FLY FROM HERE

10 years is a long time between releases. Their last effort,The Ladder, has become a comfortable friend of mine over the past decade, one that I visit occasionally and always find enjoyable. So, 10 years later, Yes has replaced Jon Anderson for whatever reason with Benoit David, whom I knew absolutely nothing about, brought in Geoff Downes on the boards and flash-backed to the 90125 era with Trevor Horn on vocals. Being a fan of 90125 and the original Asia album, I had hope for this new matrix. And the new Yes delivers for the most part. Benoit David has vocal qualities that are most pleasant, and while being close to Anderson's, are distinctive and unique enough to stand on their own. And with Trevor back in the lineup, the vocal harmonies are the best aspect of this release and would be 5 stars material independent of the rest of "Fly From Here". Geoff Downes brings a smoother, less in your face, keyboard presence to this, which some Yes fans may not like. But this is a more mature lineup that is not looking to make another 90125. The music is great overall, with many Yes signatures to the body of the work, but it is not as hard edged or as progressive as Fragile or anything from that Yes era. At times I can hear traces of the Yes Album in this, and also some early Asia - like influences float to the surface too. Steve Howe has some ethereal 12 string acoustic playing interjected into the 5 part "Fly From Here" suite and a stand alone piece that is like acoustic opiates to your ears. And Chris Squire contributes his usual brilliance across the album also, not only playing bass but with his smooth vocalization too. And I always welcome Alan White on Drums. A great drummer, who in this occasion, stays away from electronic drums and synth - induced percussion and just sounds solid and true. No doubt, this hybrid lineup of Yes has strong merit. And after listening to Benoit David sing , I would have no qualms about spending the money and effort to go see this lineup in concert. And it's so good to see these old stalwarts of prog re-energized and making great music again. No, this isn't Close To The Edge, part 2, and I wouldn't expect that. But as a stand alone product from the Yes kingdom it is wonderful and keeps bringing me back for more and more.