Yesterdays – “A Moonlit Night in Budapest”

Less than a year after the release of their highly acclaimed concept album, Saint-Exupéry’s Dream, (which was a very engaging album); from this Hungarian progressive rock band. They have returned with a wonderful live album, full of surprises. Yesterdays asks: “Who wouldn’t like a splendid, A Moonlit Night in Budapest?” The album will be released on September 22.

According to their press release, “The recording dates back to 2007 during their Holdfénykert tour in Budapest, where they had the honor of featuring former Yes guitarist Peter Banks along with his Harmony in Diversity trio. It was a chilly February evening in Budapest, along the Danube River, aboard a vessel named A38—Budapest’s most prominent concert venue. Three bands graced the stage for the MiniProg Festival: Yesterdays, Flamborough Head, and Harmony in Diversity”. Their public relations letter states, “Yesterdays was in exceptional form that night, even surprising Pete with a rendition of a Yes classic (“Time and a Word”). Right after the performance, Pete immediately joined them on stage, took hold of a microphone, and lauded the band. (You can listen to his speech at the conclusion of the epic track “Seven.”) This encounter led to three memorable days in the heart of Hungary’s capital, forging enduring and invaluable memories”.

Yesterdays, the band is made up of Bogáti-Bokor Ákos on guitars, piano, backing vocals, and MouthMoog (TM); Enyedi Zsolt plays keyboards; Fazakas Emese plays flute, and sings backing vocals; Fülöp-Gergely Tímea sings backing vocals and plays piano; Kósa Dávid plays percussion and sings backing vocals; Molnár Kinga is the lead vocalist; Oláh József plays drums; and Vitályos Lehel plays bass guitar.

This is a wonderful album, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver a live set of music. All the tracks on the album are dynamic and full of multiple instruments and powerful vocals from Molnár Kinga. Most of the music is sung in Hungarian, so a translation is necessary if you are going to follow along closely with the storylines. But the music can be appreciated, even if you are not fluent in Hungarian.

The addition of Peter Banks, former lead guitarists for Yes, before Chris Squire took over, was a brilliant surprise and gift. Peter, continues to create music as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Having his short speech at the end of the show was a welcomed and appreciated extra. A Blu-ray or DVD would only help to bring this live set of music to life, more fully.

The highlights for me to this powerful live performance, were “So Divine”, “Willow”, “Memories of Light”, and of course the over 12-minute closer, “Seven Cut”, with the Peter Banks speech closing the album.

Please pick up this album for some wonderful Yes-based progressive rocks sounds which will delight and entertain you and maybe interest you in spending your own moonlit night in Budapest; a beautiful city full of a rich and grand history.

Track List:

Napfenykert – 2:28
Varj Meg – 5:53
So Divine – 5:59
Vegtelen – 4:34
Ne Felj – 8:38
Willow – 4:10
Memories of Light – 3:11
Hol Vagy – 8:44
Valahol A Térben – 6:45
Seven Cut – 12:14

All tracks produced and mixed by Bogáti-Bokor Ákos. All tracks mastered by Nyíri Sándor @ Tom Stúdió Budapest. Recorded on 25th February 2007 in Budapest, Hungary.

Website and Social Media:

http://www.yesterdaysband.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/yesterdaysband/

https://yesterdaysband.bandcamp.com/album/live-album-a-moonlit-night-in-budapest-2023