Yes/LA, USA 1974

Patrick Moraz’s era is too special even in the turbulent history of YES. A new masterpiece live album that conveys the scene is now available. This work includes “December 1, 1974 Baton Rouge Performance”. This is the best audience recording. During the Moraz era, there were two tours: “RELAYER TOUR” and “SOLO ALBUM TOUR”, but this work is “RELAYER TOUR”. First, let’s look back at the panoramic view and check the show’s position. ●1974《August: Patrick Moraz joins》・November 8th-25th: North America #1a (13 performances)《“Relayer” released in the UK on November 28th》・November 28th-December 4th: North America #1b (6 performances) ←★Coco★ [“Relayer” released in the US on December 5th]・December 5th-17th: North America #1c (12 performances)●1975・April 15th-May 17th Sunday: UK (24 performances) ← *Official video ・June 17th – July 25th: North America #2 (32 performances) ・August 23rd: Appearance at Reading Festival This is a panoramic view of the activities accompanying the shocking masterpiece “Relayer”. The tour was limited to North America and the UK, with 1974 being North American only. Around the time of the 1975 “British” leg, each member began making solo albums. This work is the beginning of such a tour. This was the third concert of “North America #1b”, which was just before the release of “Relayer” by Hokuei. It was a show at a time when the new YES had not yet been heard on a studio album, but this work, which was vacuum-packed from such a scene, is a truly exquisite audience recording. As a matter of fact, recording of this show has been known for a long time, but this work is different from that. It was discovered in recent years and is said to have been digitized from the master cassette. In fact, its core is strong and truly fresh. There is no deterioration caused by analog dubbing such as tape distortion or crushed details, and the lively performance and singing voice come close to you without any sense of distance. Even more amazing is the sound. Although there is a very slight hiss, the sound of the hall is so faint that you only notice it when you listen carefully with headphones, and it does not hide the details. However, unlike the fact that there is no sound at all, the very slight ringing perfectly accentuates the majesty of the chorus work and keyboard. The combination of direct feeling and beauty is even like a small FM sound board. Speaking of the audience recordings of this tour, the Bristol performance, Hollywood performance, Long Beach performance, etc. are typical, but this work is a new masterpiece that will be added to that line. Such a sound depicts the great performance of the Moraz era, which depicts the extremes of symphonic rock while also absorbing the flavor of jazz rock. The set was a standard one from the early days of the tour, consisting of all songs from “Relayer” + 2 songs from “Kisai” + “Ritual” and “Roundabout.” What’s most amazing is the energy that comes with the new ensemble. The live performance of “Relayer” is amazing, but even more so is the past repertoire. Although Moraz follows the key phrases, he doesn’t seem to aim to be a complete copy of Rick, but instead inserts unique phrases here and there. The other members also react violently to that phrase, and even John’s vocals exude an aggression that is close to screaming. The great songs, which are more sharp than brilliant, are reborn in the style of “Relayer”. The ensemble has been familiar with various live albums, but this work is intense because it is the beginning of the tour. Since this was the 16th performance since the start of the tour, they were able to completely get a feel for each other’s breathing, and were neither used to it nor tired. The fresh momentum makes the phrases even sharper, and irresistibly stirs up the flavor of “RELAYER TOUR”, which is known for its aggression. Patrick Moraz is the only man who succeeded the two greats, Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman. He reached his peak and repainted the YES number, which was the incarnation of symphonic rock. This is a live album where you can experience the full show 100% with the best sound. Live at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA 1st December 1974 TRULY AMAZING/PERFECT SOUND(UPGRADE) Disc 1(74:10) 1. Firebird Suite 2. Sound Chaser 3. Close To The Edge 4. To Be Over 5 . The Gates Of Delirium 6. And You And I Disc 2(33:35) 1. Ritual 2. Roundabout Jon Anderson – Vocals Steve Howe – Guitars Chris Squire – Bass Patrick Moraz – Keyboards Alan White – Drums