ARW Jon Anderson,Trevor Rabin,Rick Wakeman/Netherlands 2017

It’s only a few days until their Japan tour! A live album perfect for this “now” has arrived. This work contains the “March 28, 2017 Utrecht performance (Netherlands)” just before their visit to Japan. The other day, we reported on “HAMMERSMITH 2017” from their European tour prior to Japan, but this work is even more imminent. First, let’s take a look at their activities in full. ・October 4-December 4, 2016: North America (36 performances) {3 months later} ・March 7, 2017: Israel ・March 12-25, 2017: UK (10 performances) ・March 12, 2017: Belgium ・March 28, 2017: Netherlands [This work] {3 weeks later} ・April 17-24, 2017: Japan (6 performances) In this way, the European tour before Japan was “10 UK performances + 1 Belgium + 1 Netherlands”. In other words, at this point in time, there have been no live performances since the Utrecht performance of this work, and it is truly “the previous album in Japan”. The quality of this work is also excellent. It is the same audience recording that appears on the Internet, but this work is much clearer and clearer than that. After all, since it has just appeared, I don’t know why there is a difference in the same recording, but it is different in reality. And the sound of this work, which is more vivid than the online sound source, is truly beautiful. The chorus that pours down unique to the audience recording, the solemn mood like a church, and the “core” and “edge” that reach straight through the venue acoustics are also sharp. On top of that, even the thick mid-low range is robust. Rabin’s dancing guitar and Rick’s keyboard shine brightly, while the rhythm section roars solidly. Moreover, it is not just thick, but the “ringing” is glossy and smooth. It is a wonderful sound that does not break the ensemble without any beating, even though it is enough to make the floor of the venue shake. And the show depicted by that sound is what is attracting attention. It’s roughly the same as before, but what has changed here is the composition. Until the UK tour of “HAMMERSMITH 2017”, the show was in two parts, but now it has been changed to a one-off. As a result, “The Meeting” has been dropped, but instead the mood of the venue continues until the end. The reason for the change is unknown, and it is unknown what kind of show it will be in Japan, but this is the final form at the moment. What is bigger than simply “one song less” is the performance. The live performance builds up excitement with each song, but by not stopping in the middle, not only the venue but also the performance increases. Perhaps they have become better because they have been through the experience, and there is no need for a break… It is an energetic show that even seems like that. Just the other day, they announced the name change from “ARW” to “YES featuring ARW”. They have finally declared “We are YES”. An ensemble worthy of that determination. This album is filled with fresh YES music that seems to say, “We can no longer call this a branch of the band.” The countdown is in its final stages until you meet them face to face. Enjoy their latest and most passionate performance to the fullest with this album. Live at TivoliVredenburg, Grote Zaal, Utrecht, Netherlands 28th March 2017 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Disc 1 (70:50) 1. Symphonic Music (Perpetual Change Theme) 2. Cinema 3. Perpetual Change 4. Hold On 5. I’ve Seen All Good People 6. Drum Solo 7. Lift Me Up 8. And You And I 9. Rhythm Of Love 10. Heart Of The Sunrise　 Disc 2 (67:36) 1. Changes 2. Long Distance Runaround 3. The Fish 4. Awaken 5. Make It Easy 6. Owner Of A Lonely Heart 7. Roundabout