JON ANDERSON & THE BAND GEEKS: LIVE - PERPETUAL CHANGE

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks "Live ? Perpetual Change", released 14 March 2025 I've pent some time with this album. Here is my review and song by song grade. It should be noted that YES are my favorite band, going on well over four decades. I have seen them 20 times in various incarnations. At this point I would classify myself as an unharsh YES snob. So, keep that in mind. Also, I enjoy all eras and factions of YES, both past and present. Some eras and lineups I enjoy more than others, but the more the merrier as far as I am concerned.

First, this live album is excellent. Doubtful a YES fan wouldn't find much to enjoy. This is a GREAT band that Anderson has surrounded himself around. World class.

Second, a criticism of Jon. The material on this album comprises only YES songs, and from the years 1971 through 1977, with nothing before or after. I know this is what most consider the crème de la crème of the band's output, and it is my favorite era for them as well, but there are decades of amazing music from both YES and Jon outside of YES. So, being in a position to dictate mostly what is played, why is he so restrictive on what gets performed? Why ignore so many gems from over the years? The criticisms of the Steve Howe led YES are understood by me, but one thing you cannot peg on Steve is a myopic approach to setlists. He has dug deep into the Peter Banks era, given a few nods to the Trevor Rabin era, and does not ignore the 90s and early 2000s era of YES when putting shows together. With his YES you know there will be fun surprises in their concerts. I hope Jon maybe digs a little deeper if he continues to tour with the Band Geeks for a while.

Third, some praise for Jon. Dude sounds amazing. I couldn't believe the power he is getting at his age. His timbre has changed over the years, but this was amongst the best he has ever sound in parts.

Ok, now the songs. 1) Yours Is No Disgrace: A+ 2) Perpetual Change: B-; one of my favorite songs, and this was enjoyable; but, the middle instrumental syncopated section didn't really flow well. It sounded more like a woodshed where the band was still trying to get their timing right. They finish it off in great form, though. 3) Close To The Edge: A+; this fired on all cylinders. Really great live version. 4) Heart Of The Sunrise: a surprising A+ from me. I'll explain ? initially I decided I would not give this greater than an A- simply because of so many special Chris Squire performances being etched into my memory, and this would not be Chris. But, it sounded like bass player Richie Castellano was possessed by Chris on this song with Chris then telling him to take that spirit and make it his own. And that he did. Wow. 5) Starship Trooper: B+; a fine performance, but nothing special. Not the same energy as the others. Would rather they played something obscure, like "The Prophet" or "Magnification". The keyboard solo on "Wurm" is awesome, though. 6) Awaken: A; Admittedly, I am not real big on live versions of "Awaken". I enjoy watching the band play it live more than listening to live versions. The studio version just has some magic to it and is so perfectly performed and produced. Nonetheless, these guys really nailed it, and most importantly they did not ritard the climax after the "Masters" section. YES always made the mistake of slowing that part down before coming in big, but that only lessen its impact. It works so well in the studio version because it's played in time. The Band Geeks played it in time. Bravo, and thank you. 7) And You And I: A-; seems maybe the mix was off a tad. Not sure. 8 ) I've Seen All Good People: A- 9) The Gates Of Delirium: A-; Why were the keyboards so low in the mix in parts? Anyway, my only beef with this is what Jon has been doing since the year 2000 ? he sings the "Choose and renounce.." and "Words cause our banner.." lines too high instead of following his original melody. As a singer myself I get it ? it feels good to blast something out a bit differently; but, one must always remember the most important melodic juxtapositions and follow them, and he doesn't here, which dampens the mood. So, this was riding on a B+ until "Soon", which is probably the best version of that section I have heard since the Detroit 1976 Cobo Hall performance on 'YesShows'. It is truly immaculate. Got chills at the end. 10) Roundabout: yeah, whatever+

Aside from some mixing issues here and there this is a solidly produced album. Highly recommend!

P.S. Fourth, I haven't watched the DVD yet.

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