6 seconds by the rabble around me.

I can't say the music soothed me. The concert was loud, as most are and in the outdoor Desert Sky/Cricket Pavilion there really aren't any proper acoustics. They just set up walls of amps and flood the audience with sound. That strips a lot of the subtlety from the music.

Of course, songs like Heart of the Sunrise and Awaken still move me deeply. Much of their music works so powerfully on a deep emotional level. You know that. Jeff, have you ever seen YES live???

I was also grateful that they didn't just recreate the old recordings. They improvised a bit and expanded on some songs. That made the performance special for me. That kind of touch makes the concert experience a personal event.

I've been thinking a lot about how were're getting older. Seeing these guys gave me mixed feelings on the subject. Steve looked like an old balding professor. Chris is heavy and his face is deeply lined, but at the end of the show he brought out his little boy for the final bow. Jon looks the best, but he dyes his hair blonde and his voice doesn't have the same strength it once did. He had some trouble hitting a few notes. Rick is holding up well, but still insists on wearing the long coat, even at an outdoor concert in Phoenix in August! :-0 Alan looks old, but is still an awesome drummer. Here were a bunch of old men. You could see it for yourself. But here were a group of artists who could still make magic. They were still vital, despite the years of erosion. That was a positive thing. I had to think of the years slipping by us, but these guys still inspired me in the face of it all.

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Re: affirmative feelings

Author:
Jeff
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Date Posted: 10:17:44 08/23/02 Fri

Now THAT was some fine sharing, Thanks John. I can imagine all those men were full of MAGICIAN energy, weaving music around them for all to see. Just like Gandalf or Merlin or others, age brings on wisdom and knowledge and that can manifest into confidence and courage. Like all good magicians, there comes a time to step away from being the apprentice and start weaving your own magic.
Go out there and make things happen! Weave your own magic for all to see. Effect lives, change perspectives!
Yes, John I have seen YES live. I went with Dave one time. We shared an awesome joint and got there and had a great time!
I have also seen Jon Anderson back in 81 when he toured alone with the release of his ANIMATION album.
THAT WAS GREAT!
I really enjoy their LADDER album...I wasn't too please with TALK, but LADDER brought back the old magic along with some new energy with the two new members.