Going to see them with Jon Anderson June 13th, 2024 in Chicago! Going to be awesome. I think this band should keep the torch burning when all of our musical heroes in 'Yes' can't play anymore. Don't let Yes' awesome (live) music die. Keep it alive for other generations.
In a technical sense, I would agree that it was all downhill after Close to the Edge. But when "downhill" means making albums like Topographic Oceans, Relayer, and Going for the One, maybe it was worth sticking around. 🙂 But I'm glad Bill left when he did; otherwise we wouldn't have had him playing on those classic King Crimson albums.
The level of musicianship in this band is staggering. To successfully cover one of the most difficult progressive rock albums of all time with virtually no mistakes, is just mind-boggling. And Ann Marie's voice is incredible. You guys should take this on the road!
She doesn't sound quite as much like a little girl as Jon Anderson does... but she's close! [said with DECADES of LOVE & ADMIRATION for Jon & Yesssss!!!]
This is like a history lesson. It can be argued that the Close to the Edge album is one of the top progressive rock albums of all time. I have listened to it hundreds of times. Somehow, in this intimate setting, you have recreated history for us Yes fans, and as I wipe my eyes, I can just type thank you. I have watched a number of covers of these songs/this album over the years and stumbled into you guys a few days ago, and I am just stunned.
Sorry, I don't think there is any argument here! 😀 Fabulous original work of art and a perfect recreation here. Squire is my favorite bass player of all time and Richie's playing and tone is blowing me away, as are all the other performances here.
The legend started here with Band Geeks. I remember watching this video 2 years ago, and I thought, it would be great to have Jon Anderson. And now that's it. And they tour together. It's amazing
Had me in tears. Beautiful music, wonderfully played. I’d forgotten how emotional this album is, especially when played so well. And the vocals, my god, sublime. Need a lay down down!!
Your lead singer doesn’t just nail Jon Anderson’s melodies & delivery, her voice has a really cool style all its own. I can’t remember ever thinking that about a vocalist in a cover band before. I hope she’s writing & working on original material, she’s awesome. 👍
@@anacchio I will give at an ear, probably the one that belongs to Jeffrey English. I heard The Band Geeks are going on tour with Jon Anderson, that needs to include you of course.
She used her own voice and did not try to mimic Jon's voice, which would have been impossible. What came through was love and authenticity. Impossible not to cry listening to her.
Yes, I loved that. And the tea! But notice how drummer Andy, a fine keyboard player himself, is watching what Chris is doing during the pipe organ part and the synth fanfare that follows and smiling.
Not only this but I don't think I've ever heard Yes even come Close to replicating the studio versions live. (Not that they would want to, but some of the live versions are actually pretty bad tbh)
I saw them in 1977, they still were at their peak and able to play live with awesome energy and musicianship, even such complex pieces as CTTE. Anyway, really beautiful and respectful work by the band Geeks.
To quote me: "Band Geeks are to Yes, as Brit Floyd & The Australian Pink Floyd are to You-Know-Who." The first time I tuned in to this, I thought, "Uh-huh...another Yes tribute band." 😂 18 minutes later, I was picking my lower jaw up off the floor. How fortuitous, for all of us, that this group of SUPREMELY-gifted musicians managed to find each other. I then rushed to pull up all their other Yes covers, and at the end of that journey, I felt like I'd been to Heaven & back. My Favorite Band Of All Time, FINALLY, in this age of Tribute Bands, being given the gift of ultimate coverage...in a way no other band has EVER DONE. My next thought was, "Holy God in Heaven...would it not be the Ultimate Cool if Jon were to hear these demigods, be as blown away by them as we have...and maybe give them a call about taking them out on tour with him???" Imagine my surprise... Jon said--he actually said!-"we'll try this for a few weeks & see how it goes." I think he was keeping his excitement in check by not mentioning how this tour is sure to go over like GANGBUSTERS...how there will be standing ovations all through the performances...how all of us Boomers who SCREAMED for Yes in the 70s will be doing that all over again at these shows!!! Yeah, Jon.....PLAN on this going on for more than "a few weeks." If my instincts serve me correctly, you guys are about to find out that your respective ships have come in..... BIG time. I cannot miss this tour.
I watched Band Geeks with Jon Anderson back to back with the latest current Yes live offering…. And Band Geeks ruled supreme! The Yes lineup falls flat compared to these guys…particularly Billy Sherwoods tone and delivery… despite his technical ability, he sounds far too mundane and lacks the necessary EDGE to be an “interesting” substitute for Chris Squire And Anderson is, well….Anderson. But these band geeks…almost sounds like they know what they’re doing😮😊lol
The precision is drawn from dedication to REAL music. Symphonic just doesn't cut it, angelic comes close. My all time favorite music video! TY Genius Geeks.
I'm a tremendous Yes fan so I can be critical of other groups covering their music. But I have to say this is excellent!! I listen to the whole thing through. Great job!! 🙂
Am I the only one to have felt a slight moistness in the eyes as the first keyboard notes in And you and I played? Lovely to see you guys all together again.
Incredible - a significant achievement for any group. Note just note-perfect, but with care, sensitivity, and capturing the spirit of the original recording. You all should be proud of yourselves for this. I saw Yes with my father who passed away this past fall, and today is his birthday. Yes was his favorite band, and he shared that love with me - one of my favorite memories with him was seeing Yes perform this album back in the 90s.
Thank you, I needed this. I won't bother anyone with why, but I did. I discovered Yes, in 1974 at the age of 17. I bought Yessongs, and from the opening note, I was blown away. Those concerts opened with Excerpts from the Firebird Suite by Stranvinsky, and my love of Stravinsky started that same day. Thank you doing such an excellent cover.
Okay, let me put this in context. I spent an hour today working on learning Seasons of Man. I have most of the solo, I am workiing on the chord progressions to get to the solo. I probably have 1000 hours investeed in learning the Close to the Edge album at this point, even watching guitar videos to work on the intro to Siberean Khatru. My appreciation for what you guys have done is on another level, and watching your work makes me emotional. Thank you. I do it as a hobby, I design high speed circuits for space applications.
Holy. Cow. So much nuance on the original record, and nothing missed here. Spectacular vocals, instrument tones spot on. And Andy was able to have a cup and a bit of light reading…
Wow!!! Didn't think I'd ever hear anyone cover Yes and this album, but you guys just hit it out of the park!! Extremely talented group here! You guys are amazing! Just love it. And Ann Marie's vocals are spot on as I don't think any man could match Jon Anderson's voice. Every musician in this band should take a bow! You guys nailed this album.
Sitting here in Tokyo while this came up in my feed, listening to the waning strains of 'Siberian Khatru' and thinking damn, nearly 50 years old and thanks to The Band Geeks, still cutting edge.
Oh my goodness!!! Tears exploded from my eyes!!! What an awesome performance! oh YES!!! If there's another word for awesomeness it is BAND GEEK. Congratulations, and what an homage and honour to perform this album in such a respectful and good way... btw, you have an arsenal of instruments! haha! All my love, Andrés from Argentina.
This is truly astonishing. That you would even consider taking on one of the most complex albums in music history and pull it off so well speaks volumes. Really excellent job. I’ve heard the originals do this many times in concert, and of course have listened to the album literally countless times. This is the best cover by far.
Absolutely amazing, incredible! Sensational! Need I go on. Go on then, bloody brilliant. Wonderful musicians and a great voice, Ann Marie. Thank you, all. 🎶❤️🎶xx
I'm so glad I grew up in this era of music and got to see all the incredible bands it produced. Very difficult to appreciate any of the music being made today with of course a few great exceptions.
As thrilled as I am for them for connecting with Anderson I’d almost rather see and hear this line up……..cause Anne Marie sings like an angel and is sexy af!!!!!!
@@leftisunhinged4597 I did see a documentary on Bill Brufford, he seemed quite satisfied with his music career. He was a teacher, & was currently selling all if his drums & paraphernalia… Retired now.
@@leftisunhinged4597 It would be hard to do better than the best run of Yes albums, but King Crimson's Red and Discipline are the best by that band in my estimation. So depending on your tastes that was a step up, down, or sideways.
I'll be at the 04/29 NJ/Philly show with two high school buddies (one in Ohio, one in Malvern PA, I'm in Rochester NY)! Each of us bringing our adult sons! It's going to be awesome! ...we graduated (highschool) in 1979. Life long Yes fans! Long live Yes!
My first drummer turned me on to Yes properly, though I'd already been exposed to and familiar with a small number of their songs by then. The more we listened to, the more I became convinced that the sum total of the band is the greatest musical talent in the history of history. I rate John Entwistle the GOAT on bass guitar, but Chris Squire was perfect for Yes. They've always been all killer, no filler (but maybe came close to less grand around the 90125 and Big Generator era), and I couldn't be more pleased to have seen them in concert a few times, especially in Oakland, CA, during their Union tour 😀
That version of "And You and "I in your cool new studio just blew me away! You captured all the nuances of the original. Especially Andy's 12 string sounding hauntingly like the original album. Absolutely wonderful - original members of Yes should be delighted you are continuing their music.
One of the greatest achievements here is replicating the original sound so flawlessly. Even Yes struggled to do that. Modern tech must help, but it's still an astounding achievement.
An incredible cover of a true masterpiece. I love how the lyrics don't make literal sense, yet make perfect sense somehow. Even 50 years after first hearing it I'm still in awe of this piece. Just a miracle that even the original band could play anything so complex in real time. And this band comes extremely Close to the Edge of a perfect cover.
the lyrics are about the spiritual journey of Siddhartha Gautama. They make sense if you read about Buddhism. It's not the most exciting read but it's alright I guess.
The lyrics are to some extent based on Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi." Now, are there things in that book which don't make any sense? Absolutely! Nevertheless, like Herodotus's "history," which is also filled with main stories that defy belief (vs. Thucydides's factually-based one), Yogananda's "autobio" is fascinating if viewed through a lens of reality, fantasy and imagination.
I'm still ashamed to think that I was the first in my group of friends to buy it and ran over to our hangout house to premiere it for everyone. But about a minute into the title song everyone listening looked perplexed at how bizarre it sounded. I lifted the needle and an awkward silence followed while I put something else on. I should have just turned it over because And You and I wouldn't have freaked us out so much.
Ann Marie gives this song a new translation and simultaneously gives me fresh inspirations. This song was just born a new life after 50 years. Thank you for choosing this piece of my life beginning. Oh ohh!!!
I often wonder if the great composers, the Mozarts, the Beethovens, the Brahms thought musicians would be playing their music decades, centuries later. I heartens me to know this music lives on in the hearts and minds (and fingers for that matter) of current musicians. I saw YES play this full album and all of Tales of Topographic Oceans at the University of Florida gym while sitting on bleacher seats on February 7th 1974. You guys do it incredible justice. Bravo! SIDE NOTE: The Arya t-shirt could also mean “aria” in this case. Angelic.
Not sure that enough people...like us...can touch the numbers of fans Beethoven or Mozart have worldwide. There are lots of people who have no idea who YES is or was. Of course, their sheltered lives are not nearly as full as ours. Right?
That's great ! Grandiose! What work ! Thank you so much for your investment in this major work and for perpetuating the musical culture of the seventies.
You approach this material with a combination of reverence, skill, humor and joy, which is entirely within the spirit of the original recordings. Bravo.
Nice to watch these all again as an album. Ann Marie on the end of "Close to the Edge" -- Dayum, girl! And love the live ending to "Siberian Khatru". Smokin' job on that one!
I am a keyboard player with 50 years of experience, reasonable skills and vocals. Your ensemble of musicians are the BEST I have heard via the internet besides the original bands. I know how much work and practice it takes to produce this type of quality - especially “CLOSE TO THE EDGE” - so enjoyable and thank you for keeping classic progressive rock alive!
WOW...All I can say is WOW ! These guys nailed it. I bought this album when it first came out, and it's music is timeless. This couldn't have been easy to do. Great job !!!
Absolutely amazing! One of the greatest, if not THE greatest prog albums in history and you have done a perfect rendition of it. Perfect! I don't have words to thank you enough!
The flawless musicianship is one thing, but what makes this stand out to me was the vocals: the female vocals just makes this otherwise very high-brow music much more sensual and organic. Absolutely beautiful - thank you!
Awesome work, lady and gentlemen. Obviously you're big fans...as I am. I wish Steve and Jon A. could make up and give us an epic farewell concert tour. Never going to happen, but I can dream.
Absolutely magnificent. Faultless. This should be performed on the biggest stage in the world and broadcast to all the nations. It is a religious experience.
@@bélalugrisi I’ll tell you, if we can’t see Steve even try to get along with Jon, Rick and Trevor I prefer what Jon has done for years which is pass the music along by TEACHING younger generations master classes in Yes and THEN touring with them. What Steve is doing is just plain greedy in my eyes, that goes for the guys out with him as well. Imho, everyone should be encouraging reconciliation between Steve and the rest of the band instead of trying in vein to hack their way through the material to further their own carriers, I don’t care what Chris had to say about it…he was wrong a lot, especially in terms of how Jon was treated by the band he founded.
@@dylanturner3216 I saw Jon twice this tour out with the Paul Green Rock Academy and it was so inspiring. Jon doing what he is best at -- passing the Dreams forward! At the same time he was tuning up the spectacular instrument that is his voice. "The best is yet to come." -- Jon Anderson Best to ya!!
In high school back in the 80s, I listen to Yes non stop. Still have all the albums on vinyl. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Band Geek totally true to the music!
@@davidbbcdonnell9511 She is great, in fact, the whole band are great. But if you want to sing like Jon you have to support Accrington Stanley and have a large collection of crystals and dream catchers. It's the law.
Agreed, she's fantastic. And incredible job by everyone involved!! Must say, I can totally hear her singing Eponine in Les Mis. I don't have any idea if she's ever performed that role, but her voice seems tailor made for the part.
I can’t stop watching this. Ann Marie’s voice is haunting (in I Get Up, I Get Down. (9:30 and especially at 12:43) Each time I hear it I get goosebumps.
Audacious. Squire's Ricky tones were seriously genuine. The noteXnote transcription of that guitar opening was phenomenal. Drummer had the Bruford metre & licks down. Keys, vocal harmonies, tempo, just amazingly well put together. Like another commented, I've been listening to this Yes production for 45+ years. (Twice that if you count all the times I was tripping.) Spot on. Really Remarkable Reproduction.
Apocalypse: "and you and I reached over the sun for the ri-ver". That little jump in "ri" instantly brought two tears to my eyes... I'm old and getting a little sensitive for such a beautiful detail. Thanks Ann Marie. 🤗
I know just what you mean. Those little touches are anticipated by the brain without your actually being conscious of the fact and the release of endorphins as a result of the gratification of hearing what was expected, however unconsciously, is an awesome sensation. I instantly fell in love with Ann Marie’s voice!
Hear, hear. Totally agree. That touch makes it even better to my ears. Another vocal moment I almost prefer over Jon's vocals is when she opens up the pipes on "I get up/I get down" - HOLY COW, what controlled power and beauty! I'm also glad to understand some of the lyrics more clearly than on the original recording.
@@EridanisII Too right! Seldom have I come across a female vocalist with such extraordinary power that doesn’t depend on screaming or volume alone. There’s a big difference. I can’t stop listening to the band.
Aside from all the obvious technical and artistic performance much noted through all the comments here, I just want to thank Richie Castellano for, of course, putting all this together, but, less obviously, for his wonderful backing vocals. On top of everything else, we have here Chris Squire's vocals! That aspect of Yes (and the Band Geeks) is always appreciated but not often said. Great backing vocals in both bands is one reason for its full sound and emotional richness.
When Yes decides to hang up the gloves. You will be recruited to hold the torch and continue moving it forward. Music - great. Singing - wow. Perfect work.
Mr. Richie and the rest of the super talented Band geeks...I was the guy in the face mask in row F last night having the best time for that hour. The new song sounds great. It was a blast to see you with Jon Anderson again sounding like a real Yes band. It was so humid last night, but so fun. Thank you for being so talented, and happy 10 years to the company of Band Geeks making music even more fun.
Guys, you drove me into tears for your love and dedication to this, indeed! I'm a big Yes fan, and you guys are by far the best Yes cover band I've ever seen! Congratulations for this amazing job! ❤🎶👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Yeah, I'm in tears. You guys are great. This album has saved my life more times than you can imagine. What a beautiful job. I've watched individual tracks. But I just listened to the whole thing. I had to. This is one of the greatest albums ever made this is one of the greatest covers I've ever heard. In fact this is the only full album cover I've ever heard of this. Thank you.
The sound created by this band w/ Jon Anderson brought me back to 1971, the year I discovered Yes! I'm not diminishing her voice. She does this great song justice!
NICE! Very talented group to play such difficult music. Goes to show just how far ahead of their times YES was. I remember when this album came out, man time flies.
Going to see them with Jon Anderson June 13th, 2024 in Chicago! Going to be awesome.
I think this band should keep the torch burning when all of our musical heroes in 'Yes' can't play anymore.
Don't let Yes' awesome (live) music die. Keep it alive for other generations.
Im a seeing them in Rochester. On my wife's birthday. She's not as excited as I am. Its the most special thing I could possibly gift her!
@@MrStupidHead I'm seeing in Rochester too.....my wife and I are old Prog rockers from back in the day....
I've got a second row center stage seat for Aug.7 in Waite Park and I can't wait.
This is extremely complex music. To cover the original this way is true mastership. My deepest respect to these great musicians!
I don't always listen to Band Geeks, but when I do, so do the neighbors.
Brilliant
LOL , jut how it should be, but my closest neighbor is 50 meters away and my log walls stop most sound from escaping, But not my 100 w guitar amp ☺
That is ssoooooo fucking funny.
Yesss😂
I am hopefully getting full sized speaker setup in a week or and I cant wait for that , OMG TURN it down moment!!!,,
In an interview, Bill Bruford was asked why he left YES when he did…the answer was “after Close to the Edge, what was left to do?”
Relayer
@@victorsarmiento8835 Now there's an album I'd like to hear this band play. "And You and I" is my favorite Yes song, but Relayer is my favorite album.
Yezzir was gonna say know what he meant but Relayer and the Toppoes
In a technical sense, I would agree that it was all downhill after Close to the Edge. But when "downhill" means making albums like Topographic Oceans, Relayer, and Going for the One, maybe it was worth sticking around. 🙂 But I'm glad Bill left when he did; otherwise we wouldn't have had him playing on those classic King Crimson albums.
he once said that before he left he was the drummer in YES, after he left he was Bill Bruford....
NO ONE covers this song with perfection Except The Band Geeks!
The level of musicianship in this band is staggering. To successfully cover one of the most difficult progressive rock albums of all time with virtually no mistakes, is just mind-boggling. And Ann Marie's voice is incredible. You guys should take this on the road!
@Terry Murray Yes, bring this show to the UK and you'll sell… well… I dunno. I know four guys who'd buy tickets for definite… :)
Bring it to Australia ... I'm there!!!
@@ThatOtherMikeyGuy make that 5!
No no, Netherlands first please!
She doesn't sound quite as much like a little girl as Jon Anderson does... but she's close! [said with DECADES of LOVE & ADMIRATION for Jon & Yesssss!!!]
That Squire Bass sound is absolutely spot on!
Memorized the album in high school in the late 1970’s. Never thought I hear such a precise replication of it. I am deeply impressed.
I fell the same
This is like a history lesson. It can be argued that the Close to the Edge album is one of the top progressive rock albums of all time. I have listened to it hundreds of times. Somehow, in this intimate setting, you have recreated history for us Yes fans, and as I wipe my eyes, I can just type thank you. I have watched a number of covers of these songs/this album over the years and stumbled into you guys a few days ago, and I am just stunned.
I agree: the intimate setting, the video edits from player to singer, etc., makes this performance so much more exciting. It gives me chills.
I am stunned as well, like one of those goats that is running around and then suddenly freezes up and falls over.
Sorry, I don't think there is any argument here! 😀 Fabulous original work of art and a perfect recreation here. Squire is my favorite bass player of all time and Richie's playing and tone is blowing me away, as are all the other performances here.
The legend started here with Band Geeks. I remember watching this video 2 years ago, and I thought, it would be great to have Jon Anderson. And now that's it. And they tour together. It's amazing
Anyone who attempts to cover THE Greatest Song of All Time Deserves Praise, Especially when they do it Very well. .
I'm not a fan of cover bands. But this is extaordinary.....this piece of music is so complex....my deepest respect to you guys!!
One day you’ll wake to realize that tributes are all we have left… that will be the time for a mind reset…
Had me in tears. Beautiful music, wonderfully played. I’d forgotten how emotional this album is, especially when played so well. And the vocals, my god, sublime. Need a lay down down!!
Had me in tears as well. Fantastic cover of a classic album ! ❣️🎼
Me as well.
Your lead singer doesn’t just nail Jon Anderson’s melodies & delivery, her voice has a really cool style all its own. I can’t remember ever thinking that about a vocalist in a cover band before. I hope she’s writing & working on original material, she’s awesome. 👍
She's got a new album out....
I do indeed, it’s called Little Dangers and it came out in April ☺️
@@anacchio I will give at an ear, probably the one that belongs to Jeffrey English. I heard The Band Geeks are going on tour with Jon Anderson, that needs to include you of course.
She's better than Jon Davidson in a couple of spots...I'll give her that.
Nobody sounds like Jon Anderson...that's a fact.
She used her own voice and did not try to mimic Jon's voice, which would have been impossible. What came through was love and authenticity. Impossible not to cry listening to her.
Drummer gets his book out! Love it. He earned his break. One of the Best albums ever covered by musicians with a deep respect for its brilliance.
Yes, I loved that. And the tea! But notice how drummer Andy, a fine keyboard player himself, is watching what Chris is doing during the pipe organ part and the synth fanfare that follows and smiling.
Tears , tears and more tears… 71 yrs young . A masterpiece re-well done.
"I'm glad I wasn't the only one", said the 66 year old geezer.
I have listened to this album a million times. If one note was out of place I would know it. You guys nailed it! Unbelievable!
Ditto. An absolutely devastating cover.
+1
This
Yup!
Not only this but I don't think I've ever heard Yes even come Close to replicating the studio versions live. (Not that they would want to, but some of the live versions are actually pretty bad tbh)
even YES couldnt play this song this good live. just freaking amazing
Yes played it quite well when I saw them in 1973.
I must disagree with you, as well.
They played the shit out of this...for me, at least 6 different tours.
I saw them in 1977, they still were at their peak and able to play live with awesome energy and musicianship, even such complex pieces as CTTE. Anyway, really beautiful and respectful work by the band Geeks.
To quote me: "Band Geeks are to Yes, as Brit Floyd & The Australian Pink Floyd are to You-Know-Who." The first time I tuned in to this, I thought, "Uh-huh...another Yes tribute band." 😂 18 minutes later, I was picking my lower jaw up off the floor. How fortuitous, for all of us, that this group of SUPREMELY-gifted musicians managed to find each other. I then rushed to pull up all their other Yes covers, and at the end of that journey, I felt like I'd been to Heaven & back. My Favorite Band Of All Time, FINALLY, in this age of Tribute Bands, being given the gift of ultimate coverage...in a way no other band has EVER DONE.
My next thought was, "Holy God in Heaven...would it not be the Ultimate Cool if Jon were to hear these demigods, be as blown away by them as we have...and maybe give them a call about taking them out on tour with him???"
Imagine my surprise...
Jon said--he actually said!-"we'll try this for a few weeks & see how it goes." I think he was keeping his excitement in check by not mentioning how this tour is sure to go over like GANGBUSTERS...how there will be standing ovations all through the performances...how all of us Boomers who SCREAMED for Yes in the 70s will be doing that all over again at these shows!!!
Yeah, Jon.....PLAN on this going on for more than "a few weeks." If my instincts serve me correctly, you guys are about to find out that your respective ships have come in..... BIG time. I cannot miss this tour.
I watched Band Geeks with Jon Anderson back to back with the latest current Yes live offering…. And Band Geeks ruled supreme! The Yes lineup falls flat compared to these guys…particularly Billy Sherwoods tone and delivery… despite his technical ability, he sounds far too mundane and lacks the necessary EDGE to be an “interesting” substitute for Chris Squire
And Anderson is, well….Anderson.
But these band geeks…almost sounds like they know what they’re doing😮😊lol
The precision is drawn from dedication to REAL music. Symphonic just doesn't cut it, angelic comes close. My all time favorite music video! TY Genius Geeks.
Andy A drinking tea and reading a book... Andy in a Wakeman cape... hilarious!
I am literally in tears listening to this. Beautiful.
Chris Squire is smiling.
Goosebumps when that church organ kicks in. And Ann Marie is gifted.
Don't even know what to say....
This was bloody magnificent!!
I'm a tremendous Yes fan so I can be critical of other groups covering their music. But I have to say this is excellent!! I listen to the whole thing through. Great job!! 🙂
Amen!! Perfection at best
Am I the only one to have felt a slight moistness in the eyes as the first keyboard notes in And you and I played? Lovely to see you guys all together again.
Incredible - a significant achievement for any group. Note just note-perfect, but with care, sensitivity, and capturing the spirit of the original recording. You all should be proud of yourselves for this. I saw Yes with my father who passed away this past fall, and today is his birthday. Yes was his favorite band, and he shared that love with me - one of my favorite memories with him was seeing Yes perform this album back in the 90s.
I bet the instruments themselves enjoyed making these incredible sounds!
Thank you, I needed this. I won't bother anyone with why, but I did. I discovered Yes, in 1974 at the age of 17. I bought Yessongs, and from the opening note, I was blown away. Those concerts opened with Excerpts from the Firebird Suite by Stranvinsky, and my love of Stravinsky started that same day. Thank you doing such an excellent cover.
Wow, just wow. I was lucky enough to see Yes play these in March 1973 in Sydney Australia. This brought back great memories.
Okay, let me put this in context. I spent an hour today working on learning Seasons of Man. I have most of the solo, I am workiing on the chord progressions to get to the solo. I probably have 1000 hours investeed in learning the Close to the Edge album at this point, even watching guitar videos to work on the intro to Siberean Khatru. My appreciation for what you guys have done is on another level, and watching your work makes me emotional. Thank you.
I do it as a hobby, I design high speed circuits for space applications.
Can't resist "Aw crap I've been designing those damn low-speed circuits etc"
Holy. Cow.
So much nuance on the original record, and nothing missed here. Spectacular vocals, instrument tones spot on.
And Andy was able to have a cup and a bit of light reading…
Wow!!! Didn't think I'd ever hear anyone cover Yes and this album, but you guys just hit it out of the park!! Extremely talented group here! You guys are amazing! Just love it. And Ann Marie's vocals are spot on as I don't think any man could match Jon Anderson's voice. Every musician in this band should take a bow! You guys nailed this album.
Sitting here in Tokyo while this came up in my feed, listening to the waning strains of 'Siberian Khatru' and thinking damn, nearly 50 years old and thanks to The Band Geeks, still cutting edge.
Oh my goodness!!! Tears exploded from my eyes!!! What an awesome performance! oh YES!!! If there's another word for awesomeness it is BAND GEEK. Congratulations, and what an homage and honour to perform this album in such a respectful and good way... btw, you have an arsenal of instruments! haha! All my love, Andrés from Argentina.
Gracias amigo!
This is truly astonishing. That you would even consider taking on one of the most complex albums in music history and pull it off so well speaks volumes. Really excellent job. I’ve heard the originals do this many times in concert, and of course have listened to the album literally countless times. This is the best cover by far.
Once you break it down it is not so complicated. It’s so simple a child could do it.
Totally agree, also seen Yes do it - this is as close as you're going to get.
Please come play the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden Washington. I'd almost consider getting the covid shot to see you guys. (Nah)
@@jeffreyenglish1815 Talk is cheap maestro.
Absolutely amazing, incredible! Sensational! Need I go on.
Go on then, bloody brilliant. Wonderful musicians and a great voice, Ann Marie. Thank you, all.
🎶❤️🎶xx
I'm so glad I grew up in this era of music and got to see all the incredible bands it produced. Very difficult to appreciate any of the music being made today with of course a few great exceptions.
The same.👍
21:16 Some of the prettiest vocals I've heard in a very long time. Her voice, the sentimental melody, the reverb and echo, it's just angelic.
Thank you ☺️
12:56 too
As thrilled as I am for them for connecting with Anderson I’d almost rather see and hear this line up……..cause Anne Marie sings like an angel and is sexy af!!!!!!
Geez! All these songs are done in one take….I’m not worthy. I feel truly blessed for being given this gift. Thank you band geeks.
1. The original album by Yes
2. This cover by the Band Geeks
3. The Yessongs concert of these songs by Yes
Don't forget ABWH's live rendition
@@BrunoniTube ABWH were so good.
Brilliant! All the twiddly bits in the right places, fifty years on and they're still imprinted in memory every one, great effort, truly!
Wow....this is an amazing performance....thank you all!!
This music and musicians at their best. It just don't get better. Anne Marie's vocals are just out of this world.
Ich hätte nie gedacht, dass man dies covern kann. Einfach unglaublich!!! Was für Musiker!!!❤
No offense to Alan White, but this shows a deeper understanding of the Bruford timing on CTTE.
I always preferred Bill as a drummer & percussionist, Alan is great but .....Bill was in his own class👍🏻
@@PMCN53 Not sure why BB didn't really do anything better after leaving Yes.
@@leftisunhinged4597 I did see a documentary on Bill Brufford, he seemed quite satisfied with his music career. He was a teacher, & was currently selling all if his drums & paraphernalia… Retired now.
@@leftisunhinged4597 It would be hard to do better than the best run of Yes albums, but King Crimson's Red and Discipline are the best by that band in my estimation. So depending on your tastes that was a step up, down, or sideways.
@@leftisunhinged4597 Really???
I'll be at the 04/29 NJ/Philly show with two high school buddies (one in Ohio, one in Malvern PA, I'm in Rochester NY)! Each of us bringing our adult sons! It's going to be awesome! ...we graduated (highschool) in 1979. Life long Yes fans! Long live Yes!
When this album was first released, we absolutely wore it out. It's obvious to me we weren't the only musicians to do so!
I came to it in the late 80s aged about 13 and got it on cassette. The spools started squealing cos I wore it out so much!
My first drummer turned me on to Yes properly, though I'd already been exposed to and familiar with a small number of their songs by then. The more we listened to, the more I became convinced that the sum total of the band is the greatest musical talent in the history of history. I rate John Entwistle the GOAT on bass guitar, but Chris Squire was perfect for Yes. They've always been all killer, no filler (but maybe came close to less grand around the 90125 and Big Generator era), and I couldn't be more pleased to have seen them in concert a few times, especially in Oakland, CA, during their Union tour 😀
Smart people are amazing! You guys are so talented! God bless you all forever! Bravíssimo!!! I love this album with all my heart.
That version of "And You and "I in your cool new studio just blew me away! You captured all the nuances of the original. Especially Andy's 12 string sounding hauntingly like the original album. Absolutely wonderful - original members of Yes should be delighted you are continuing their music.
Ann Marie’s voice is incredible!!!
Best wishes in 2023!
Fan-tastic, the closest thing to a real-Yes sounding performance and my favorite album to boot. Thanks GEEKS!!
One of the greatest achievements here is replicating the original sound so flawlessly. Even Yes struggled to do that. Modern tech must help, but it's still an astounding achievement.
An incredible cover of a true masterpiece. I love how the lyrics don't make literal sense, yet make perfect sense somehow. Even 50 years after first hearing it I'm still in awe of this piece. Just a miracle that even the original band could play anything so complex in real time. And this band comes extremely Close to the Edge of a perfect cover.
the lyrics are about the spiritual journey of Siddhartha Gautama. They make sense if you read about Buddhism. It's not the most exciting read but it's alright I guess.
The lyrics are to some extent based on Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi." Now, are there things in that book which don't make any sense? Absolutely! Nevertheless, like Herodotus's "history," which is also filled with main stories that defy belief (vs. Thucydides's factually-based one), Yogananda's "autobio" is fascinating if viewed through a lens of reality, fantasy and imagination.
Nah --- they were just channeling the seventies-grade l.s.d. from the elven realm .
Not quite "Yessongs" but darn good.
I'm still ashamed to think that I was the first in my group of friends to buy it and ran over to our hangout house to premiere it for everyone. But about a minute into the title song everyone listening looked perplexed at how bizarre it sounded. I lifted the needle and an awkward silence followed while I put something else on. I should have just turned it over because And You and I wouldn't have freaked us out so much.
Ann Marie gives this song a new translation and simultaneously gives me fresh inspirations. This song was just born a new life after 50 years. Thank you for choosing this piece of my life beginning. Oh ohh!!!
I often wonder if the great composers, the Mozarts, the Beethovens, the Brahms thought musicians would be playing their music decades, centuries later. I heartens me to know this music lives on in the hearts and minds (and fingers for that matter) of current musicians. I saw YES play this full album and all of Tales of Topographic Oceans at the University of Florida gym while sitting on bleacher seats on February 7th 1974. You guys do it incredible justice. Bravo! SIDE NOTE: The Arya t-shirt could also mean “aria” in this case. Angelic.
Not sure that enough people...like us...can touch the numbers of fans Beethoven or Mozart have worldwide.
There are lots of people who have no idea who YES is or was.
Of course, their sheltered lives are not nearly as full as ours.
Right?
I didn't expect to watch this entire video, yet, here I am at the end. An absolutely incredible job!
It's been said 1700 times already, i'll go again. This brought tears to this old man's eyes.
Wow, and thank you. Yes - Spirit fully alive!
Greatest cover of the greatest album of all-time! You guys are the best!!!!
That's great ! Grandiose!
What work !
Thank you so much for your investment in this major work and for perpetuating the musical culture of the seventies.
You approach this material with a combination of reverence, skill, humor and joy, which is entirely within the spirit of the original recordings. Bravo.
This band is full of high end musicality.Absolutely overwhelming outstanding. Surely not worse than the original cast. Thank you guys!
Nice to watch these all again as an album. Ann Marie on the end of "Close to the Edge" -- Dayum, girl! And love the live ending to "Siberian Khatru". Smokin' job on that one!
I don't have any words. To say I'm blown away isn't even close to how overwhelmed I am hearing this.
I had to take a break after the title song to catch my breath.
I'm not getting any work done. LOL
If you had a link to paypal I'd love to throw cash at you.
I am a keyboard player with 50 years of experience, reasonable skills and vocals. Your ensemble of musicians are the BEST I have heard via the internet besides the original bands. I know how much work and practice it takes to produce this type of quality - especially “CLOSE TO THE EDGE” - so enjoyable and thank you for keeping classic progressive rock alive!
Hey Geeks, thank you. You did the impossible. Fantastic work! I bet that was fun!
WOW...All I can say is WOW ! These guys nailed it. I bought this album when it first came out, and it's music is timeless. This couldn't have been easy to do. Great job !!!
Effing awesome! Just astounding. Indistinguishable from the original record in so many spots. Well done all of you!
I am glad in my soul that this complex music need not die with us aging counterculture baby-boomer types.
Absolutely stunning! My favourite Yes album...and this is just so wonderful. Well done!! Thank you Band Geeks.
Absolutely amazing! One of the greatest, if not THE greatest prog albums in history and you have done a perfect rendition of it. Perfect! I don't have words to thank you enough!
Everyone was outstanding. What a gift you have given. Special shout out to Chris Clark. That is the best keyboard work I have ever seen & heard.
Love ❤️ the cape!!
I love Band Geek too much. This was breathtaking.
Ann Marie I’d my hero
The flawless musicianship is one thing, but what makes this stand out to me was the vocals: the female vocals just makes this otherwise very high-brow music much more sensual and organic. Absolutely beautiful - thank you!
Ann Marie - fantastic job!!! Really enjoy your singing.
Thank you ♥️
Awesome work, lady and gentlemen.
Obviously you're big fans...as I am.
I wish Steve and Jon A. could make up and give us an epic farewell concert tour.
Never going to happen, but I can dream.
As a Yes fan and a musician, I thoroughly enjoyed this! VERY well done!
Absolutely magnificent. Faultless. This should be performed on the biggest stage in the world and broadcast to all the nations. It is a religious experience.
This gives me goosebumps, I think the actual YES musicians would approve.
Jon Anderson just announced that he’s taking Band Geeks out to tour the 50Th anniversary of CTTE. Amazing!
@@dylanturner3216 I just heard that too! So wonderful!! Best to you!
@@bélalugrisi I’ll tell you, if we can’t see Steve even try to get along with Jon, Rick and Trevor I prefer what Jon has done for years which is pass the music along by TEACHING younger generations master classes in Yes and THEN touring with them. What Steve is doing is just plain greedy in my eyes, that goes for the guys out with him as well. Imho, everyone should be encouraging reconciliation between Steve and the rest of the band instead of trying in vein to hack their way through the material to further their own carriers, I don’t care what Chris had to say about it…he was wrong a lot, especially in terms of how Jon was treated by the band he founded.
@@dylanturner3216 I saw Jon twice this tour out with the Paul Green Rock Academy and it was so inspiring. Jon doing what he is best at -- passing the Dreams forward! At the same time he was tuning up the spectacular instrument that is his voice.
"The best is yet to come." -- Jon Anderson
Best to ya!!
@@dylanturner3216 I hope they come to Toronto. Jon Anderson and Band Geek kick the shit out of the current band that calls itself Yes.
In high school back in the 80s, I listen to Yes non stop. Still have all the albums on vinyl. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Band Geek totally true to the music!
Man, she’s got an incredible voice
But no Accrington accent.
@@PhilUKNet The American accent is startling, innit ... but she's great
@@davidbbcdonnell9511 She is great, in fact, the whole band are great. But if you want to sing like Jon you have to support Accrington Stanley and have a large collection of crystals and dream catchers. It's the law.
Agreed, she's fantastic. And incredible job by everyone involved!! Must say, I can totally hear her singing Eponine in Les Mis. I don't have any idea if she's ever performed that role, but her voice seems tailor made for the part.
Check her out on Starship Trooper. Just incredible.
I am crying here.
Figured I would watch a minute or so... but was totally blown away at how great the whole thing was. Wow.
great job putting the bridge back in Siberian Khatru
Magnificent, Geeks. I've studied Steve Howe's guitar work since I was a kid. You make it all look so easy. Damn!
I can’t stop watching this. Ann Marie’s voice is haunting (in I Get Up, I Get Down. (9:30 and especially at 12:43) Each time I hear it I get goosebumps.
As great as the instrumentation is, pulling off some of those vocals is very impressive. The bridge singing (I get up, I get down) on CTE is awesome.
Always nice to see someone comment on the most under appreciated section.
Audacious. Squire's Ricky tones were seriously genuine. The noteXnote transcription of that guitar opening was phenomenal. Drummer had the Bruford metre & licks down. Keys, vocal harmonies, tempo, just amazingly well put together. Like another commented, I've been listening to this Yes production for 45+ years. (Twice that if you count all the times I was tripping.) Spot on. Really Remarkable Reproduction.
Apocalypse: "and you and I reached over the sun for the ri-ver". That little jump in "ri" instantly brought two tears to my eyes... I'm old and getting a little sensitive for such a beautiful detail. Thanks Ann Marie. 🤗
The original vocal deserved attention to detail, thank you :)
@@anacchio , so pretty. I'm not crying...Yes, I am.
I know just what you mean. Those little touches are anticipated by the brain without your actually being conscious of the fact and the release of endorphins as a result of the gratification of hearing what was expected, however unconsciously, is an awesome sensation. I instantly fell in love with Ann Marie’s voice!
Hear, hear. Totally agree. That touch makes it even better to my ears. Another vocal moment I almost prefer over Jon's vocals is when she opens up the pipes on "I get up/I get down" - HOLY COW, what controlled power and beauty! I'm also glad to understand some of the lyrics more clearly than on the original recording.
@@EridanisII Too right! Seldom have I come across a female vocalist with such extraordinary power that doesn’t depend on screaming or volume alone. There’s a big difference. I can’t stop listening to the band.
Aside from all the obvious technical and artistic performance much noted through all the comments here, I just want to thank Richie Castellano for, of course, putting all this together, but, less obviously, for his wonderful backing vocals. On top of everything else, we have here Chris Squire's vocals! That aspect of Yes (and the Band Geeks) is always appreciated but not often said. Great backing vocals in both bands is one reason for its full sound and emotional richness.
When Yes decides to hang up the gloves. You will be recruited to hold the torch and continue moving it forward.
Music - great. Singing - wow.
Perfect work.
Mr. Richie and the rest of the super talented Band geeks...I was the guy in the face mask in row F last night having the best time for that hour. The new song sounds great. It was a blast to see you with Jon Anderson again sounding like a real Yes band. It was so humid last night, but so fun. Thank you for being so talented, and happy 10 years to the company of Band Geeks making music even more fun.
Ann Marie is such a doll! So talented and lovely...I absolutely ADORE her. :)
That was insane. If any band figured their material would likely never be covered...it just might be Yes. wow, incredible job to all involved.
Such a joy to watch and listen to. Also the use of at least one cape should be mandatory for Yes songs, especially the keyboard parts
Make it a flannel cape. I think Rick would approve.
Guys, you drove me into tears for your love and dedication to this, indeed! I'm a big Yes fan, and you guys are by far the best Yes cover band I've ever seen! Congratulations for this amazing job! ❤🎶👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Yeah, I'm in tears. You guys are great. This album has saved my life more times than you can imagine. What a beautiful job. I've watched individual tracks. But I just listened to the whole thing. I had to. This is one of the greatest albums ever made this is one of the greatest covers I've ever heard. In fact this is the only full album cover I've ever heard of this. Thank you.
The sound created by this band w/ Jon Anderson brought me back to 1971, the year I discovered Yes! I'm not diminishing her voice. She does this great song justice!
NICE! Very talented group to play such difficult music. Goes to show just how far ahead of their times YES was. I remember when this album came out, man time flies.