Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe – An Evening of Yes Music Plus (Esoteric, 2025)
Fragile Records, in collaboration with Esoteric Recordings is releasing a 4-disc clamshell boxed set of An Evening of Yes Music Plus, a definitive live recording by Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe (ABWH). This collection features remastered audio and video, supplemented by bonus content.
At the tail end of the 1980s, progressive rock fans were treated to a momentous reunion: Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe, legendary former members of Yes, joined forces for a studio album and world tour under the moniker Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. Their self-titled album, released on Arista Records in 1989, became a global success. While it lacked the boldly inventive charm of early Yes albums, it successfully introduced the band’s sound to a new generation.
The subsequent world tour captured the band’s energy and their ability to weave together classic Yes material with newer material. A prominent performance from this tour, recorded at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, served as the basis for the original An Evening of Yes Music Plus CD and video release in 1993. Now, decades later, this comprehensive box set revisits that iconic evening with remastered clarity and expanded offerings.
The 2-CD remastered live recording includes a rich mix of progressive rock classics and reinterpretations of ABWH material. From the opening moments, where acoustic renditions and medleys set an intimate tone, to the full-band epics, the set list encapsulates the best of Yes’s admirable catalog.
Rick Wakeman’s solo keyboard medley on Disc 1 is a particular highlight, intertwining pieces from his celebrated solo albums, including “Gone But Not Forgotten” (The Cost of Living), “Catherine Parr” (The Six Wives of Henry VIII), and “Merlin the Magician” (The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table). Wakeman’s virtuosity shines, reminding listeners of his role as a cornerstone of the early progressive rock scene.
Bill Bruford, too, commands attention, especially during “Long Distance Runaround,” where his masterful percussion takes center stage. While his use of electronic drum pads might polarize purists, his skill remains undeniable.
Disc 2 opens with an exhilarating rendition of “Close to the Edge“, a masterpiece that highlights each musician’s talents, with Wakeman’s organ work standing out as particularly mesmerizing. This is followed by “Heart of the Sunrise,” a fan-favorite epic originally driven by Chris Squire’s iconic bass lines. Although Squire was absent from this tour, bassist Jeff Berlin delivered an impeccable performance that paid homage to the original while adding his unique touch.
The closing tracks on Disc 2, “Roundabout” and “Starship Trooper” offer a satisfying conclusion to the concert.
This newly remastered edition includes two DVDs: one featuring the full concert video in region-free format and another titled In the Big Dream, which contains promotional videos and interviews.
Musicians: Jon Anderson on lead vocals; Bill Bruford on drums, percussion; Rick Wakeman on keyboards; Steve Howe on guitar, backing vocals; Jeff Berlin on bass; Julian Colbeck on additional keyboards, backing vocals; and Milton McDonald on rhythm guitar, backing vocals.