Multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood and keyboardist Tony Kaye, two musicians associated with progressive rock band Yes performed live in Japan in 2011. The duo played songs from both artists’ careers and released them on this 3-CD set that includes two audio CDs and a DVD.
The selection includes some progressive rock-era Yes songs as well as quite a few FM-oriented AOR songs.
Billy Sherwood, Yes’ current bass player, provided drum and bass backing tracks while he concentrated on the live vocals and guitar. Sherwood is an excellent guitarist and treats the listener to a series of memorable solos. I’ve mentioned before that his vocals sound more like Peter Gabriel than Jon Anderson so the effect is really interesting. Former Yes keyboardist, Tony Kaye concentrates primarily on the electric organ sounds, so his sound is less symphonic.
The best thing about a live performance is that even the less interesting AOR songs feature great guitar solos by Sherwood. Nevertheless, the high points are the Yes songs like “Time and Word,” “Wondrous Stories” and “Roundabout.” Other highlights include the guitar instrumental “I Am Waiting” and the “Toky Kaye Solo” keyboard piece.
The DVD features the same songs as the audio albums but also includes behind-the-scenes tour video clips.
Buy Live In Japan