It's been two years since Chris Squire's last concert in Japan. Finally, YES has returned to Japan. Here is the latest live set. YES is currently in the middle of their latest Japan tour. By the time this article is published, the final performance will likely not have ended yet. This work, which will be the earliest release, was recorded on November 21st and 22nd, 2016 at Orchard Hall. First, let's take a look back at the overall picture of the Japan tour. ・November 21st: Orchard Hall [Discs 1 and 2 of this work] ・November 22nd: Orchard Hall [Discs 3 and 4 of this work] ・November 24th: Osaka Orix Theater ・November 25th: Zepp Nagoya ・November 28th: Orchard Hall ・November 29th: Orchard Hall In this way, the first Japan tour in two years will consist of six performances. The tour will be held in Tokyo for two days, followed by Osaka and Nagoya, and then Tokyo for two days. Of these, this work is a four-disc set containing the first two days in Tokyo on two discs each. Of course, even though it is the fastest, there is no neglect in quality. Currently, recordings of each day are being reported one after another, and each one is being examined in detail. For this reason, it cannot be said that it is "Tour No. 1", but it is definitely a top-class high-quality recording. In fact, what flows from this work is a beautiful clear sound. In fact, the recordist who worked on this work is a master who usually makes press CDs, and this time is also worthy of that reputation. However, in order to get the fastest first report, it was offered on CDR. In particular, discs 1 and 2, which contain the first day "November 21st", are vivid enough to wake you up. Although the drum sound has a sense of perspective to call it "like a sound board", the other instruments are intensely direct. The complex and delicate ensemble is recorded so clearly that it even feels like a "gap", and the pieces of the beautiful melody shine brilliantly. And the acoustics of the venue that slightly overlap there are also beautiful. I have always said that "YES music suits the audience," and this conviction is only getting stronger. The gentle melodies are warm, the colorful tones are lustrous, and the pouring chorus and organ are majestic. Moreover, since the owner of the acoustics is YES and the famous venue "Orchard Hall," you can imagine how beautiful it is. In contrast to the shining first day, discs 3 and 4, which contain the second day "November 21st," are great recordings that seem to melt with their rich "sound." The bass range is particularly rich. The drums are also much more forward than discs 1 and 2, but the best thing about them is the gritty bass sound. It is so detailed that you can hear every single sound, and you can even feel the vibrations that shake the walls and floor of the venue. Of course, even with that low bass, it doesn't buzz at all, and the mid-to-high range that reaches through the richness is also impeccable. It's a heavy feeling that is worthy of being called a rich sound. The latest YES is drawn with such a sound. It has already been highly praised in various places as "the best in the last five years", and the reviews are understandable. There are two main reasons for this: the set list and the performance. First, the set list is that this show is composed of two parts, and parts 1 and 2 can be further divided into two. To summarize... Part 1a: "Drama" part 3 songs Part 1b: "Yes Songs" part 4 songs Part 2a: "Tales of Topographic Oceans" part 2 songs + α Part 2b: 2 encore classics ... and so on. In overseas performances, "Drama" was completely reproduced, but in Japan it was limited to three songs, and the "Yes Songs" part was set up (a request from the inviting company?). The attention was still on the "Topographic Oceans" part, which was also a highlight of the overseas performances. The two big songs, "Divine Revelation" and "Ritual", are played in full, and the interval is connected by "Leaves Of Green" from "Ancient Civilizations", and this part alone lasts about an hour. The two big songs have been played many times in the career so far, so they are not particularly rare, but this is the first time that these big songs will be played in Japan. You can enjoy the "long-awaited hour" to the fullest. The second is the performance. Chris Squire passed away after the last performance in Japan two years ago, and this was the first time that "YES" came to Japan without Chris. However, Billy Squire, who joined as his successor, was very well received. As a former member, he knows every corner of the songs and ensembles, and has more than enough respect for Chris. It is as if Chris has taken over, and while respecting the original, he has a sense of adding unique nuances to the spice. He also plays a big role in the chorus. Combined with John Davison, whose "Andersonization" deepens every time he comes to Japan, Billy plays as if to prove that he is the "world's best fit." Another key man is Jay Schellen, who is a substitute for Alan White. He is a talented musician with a history of former HURRICANE, BADFINGER, ASIA, GPS, etc., and served as a substitute for Alan on the North American tour while he was resting for surgery. His sure and tight rhythm work is exquisite, and is the key to the fulfillment of this work. Billy & Jay's crisp rhythm makes the complex development more vivid than usual. This time, the great Steve Howe's good performance is also very popular, but I think that is also because the ironclad rhythm section is supporting him firmly. The percussion part of "Ritual" is handed over from Jay to Alan. Alan was absent from all the North American tours, but disc 3 of this work is his return premiere. He sits on a stool, receiving cheers from the fans who understood the situation, and launches into that percussion part. To be honest, he still doesn't seem to be in top form, but I'm glad that this part is Alan. He also plays the drums in the encore that followed. Anyway, this is the fastest first report. Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo, Japan 21st & 22nd November 2016 PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Live at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo, Japan 21st November 2016 Disc 1(65:59) 1. Onward (Chris Squire tribute) 2. The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra 3. Machine Messiah c4. White Car 5. Tempus Fugit 6. Steve Howe Introduction 7. 've Seen All Good People 8. Perpetual Change 9. And You and I 10. Heart of the Sunrise Disc 2 (77:19) 1. The Revealing Science of God 2. Leaves of Green 3. Ritual 4. Member Introduction 5. Roundabout 6. Starship Trooper Live at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo, Japan 22nd November 2016 Disc 3 (66:18) 1. Onward (Chris Squire tribute) 2. The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra 3. Machine Messiah 4. White Car 5. Tempus Fugit 6. I've Seen All Good People 7. Steve Howe Introduction 8. Perpetual Change 9. And You and I 10. Heart of the Sunrise Disc 4 (78:11) 1. The Revealing Science of God 2. Leaves of Green 3. Ritual 4. Member Roundabout Introduction 5. 6. Starship Trooper Steve Howe - guitar, vocals Geoff Downes - keyboards, vocals Alan White - drums Jon Davison - vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion Billy Sherwood - bass, vocals Jay Schellen – drums
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