| Summary: | In 2004, the classic lineup of progressive rock pioneers Yes released the 75-minute documentary film Yesspeak. It was shown in cinemas via a live satellite transmission throughout the U.S. To promote the future DVD version of the film and as a bonus for cinema viewers, the band treated its fans to an exclusive "live and unplugged" half hour show in a Los Angeles studio. It's a unique and rare video of a performance of the band's six greatest hits all played on acoustic instruments--something that had never been done before. The setting is intimate (lit candles around the stage), relaxed (no big blasts like the band would do in an arena) and instrumentally dazzling, most notably with Steve Howe (on guitar, mandolin, slide guitar) and Rick Wakeman (on acoustic piano). But the spotlight is on vocalist/lyricist Jon Anderson who sets the show into motion with the upbeat tune "Long Distance Runaround," soaring with the band's biggest hit "Roundabout" (with Howe and Wakeman having a splendid guitar-piano conversation) and closing with the catchy "I've Seen All Good People." Also in the band were bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, both of whom have passed away since the show. Dan Ouellette.
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