Yes/CA, USA 2004 & more

A valuable acoustic album is now available. Speaking of YES’ unplugged, the official video “GUARANTEED NO HISS” comes to mind, but this work contains two completely different live performances. It is a two-disc set with the stereo soundboard recording of “January 27, 2004 Los Angeles” on disk 1, and the next day’s superb audience recording of “January 28, Sherman Oaks” on disk 2. Huh? Did you tour acoustically? Some people may think… In order to explain the circumstances around that, let’s look back at the schedule at that time and check the show’s position. “YES ACOUSTIC”・January 26: Hollywood *Official “GUARANTEED NO HISS”・January 27: Los Angeles [Disc 1 of this work]・January 28: Sherman Oaks [Disc 2 of this work] “35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR”・April 15th – May 15th: North America #3 (18 performances) ・June 2nd – July 12th: Europe #2 (23 performances) ・August 17th – September 22nd: North America #4 (23 performances) [John & Rick Leave] This is YES’s 2004. John Anderson and Rick Wakeman will leave at the end of the 35th anniversary tour, but the unplugged show is just before that. It was a special show held to commemorate the North American release of “THE ULTIMATE YES: 35TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION”. Eventually, the Hollywood performance became “GUARANTEED NO HISS”, but it actually happened the next day and the day after that. Since it was not a tour, the existence of this performance was largely unknown. Now, let’s introduce each one individually. [Disc 1: January 27th FM Soundboard in Los Angeles] The first thing that appears is the soundboard album in LA. This day was also the release date of “THE ULTIMATE YES”, and an in-station session was held at local radio station KLOS in LA. It is an FM recording at that time. Its quality is the finest sound board with a radio-like quality. The mix and stereo feel are perfect. Although it is more vivid than the official work “GUARANTEED NO HISS”, the quality itself is not as good. It is truly an official quality item. The show drawn with such a sound is similar to “GUARANTEED NO HISS” but different. Although there are no new songs added only a few times, the atmosphere is quite different. The official venue had an elegant venue atmosphere and humorous performances, creating a stylish space, but this one was even more frank. The key to this is the time between songs. A talk part with the program DJ is inserted, and they have fun talking. There, the members and DJ chatted and the audience burst into laughter. John is also talking in mockery, but DJ further teases Steve Howe, and Rick comments on it with a comical phrase. And the atmosphere is perfect for Unplugged. The humor was felt in “GUARANTEED NO HISS,” but in this work it is even more vivid. The atmosphere is casual, like a friend’s wedding or a home party. As you immerse your entire body in the atmosphere, the beautiful melody that rises up in your chest touches your heart… It’s a live album that is warm and filled with a sense of happiness. [Disc 2: January 28th Sherman Oaks in-store event] Next is the Sherman Oaks audience recording. This day was even more special as it was an in-store event at the local Tower Records. The sound that recorded such a show is also super superb! Although there is certainly an airy feel to the tone, it is also clear and transparent, and even the delicate acoustic phrases can be clearly heard down to the last detail. What is especially surprising is Chris Squire’s bass. In fact, in the case of rock bands, even if it’s an acoustic show, only the bass is often electric, but Chris’s bass was also unplugged. Despite this, it makes a strong attack sound, and it is recorded in an unusually realistic manner. Its strength and luster exceed even the official “GUARANTEED NO HISS” and Disc 1, which were genuine soundboards. Not only does it feel uncomfortable even if you listen to it continuously, but the sound quality is even higher than that. The mood portrayed by that sound is once again different from the previous two. The key to this is the feeling of breathing with the audience. Although the previous two performances were relaxing, the audience seemed to be careful not to disturb the performance, perhaps because of professional shots and radio recording. On the other hand, on this day, the cheers and whistles were carried out freely. In other words, it has the atmosphere of a normal rock concert. Unlike Disc 1, where there are well-behaved officials and actual talks, the audience is mesmerized by the beautiful acoustic arrangement, which is close to that of a normal stage. Although it is an in-store event, it is also the most concert-like live album. Together with the official “GUARANTEED NO HISS”, this is the one that completes the “Unplugged Trilogy”. An FM soundboard with a relaxed atmosphere typical of a radio program, and an audience recording of an in-store event with a concert feel. Although the expression is completely different from the official pro shot, both are superb sounds and are a two-disc set that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the precious acoustic YES. KLOS FM95.5 Studios, Los Angeles, CA, USA 27th January 2004 STEREO SBD Tower Records, Sherman Oaks, CA, USA 28th January 2004 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Disc 1(53:49) Live at KLOS FM95.5 Studios, Los Angeles, CA, USA 27th January 2004 1. Suzanne Ansilio Intro 2. Jim Ladd Intro 3. Soundcheck/South Side of the Sky 4. Talk 1 5. Long Distance Runaround 6. Talk 2 7. Time Is Time 8. Talk 3 9. Intersection Blues 10. Talk 4 11. Show Me 12. Talk 5 13. I’ve Seen All Good People 14. Talk 6 15. Roundabout STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING Disc 2(35:35) Live at Tower Records, Sherman Oaks, CA, USA 28th January 2004 1. Introduction 2. Long Distance Runaround 3. South Side of the Sky 4. Time Is Time 5. Roundabout 6. Show Me 7. Intersection Blues 8. I’ve Seen All Good People Jon Anderson: vocals, guitar, percussion Steve Howe: guitar, vocals Rick Wakeman: piano Chris Squire: bass, vocals Alan White: drums