Jon Anderson @ Bears Den (inside Seneca Niagara Casino), Niagara Falls, NY
Friday, August 27, 2010
By: Thom Jennings
Jon Anderson has played with some of the best musicians in the world, including Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford just to name a few. Anderson's claim to fame is his stint as lead singer of Yes. Seeing "former lead singer of Yes" on the concert poster still seems odd, with Anderson being one of the few constants in Yes, appearing on all of their studio albums except for "Drama."
Yes is known as one of the pioneers of progressive rock, a genre known for its complex songs that are heavy on instrumentation and often longer than the typical pop song. For his performance at the Bear's Den, Anderson was truly a solo act, only accompanied by acoustic instruments, including a mountain dulcimer and a ukulele.
There are so many versions of classic Yes songs by nearly every incarnation of the band; one may wonder if Jon Anderson could breathe new life into these classic songs. While he may not have the instrumental chops of his former band mates, Anderson does have an almost angelic way about him that can make even the simplest arrangements sound beautiful.
That is largely due to his remarkable voice, which was in perfect form at the Bear's Den. It was also the perfect venue for the show, which was truly an intimate evening of music with a bona fide rock legend. So intimate that at one point, Jon's wife, who was sitting in the front row, called him over to her to whisper in his ear that he needed more reverb.
Jon also proved to be both witty and philosophical, sharing stories about his recent illness and his family. Before a catchy solo number entitled, "Tony and Me," Anderson noted that that he looked up to his older brother and then chuckled and said, "because he is taller." Anderson even told a funny joke about a Grey Goose walking into a bar.
The stripped down versions of Yes classics were nice, but Anderson really shined on the deep cuts from Jon and Vangelis and his solo material. The piano medley alone was worth the price of admission.
For the encore, Jon played "Roundabout" and "Soon," two Yes classics that received thunderous applause and a long-standing ovation. Thankfully, even though this was an acoustic show there were few people screaming aloud when Jon was talking between songs.
Overall it was a fantastic and relaxing evening of great music. If Jon is playing a solo show near you I would highly recommend that you don't miss it.
Set List:
Yours Is No Disgrace
Long Distance Runaround
Sweet Dreams
Time And A Word
Under Heaven's Door (Never Ever)
I'll Find My Way Home
Starship Trooper
Unbroken Spirit
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Piano Medley: Set Sail/Close To The Edge/Who Could Imagine/Marry Me Again/Revealing Science Of God,
The Light Of Love
And You And I
Music is God,
Count Your Blessings
Tony And Me
Your Move,
The Ritual
State Of Independence
Encores:
Roundabout
Soon
Photos by J. Ritz
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing Backstageaxxess to review the show.
