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Introduction:


A series of essays wherein I explore the numerous musical identities of my favorite musician: from child prodigy to teen idol to guitar hero to singer/songwriter to award-winning in-demand film composer.
Featuring news/updates and commentary/analysis of Trevor's career and associated projects.
Comments are disabled but please feel free to contact me at rabinesque.blog@gmail.com.



Monday, October 31, 2016

In a new light

Some keen-eyed fans on social media have noted that the various designs projected upon the Art Deco-esque beveled edge stage backdrop have not been seen at recent ARW gigs, and that's because a change to the production has been made. As of ARW's two-night stand at Glenside's Keswick Theatre, Eric Cathcart of Bigtime Lightning Design has replaced Jonathan Smeeton as Lighting Director, and the result appears to be a cleaner look overall for the shows, though just as colorful.

A photo posted by Eric Cathcart (@bigtimeld) on

Here's an example of comparison in terms of the differences in the lighting using one of my favorites of the setlist - "Rhythm of Love" - first from Hollywood, Florida, then from Huntington, New York.



Media Watch: recent interviews

From October 28th, a short interview on the News Channel Nebraska website:
http://kwbe.com/abc_classicr/trevor-rabin-is-really-happy-to-be-touring-with-yes-spinoff-group-arw-abcid35799130/

From October 29th, an interview on the Niagara Frontier Publications website:
http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/10/29/126472/interview-yes-guitarist-trevor-rabin-talks-arw-tour-chris-squire-scoring-films

Friday, October 28, 2016

"Wow."

This evening, fresh from ARW's final gig in New Jersey, the Maestro checked in to enthuse about his current situation, and it's heartwarming to know he's so happy to be out among us once again.

The Best (subjectively and objectively)

Of late there's been a couple listicles floating around regarding what is the best of Trevor's work in the YesWest era.  So I'd thought I'd join in on the fun except I wanted to approach it from two perspectives: my favorite track as well as the one I think is the best - because with the way my mind works those two assessments are often applied to different songs.  However, I have previously written about some of these songs, so I'll be taking the liberty of quoting myself.  And of course it is gratifying to know that three of my selections have made the ARW setlist for the current tour.

A photo posted by Prog Report (@progreport) on

90125

My Favorite: "Changes"
Even with the changes to "Changes" it is every bit as much Trevor's signature song as is "Owner" - and a work which successfully melds Trevor's melodic sensibilities with Yes' prog-minded ambition.

The Best: "Hearts"
The first of those songs which fans would come to refer to as "epic" as regards YesWest, and one which features amazing performances and a wonderfully dynamic sense of drama and emotion, topped with Jon's cosmic fairy-dust.

Big Generator

My Favorite: "Rhythm of Love"
This song manages the feat of being a hit single and showing a bit more grandeur in its' use of harmonies and various touches of production filigree... it is seductive in every way.  And it's got one of Trevor's best solos.

The Best: "I'm Running"
This is my favorite YesWest epic.

My comments from the entry "something Fishy"
The most ambitious, intricate, and interesting song on an album which tends to be underrated even now; the story goes Chris drove Trevor a bit nutty during sessions by playing the bass riff which opens the song over and over again as an idea he wanted to work on. At first Trevor wasn't sure of its' potential but then he finally relented and wrote a Latin-themed melody to go with it, as well as some of his best lyrics (then added to with a refrain by Jon). The song shifts frequently in dynamic and mood and sounds quite unlike anything they'd done (or would do ever after) with great performances and production and lots of interesting little touches (including the hilarious use of a duck call as a transition) and I believe it's a great example of Trevor taking the foundation of Chris' idea and building a beautiful edifice on top of it, even as he used the analogy that Chris was "polishing the vase" due to his obsession with the riff while the building fell down around him!

Union

My Favorite: "Lift Me Up"
Trevor's greatest anthem, 'nuff said.

My comments from the entry "something Fishy"
Long-time fans know Trevor originally wrote this song prior to its inclusion on the album, as he and his touring band played the opening sequence as their entrance music on the club tour of 1989. But Trevor has recounted that he and Chris worked on the lyrics together, and the choice of words lends a sense of grandeur to the whole. This remains an incredibly compelling song, and also a highlight of the Union tour setlist.

The Best: "Miracle of Life"
This is another of Trevor's anthems, and an excellent one given its' specific subject of animal rights.  But also it is an interestingly complex take on what might be considered his version of progressive rock (even as Trevor recently said he's not too fond of the term).

Talk

My Favorite: "Real Love"
This song never fails to give me chills, and I would play it as evidence of what I love about Trevor's playing and production/mix skills.

My comments from the entry "something Fishy"
On an album which is largely defined by the efforts of Trevor and Jon, choosing to make their own collaboration the core of the production, this is a moment in which Trevor does his best once again to take Chris' idea and expand and elaborate upon it until it is something epic in the realization. Their harmonies on the bridge refrain before the chorus are absolutely wonderful, and the groove and growl and power with touches of a more mysterious atmosphere of the song entire is something yet again unique in their catalog while also a perfect expression of what YesWest was meant to be as an ensemble.

My comments from the entry "Talk and the modern sound of YesWest"
At the album premiere party, Trevor described "Real Love" thus:
"It’s a song that one should listen to late at night, with headphones on, in a certain frame of mind."

In what I believe is the very best couplet, the song moves from considerations of the macro:
Far away, in depths of Hawking's mind
to the micro:
to the animal, the primalistic grind.
From the vastness of the universe to the tiny fraction of space between two coupling bodies: Trevor not only drawing inspiration from his reading of A Brief History of Time, but also the way in which he tended to juxtapose Jon's more cosmic concerns with those of the physical world, invoking the marriage of Earth and Air. And the multiple layers and textures, the dynamic movement of the arrangement, the way Trevor makes Jon's vocal sound like he's literally floating out in space, then suddenly moving right in front of us, and the wild panning of the end solo (shades of "Owner") complimented by the rumbling waves of Kaye's Hammond organ - it's an amazing ride.

The Best: "Endless Dream"
Many fans consider this the only YesWest epic and for me the way in which it moves through distinct passages, changing moods and ambitious musicianship is nothing short of amazing.

My comments from the entry "Talk and the modern sound of YesWest"
"Endless Dream" calls to mind other Yes epics like "Close To The Edge" and "Yours Is No Disgrace" in terms of arrangement, progression, and textures. But it goes beyond these traditional structures to include a wholly three-dimensional experience which - especially on headphones - moves around you with adventurous sound placement and layering. The "Talk" section of the song contains so many interesting passages, including the section where the listener is placed in the very center of the sonic image, with intricate harmonies, sound effects (created by guitar), rhythmic bass and percussion, and textured vocals. The ambition and grandeur of the music is perfectly balanced with the emotion of Jon's performance, as the heart and conscience of the composition, as well as brilliant two-part and three-part harmonies from Jon, Chris and Trevor. The contrast between the verses which Trevor and Jon sing is yet again that marriage of Earth and Air, even as each invoke philosophical and emotional import. Trevor deliberately textures his voice to provide a particular mood, juxtaposed with Jon's clear natural register. The song evokes the traditional values of Yes: progressive, far-reaching, complex and engaging long-form compositions, but rendered with the tools and taste of their current musical context. Indeed, how else would we expect YesWest to create such a work?

This is just my theory, but the electronic synth element we hear at a couple points in the song - during what I refer to as the "celestial" passages - sounds nearly identical to a loop from Cybotron's "Clear" which was originally released in 1983. The loop has been sampled numerous times over the years, including a few instances in the early 1990s, and was originally inspired by Kraftwerk's "Hall of Mirrors" from 1977.

As I mentioned there was a callback in "State Of Play" and I hear two in "Endless Dream" - one is the harp sound from the intro to "Rhythm Of Love" at approximately 8:06 and then the hook from "Where Will You Be" around 15:06.

Of course, no listicle would be complete without an embedded playlist, so here is mine, from my Rabin-esque YouTube channel.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Media Watch: Backstage Axxcess interview

An ongoing series wherein I comment on Trevor's recent publicity.

Another new interview with Trevor has been posted today, in advance of ARW's performance in Buffalo on November 2nd.
http://backstageaxxess.com/2016/10/trevor-rabin-anderson-rabin-wakemen-interview/

Interestingly - and I don't know if anyone has noticed this (including myself!) - Trevor notes that there are apparently callbacks to some of his scoring themes embedded in the setlist:
I must say that both Jon and Rick really embraced the orchestral side of my career over the past few decades working with directors on movie scores. There are a few sections of the show including the intro to “Cinema” which leads into “Perpetual Change” along with “Awaken” later in the set that we integrate some of the orchestral movements I’ve done in my movie career.
But it appears "Starship Trooper" (only performed once, Trev) has been dropped from the setlist forever.
In fact, the first few shows we were performing “Starship Trooper,” which was a crowd pleaser but Rick and I both realized that specific song neither he nor I were involved in the original recording. Jon graciously suggested that maybe we drop that from the set.
However - and I truly hope this comes to pass - another YesWest favorite might be added in:
I’d say there’s a very good chance the fans in Buffalo will be hearing “Changes.” I’m also looking to start rehearsing “Shoot High Aim Low” from the “Big Generator” album as well. The wonderful thing about the talent in this band is that we can be fluent as we go along and organically incorporate songs that we feel fit the purpose.
And Trevor jokingly confirms my suspicion that he is indeed GROUPLOVE's biggest fan.

Media Watch: new interview

Today an interview with Trevor was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in advance of ARW's performance on the 30th at the Byham Theatre.

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2016/10/27/ARW-is-on-the-road-with-three-key-pieces-of-Yes/stories/201610270007

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

update: Trevor on Debateable

But first, here's a totally adorable photo op from the 21st, as Our Trev is once again meeting the army of Rabid Rabinites across the land:
I previously mentioned Trevor's appearance on SiriusXM's Debateable - he called in from Boston for episode two, while guitarist Vernon Reid and drummer Steve Jordan were in the studio with hosts Mark Goodman and Alan Light.  The primary topic of discussion was this year's RnRHOF nomination and the ongoing relevance of the organization.  Trevor observed that the type of music Yes is known for isn't normally the populist choice   He also noted that at 62 he was the "baby" of the Yes-related group of potential inductees.  He was asked about the evolution of the legacy of Yes, and Trevor discussed how Chris' passing has had an impact on that legacy.   He admitted that he's not even really aware of "who's in and who's out" when asked to consider who should be installed.  He elaborated on one of the surprises of his career - working with LL Cool J on "Deepest Bluest" for Deep Blue Sea - and noted "how smart the guy was, how musical he was."  Trevor also spoke again of Johnny Fourie, citing him as "my favorite guitarist ever" (and as a peer, apparently an influence on John McLaughlin) but "no one's ever heard of him."

Here is Mark Goodman's Instagram post from that day:

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Media Watch: Rick & Trevor on Trunk Nation today

A very Happy Birthday to the A in ARW - Jon is a hale and hearty 72 today!

Last week I noted Trevor was a guest on one of SiriusXM's VOLUME talk radio shows, and now he and Rick are the guests on another program today: Eddie Trunk's Trunk Nation, which airs from 2:00-4:00pm EDT.
Update: it looks like today is Sirius Day for the boys, as John Fugelsang also tweeted:



Monday, October 24, 2016

Media Watch: new Guitar World interview

An ongoing series wherein I comment on Trevor's recent publicity.

Here's an interesting take on an interview - this article posted on the Guitar World website features a cornucopia of questions from readers covering just about every period of Trevor's career:
http://www.guitarworld.com/artist-news-interviews/former-yes-man-trevor-rabin-talks-favorite-guitars-film-scores-and-owner

Trevor confirmed he is not using his Washburn signature model on the current tour but we will likely hear it on new material in the future.  And speaking of guitars, he also relates the familiar tale concerning the tragic injury to his Strat.

ARW tour report: week three (Eastern Seaboard)

Reader beware: this entry contains SPOILERS! for week three of ARW's 2016 North American tour.  If you do not wish to read/view/listen to any details/elements of the tour prior to your applicable show then please do not read this entry!
_____________________________________________________________

Author's Note: A big thank you to everyone who shared photos and videos and impressions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and the Yesfans discussion forum. Each tour report entry could be considered a work-in-progress as I find more things to add.

The tour now wends its' way East, just in time for the boys to enjoy the lovely New England landscape and its' Fall colors.

Boston
Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press review
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trevor-rabin-of-yes-alums-arw-politicians-share_us_580a806ce4b0b1bd89fdb23c?
(which includes quotes from Trevor)

Audience videos
"Perpetual Change"
https://youtu.be/WIKGsP007vw
"Hold On"
https://youtu.be/Z0qWSnYqN7Y
https://youtu.be/sCBWI5qgzg8
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://youtu.be/e6a_6UHSj-c
https://youtu.be/tKwVgKxjO-8
https://youtu.be/Sf7W2wSJtwc
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/0c0mjnSIiK0
https://youtu.be/fxB-VljaaVE
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxZ0mLlJtO/
https://youtu.be/qWsc56ANTLw
"Rhythm of Love"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxZ3GaBaxl/
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://youtu.be/tXypM-4pHCk
https://youtu.be/uFA3tBvzMjk
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLzgAYHFS-r/
https://youtu.be/5ZWebPUuO0U
"Long Distance Runaround"
https://youtu.be/Z3c92fGFHSs
"The Fish"
https://youtu.be/PGmCfqsJ2ik
"Awaken"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxJhYbDJkr/
https://youtu.be/jpEQ-EHigjE
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxFjoNAckt/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxVj8rBVai/https://youtu.be/fAw9erbdnhY
https://youtu.be/VqGELjT4Clo
"Roundabout"
https://www.facebook.com/XMIKEW/videos/1219354808087060/
https://youtu.be/4xx24B6hs6Uhttps://youtu.be/-T8TUcg3kME
https://youtu.be/MzsCspMRVB8

Photos
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLxE_R-AtD4/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1308099159233891&set=a.271299819580502.67207.100001014596800&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210740594536812&set=p.10210740594536812&type=3&theater
https://twitter.com/relayer35/status/788997346063450112

Photos and video courtesy of Scott T. Arnold:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1347419978602864&set=pcb.1347420285269500&type=3&theater

A set of photos courtesy of Steph Craig.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154125162864372&set=pcb.10154125197659372&type=3&theater

A set of photos courtesy of Glenn Gagnon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1789817761307292&set=pcb.1789818224640579&type=3&theater

Wallingford
Never let it be said that Yes and its' progeny have been lax in their cultural relevancy.  But personally I think the garnish should be: a cherry, a lemon wedge and a jacaranda flower.

Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press review
https://progressivemusicplanet.com/2016/10/22/live-review-arw-anderson-rabin-wakeman-at-the-oakdale-theater-in-wallingford-ct-on-october-21-2016/

Audience videos
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL2G0hMBc8r/
"Lift Me Up"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4DTzSBua6
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4BgNSBs0v/
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4DzSTBSU7/
"Long Distance Runaround"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL6nQ-qj1RZ
"Awaken"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4VtuFDfbv/
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://twitter.com/MikeLap99/status/789649836014505984
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL2ZeNJh2Nc/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4D7fBh-7l/
"Roundabout"
https://twitter.com/MikeLap99/status/789661436482052096
Final bows:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4Bu_uh48T/

Photos
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL2GAZ5AVzC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL2Wf2aDMPj/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL7MmezB00b/

Photo from soundcheck:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL1loiDBNkk/


A photo posted by Karen Kahn (@lookingupphotography) on

Huntington
Huzzah! In what can be viewed as another triumph for Rabid Rabinites, "Changes" was added to the setlist.
A photo posted by Wayne Herrschaft (@wayneherrschaft) on

Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Changes
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

An interview with Rick & Trevor prior to the gig:
https://www.facebook.com/1031MAXFM/videos/555566977967394/

Photo from the interview:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210796489769239&set=gm.1790204901201538&type=3&theater

Audience videos
"Cinema/Perpetual Change"
https://youtu.be/m7dRaJTRYII
https://youtu.be/Fqt3JceFfUE"Hold On"
https://youtu.be/7N21PewHNNA
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://youtu.be/T_4nVSEeWlw
https://youtu.be/Kz8_PwfQP7w
https://youtu.be/CmbkYSTleeY
"Lift Me Up"
https://youtu.be/OlAyG_4SJo8
"And You and I"
https://twitter.com/DorkTimes/status/789925913253310464
https://youtu.be/6BECx_W8a-U
https://youtu.be/bydvCvDhMaA
"Rhythm of Love"
https://youtu.be/RxYF3W9lsso
"Changes"
https://youtu.be/qs3ykw8reTUhttps://youtu.be/5mCtTpHF2ug
"Long Distance Runaround"
https://youtu.be/5CqcTE-jFsI
"The Meeting"
https://youtu.be/XgwKUoAOshQ
https://youtu.be/f8HcSeNcD3M
"Awaken"
https://youtu.be/o7hzcCpc8UIhttps://youtu.be/ltkfNZvzNxE
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://youtu.be/uZHH7-rSJpghttps://youtu.be/2msiW9SUZes
"Roundabout"
https://youtu.be/o_PlcLFb3B0
https://youtu.be/Vyz2thoiLK8
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207813480396818&set=p.10207813480396818&type=3&theater


Friday, October 21, 2016

Collector's Corner: wearable history

A continuing series wherein I share my obsession with and collection of Trevor memorabilia.

(With thanks to my dear fiendish_thingy for assistance with this entry.)

As I've noted, this ARW tour is a bit light on the official merchandise (or "the merch" as it is normally referred to) but there's something interesting I noticed about the images selected for one of the t-shirts; the only shirt on offer I actually desire, as a fan and collector, to own.


The merchandise was designed - as were the ARW and "new" Yes logos - by Jay Nungesser of Big Blur Design (who also created the logo for AndersonPonty Band) and for this shirt Nungesser utilized photos of the boys in their Yes glory years, which all previously appeared in the tourbook for the Around the World in Eighty Dates tour in 1991.  The photo of Trevor is immediately recognizable as being from 1987, his choice of performance attire for The BIG Tour was a leather suit (and thus began a thousand wisecracks regarding "Leather Trevor," but to his credit Trevor wasn't afraid to lampoon himself about this as well).  And the other nod to YesWest is the CMYK color scheme of 90125 in the choice of colors for the logo.  But the photos of Jon and Rick are both from 1978.  Besides the odd coincidence of the reversal of the digits, the truly weird thing about all this is in their respective photos Jon and Trevor are each 33 years old.  Rick, on the other hand, is a veritable babe at 29 - as he was out of the band by the time he was 33 one supposes Wakey had to settle for an era-appropriate selection.


Given that Yes t-shirts from most eras do not display likenesses of the band, this is an interesting choice of visual iconography (although the t-shirts sold during Trevor's 1989 club tour did feature him prominently) and also because these are images which long-time fans would be able to associate with the last time our boys were all onstage together.  For a legacy tour which means to revive the affection we have for Yes music and history, it is fitting (or at least as fitting as one hopes their t-shirt will be).

Thursday, October 20, 2016

The answer is always, eventually, "Yes."

Spotted on Facebook: current Yes bassist (and enduring Yes veteran) Billy Sherwood posted an entry on his personal Facebook page which provides a glimpse into a particular period of YesWest history - specifically 1989 - when Jon Anderson had departed to form ABWH and the rest of the band was deciding how to proceed.  As has been previously documented in historical accounts, one of the ideas was to bring in Billy as lead vocalist, who had been working with Chris Squire and was also endorsed by then-ATCO executive Derek Shulman.  The accompanying video (which appears to be part of an ATCO promo video) features Billy and Chris' song "Say Goodbye."  Other songs from this era which have seen actual release include "The More We Live - Let Go" and "Love Conquers All."

I am amused by Trevor's diplomatic introduction of Shulman, given his less than flattering remarks about him years later.

https://www.facebook.com/billy.sherwood.54/videos/10154122281029141/

Setlist wisdom: "...as one of many ones of me."

There is a particular symbolic meaning, I'm sure, in the decision of the boys to perform "Perpetual Change" from 1971's The Yes Album.  It is a song which they have all played at various times over the years and so it is - as is the entire ARW setlist - a piece of their shared history, a song they all know well.

And speaking of that history, its' place at the head of the setlist is also symbolic as a nod to two of the openers for YesWest shows - "Cinema" paired with "Leave It" for the 9012Live tour, and the overture of "Perpetual Change" for the Talk tour in 1994 which preceded "The Calling" ("Cinema" had actually been switched out as the intro and moved to the middle of the setlist).  But up to the present day Trevor had played the intro more times than the actual song, as it was only performed twice in 1984.  "Perpetual Change" represented, as did "Sweet Dreams" from Time and A Word, an acknowledgement of Tony Kaye's previous tenure, but the crowd-pleasers from that album took precedence as the first YesWest tour wound on.



Rick Wakeman's history with the song is near the equal of his lead singer bandmate's, as he first played it in 1971 once he joined Yes on their Autumn run of dates in the UK and America.

I note all this because "Perpetual Change" is one of those songs which has come to be regarded as a Yes classic overall, but also specifically with each of the principles' involvement in Yes music.  It makes for a compelling statement and reminder to those in attendance that this music is a part of them as much as it is a part of history - Yes history and their history.  And as such I find it a very fitting welcome back to the continuum of their relationship with each other and our relationship with them.  Music is living history because it breathes anew each time we experience it, especially when performed live.

And I also appreciate the orchestral mockup of "Perpetual Change" which precedes the opener as a nod, again, both to Yes history (their use of Stravinsky's The Firebird suite as well as Young Persons' Guide to the Orchestra as entrance music) and also the desire Trevor previously had to create new entrance music for YesWest to use - I'm assuming he created this particular track using his TASCAM GigaStudio samplers.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Media Watch: some recent finds

As my readers are aware, I spend a lot of time casting my net wide for news and updates, but even with the best of nets sometimes things slip through...so here are a couple interviews with Trevor from the current promotional cycle which I discovered during a recent search; and each of them have a few interesting details.

From September 28th, an interview with Steve Black of WRIF.
http://wrif.com/2016/09/28/traver-rabin-interview/

From October 11th, an interview with The Hawk Morning Show.
http://www.999thehawk.com/morning-show-interviews/2016/10/11/trevor-rabin-interview---10716

And then yesterday this interview was published in advance of ARW's performance in Akron on October 29th:
http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/10/18/guitarist-trevor-rabin-reconnects-with-his-yes-bandmates-for-anderson-rabin-and-wakeman-tour#

And if all of that isn't enough, this week the radio program Debatable debuted on SiriusXM's Volume, which is the music-focused talk radio channel of the service.  The program is hosted by Mark Goodman (who most of us know as one of the original MTV VJs) and music journalist Alan Light.  According to mentions I've seen on Twitter, yesterday's episode featured Trevor along with legendary modern rock guitarists Vernon Reid and Tom Morello and jazz/fusion guitarist Stanley Jordan.  As you can tell from this slate, it represents a mini-reunion for some of the Guitars in the Round participants.  If I find additional information or excerpts I'll be sure to follow up on what I imagine was a fascinating discussion.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

ARW tour report: week two part two (Pennsylvania)

Reader beware: this entry contains SPOILERS! for week two of ARW's 2016 North American tour.  If you do not wish to read/view/listen to any details/elements of the tour prior to your applicable show then please do not read this entry!
_____________________________________________________________

Author's Note: A big thank you to everyone who shared photos and videos and impressions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and the Yesfans discussion forum. Each tour report entry could be considered a work-in-progress as I find more things to add.

The second half of week two was originally a four-night stand in the Keystone State - Larry Magid has deep ties in the area, so the number of dates booked for PA was not a surprise to me (in addition to the area's reputation as a Yes stronghold dating back to the 1970s) - but the Pittsburgh show was rescheduled for another day.

Pittsburgh
Postponed to October 30th and moved to a different venue due to concerns regarding the orchestra strike.

Bethlehem

Setlist:
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Audience videos:
"Cinema"
https://youtu.be/0GVihIUmK1Y
"Hold On"
https://youtu.be/dDGPGh3VUvc
https://youtu.be/J3sPFk7D9fQ
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLlcjquARiJ/
https://youtu.be/P1VZtI7qwJ8
https://youtu.be/e5GXrUFbwAM
https://youtu.be/P59mKNCNHZM
"Lift Me Up"
https://youtu.be/KD91s2BcNk8
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/q1WVDwmoWXs
https://youtu.be/nvThmubxC9c
"Rhythm of Love"
https://youtu.be/Wt45Ke-CBow
https://youtu.be/PenV-g2Q2jU
"The Fish"
https://youtu.be/tYA26-LfjlY
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://youtu.be/_OAQA4QrR-o
"Roundabout"
Montage of various songs.
https://youtu.be/amd9BQKSRA0

Photos:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu038EPUMAIrVti.jpg:large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu0EKozWgAAQh9s.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLli1fthiUZ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLlpcNmh74E/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLlgvJIBc0d/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLlc-GXg-cX/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209698831498999&set=p.10209698831498999&type=3&theater

A set of photos courtesy of John Santamaria.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154586935121197&set=pcb.10154586937346197&type=3&theater


Glenside
A photo posted by Todd (@digmuzak) on

(Saturday)

Setlist:
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press review:
http://www.goldminemag.com/article/arw-yes-name

Audience videos:
"Perpetual Change"
https://youtu.be/2IMXBEMyFaY
https://youtu.be/7wr53Nbzx3s
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://youtu.be/tzaUOfHeg3k
https://youtu.be/-9MdGIQcZn0
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/ifhJKZUpQGw
"Rhythm of Love"
https://youtu.be/ii873H9sDM0
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://www.facebook.com/offrampband/videos/10208593960339283/
https://youtu.be/zHy4IYAUTXA
https://youtu.be/o-HLpmEYTsg
"The Fish"
https://youtu.be/qJOp-LP49VA
"Awaken"
https://www.facebook.com/karen.spieker/videos/1468555346492960/
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.dolan.127/videos/10211016609110746/
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLq5dgAhhRs/
Final Bows
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLq6D5Eh9v_/

Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmqCfOBHgi/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmyQo4Bo8b/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu2mWaMUAAAHvdc.jpg:large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu2sCJVWEAA5f4L.jpg:large
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLm4c9JjQQm/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLn-dlgDl1v/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu28L__XEAAEp45.jpg:large
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnKVwVjybF/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnKqJjj2_I/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLn7OwDhtm8/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLoMEOHjDGT/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLobptYjyUx/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqLqG5jBrL/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqTWrRjvbx/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLr0zqsjrRO/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtRsNvj-5G/
https://twitter.com/digmuzak/status/787611449199734784
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu26EZGWcAASMII.jpg:large
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLm5XZfD4CY/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLm3ahih_DM/

A set of photos courtesy of Karen Mixon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211089017006158&set=pcb.1787487188139976&type=3&theater

(Sunday)

Setlist:
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press reviews:
https://musicgururadio.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/anderson-rabin-wakeman-live-at-the-keswick-theatre-glenside-pa/
http://billsmusicblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/arw-keswick-theater-10162016-jon.html

Audience videos:
"Hold On"
https://www.facebook.com/karen.spieker/videos/1468920649789763/
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://twitter.com/kettelb/status/787832879820574720
"Lift Me Up"
https://youtu.be/EAFo4MePH6Y
https://www.facebook.com/karen.spieker/videos/1469408903074271/
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/J7-lLSz9zUE
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpd636Aprb/
https://www.facebook.com/andypincus/videos/10210489011606757/
"Long Distance Runaround"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpYuG_D7kc/
"Awaken"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqwrekBvYa/
https://www.facebook.com/andypincus/videos/10210489460497979/
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://youtu.be/_zg_1c4G6E4
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpofbADTff/
https://youtu.be/tBfDIVr-xm0
"Roundabout"
https://youtu.be/dndPE41rkwE
https://youtu.be/Ir4r91qvMAk

Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154012285107157&set=p.10154012285107157&type=3&theater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpU-dLA03j/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpg4kWjs7q/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLpge89lYCo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqvB4TBYMBZ6d6Ab7NkaEn_rz9LgHpgu0Llqg0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqu8OfhTrJzqCKvtWqUVYosRv0rEyl2qGW5wI0/
https://twitter.com/pjmchenry17/status/787812646728962051
https://twitter.com/kettelb/status/787828680248532993
https://twitter.com/RichFranck/status/787852008422203392
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLrKD5nAUiC/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1351083338270442&set=p.1351083338270442&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1351072708271505&set=p.1351072708271505&type=3&theater
https://twitter.com/hisham_hm/status/788074670960611329
https://twitter.com/pjmchenry17/status/787845118917083136
https://twitter.com/mathriggs/status/787833794992693248
https://twitter.com/me0wmixalot/status/787838575396134912
https://twitter.com/digmuzak/status/788850013023731713

Some very nice photos courtesy of Yesfans member brianos.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/brianos_de/IMG_5244.png
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/brianos_de/IMG_5263.png
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/brianos_de/IMG_5269.png
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/brianos_de/IMG_5299.png
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/brianos_de/IMG_5311.png

Monday, October 17, 2016

Media Watch: Boston Herald article

Yesterday this article was published, in advance of ARW's performance at Boston's Wang Theatre on Wednesday, which features quotes from Trevor:
http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/2016/10/prog_rock_stalwarts_anderson_rabin_wakeman_join_forces

Friday, October 14, 2016

ARW tour report: week two part one (South Atlantic)

Reader beware: this entry contains SPOILERS! for week two of ARW's 2016 North American tour.  If you do not wish to read/view/listen to any details/elements of the tour prior to your applicable show then please do not read this entry!
_____________________________________________________________

Author's Note: A big thank you to everyone who shared photos and videos and impressions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and the Yesfans discussion forum. Each tour report entry could be considered a work-in-progress as I find more things to add.  There is a VOIO of the Hollywood show which I did not include, as I am saving full ROIOs and VOIOs for a later entry, but you can find it on YouTube.

The beginning of week two finds the boys moving in a circle of sorts, geographically-speaking, as they have to return to Florida for a make-up date.

Durham
A photo posted by Brandon (@klrbnc) on

Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

My adorable Rabid Rabinite BFF fiendish_thingy attended the Durham show, and she writes:
Sunday night's show was so joyful! It was obvious that the band was loving playing together. Their energy made the room feel like a big party, and by a few songs in, my face hurt from smiling. I wasn't born yet during most of Trevor's time with Yes, so I never thought I would get to see songs like "Hold On" or "Lift Me Up" played live. It was basically my dream setlist to see these favorites of mine performed alongside the "classic Yes" songs I also love. Each song came off differently from the record version, which was part of the beauty of the show. Songs I've heard a hundred times were new for a moment. Sunday's version of "Awaken" felt downright spooky, "Rhythm of Love" had a honky-tonk flare, and "Owner of a Lonely Heart" - what do I say but KEYTAR! I was lucky enough to be sitting just a few seats off of the aisle Rick and Trevor decided to go down at the end of "Owner," and I think that it made my life. And I've got to say something about the fashion. Rick's sparkly cape, Jon's adorable suit and totally rad boots, Trevor's pants! I know he has been changing it up from night to night, but on Sunday he was wearing some snazzy gray pants with black panels in the front. Bring your binoculars because the outfits are glorious. I could have sat there for another two hours if they had kept playing, and as soon as the show was over I wanted to go again. It was really a special show for me and for my mom who went with me, getting to see some of our very favorite musicians having a great time together and them letting us in on the fun.

Audience videos:
"Hold On"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXHVEnhF8V/
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/rFndfAuU9hw
"The Fish"
https://youtu.be/TxZ7-_V3fJA
"The Meeting"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXOgDZBYYm/
"Roundabout"
https://youtu.be/Y3JuhUMOejg
https://youtu.be/3s_xCJPxrAw
https://youtu.be/SrJ-63kM_Us

Photos:
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14572438_10208928281618349_7496223121703349116_n.jpg?oh=14b4ce722777be4727bd7b203c31deb7&oe=586F1862
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-9/14610969_10209230525872566_2039588750583003697_n.jpg?oh=23a6913bc3dd63478c63f9ec004bd9e1&oe=58ABC7A2
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14591646_10209230527592609_1890134437648391702_n.jpg?oh=47b5ca1f879016e5841079efd8020447&oe=58609F00
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14522938_10210565008747746_3699863236401080431_n.jpg?oh=6f0a07dc9edd9436d0ec85d0267dde7a&oe=58A74C76
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14590313_1310026372364927_8189981069734501878_n.jpg?oh=cd13dcc6b75ef456552606cbe22a6f00&oe=589EAB01
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLYhH-pgD8D/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuX5DhmXgAAs9SA.jpg:large
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14657362_1301583106541733_7409904167420123730_n.jpg?oh=e2fda581884635677bc5a9057aec327f&oe=58620B82
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CucoCEtWgAATodi.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZwzw9AGLv/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CusXbn0W8AAr1Uy.jpg:large
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14502819_1310030029031228_7127101777819209133_n.jpg?oh=fe7fe979187c469aca0f141445ccf044&oe=589E94E2
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209429852654524&set=p.10209429852654524&type=3&theater

Atlanta
A photo posted by Courtney Fox (@cfox8) on

Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press review:
http://www.qromag.com/reviews/concert_reviews/arw/

QRO Magazine photo gallery.
http://www.qromag.com/concert_gallery/?g2_itemId=769214

Audience videos:
"Hold On"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZyPyHjC50/
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZ_WN9gj7S/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLb2EpkDjrO/
"Lift Me Up"
https://youtu.be/VyZUOrfaq38
"And You and I"
https://youtu.be/WUJfGMkcS10
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://youtu.be/6RgaDZfTP6k
"Long Distance Runaround/The Fish"
https://youtu.be/WpZcYrrP20k
"The Meeting"
https://youtu.be/kQTyXfz_UrM
"Awaken"
https://youtu.be/hT3ZpPYuXSM
https://youtu.be/hEkBLamQ56Y
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLaAhRagC5E/
https://youtu.be/9_Q4HbFr-cw
https://youtu.be/YiquyRYIGuc
Montage of various songs:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZzGwAhm6M/

Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZzbfFBnsh/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZziuzD7vc/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLaH736D2db/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZ-Wv4A-_h/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLaCA2VhXoR/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLaCg5fhylk/
https://twitter.com/bailsfox/status/785848458188128256
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLcGK82lDui/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cucon_9WYAA0HmI.jpg:large
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14581513_10207704525633017_6745646781079846655_n.jpg?oh=3d9c1adbb6496faa8a095d786e6ce720&oe=589E335E
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14520397_10207704530993151_2848281700029051908_n.jpg?oh=c159b5f7d23494129f18ce3e99743327&oe=586791C1
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14670870_10207705425815521_7169869117938536248_n.jpg?oh=d49ae6003990866b12046069e32e9e9d&oe=58AA6617

A nice set of photos courtesy of Lou Lambruschi.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211120863282094&set=a.10211121219410997&type=3&theater

Hollywood
As the tour's Court Jester, Rick seems to believe being a workplace hazard adds a bit of spice to life...
Setlist
Cinema/Perpetual Change
Hold On
I've Seen All Good People
Lift Me Up
And You and I
Rhythm of Love
Heart of the Sunrise
Long Distance Runaround/The Fish
The Meeting
Awaken
Make It Easy/Owner of a Lonely Heart
Encore:
Roundabout

Press reviews:
http://progreport.com/concert-review-arw-hard-rock-live-hollywood-fla-10-12-16/
http://teamrock.com/livereview/2016-10-13/anderson-rabin-wakeman-live-in-florida
http://rockatnight.com/2016/10/arw-a-triumphal-return-which-breathed-new-life-into-yes-timeless-prog-rock-classics/

Audience videos:
"Cinema/Perpetual Change"
https://youtu.be/OcVL4k0sXdM
"Hold On"
https://youtu.be/6ViaHr2UmAshttps://youtu.be/1Ta11AhsLjY
"I've Seen All Good People"
https://twitter.com/BROD560/status/786366438676258817
https://youtu.be/gZrGaQE9DCY
"And You and I"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe89zMjfPJ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe9oXmDEqI/
https://www.facebook.com/erni.martucci/videos/572840829588901/
https://www.facebook.com/gom3zr/videos/10210546788449919/
https://youtu.be/2zYdlLDVDEU
"Heart of the Sunrise"
https://youtu.be/0oyrFXA2jPo
"Long Distance Runaround"
https://twitter.com/BROD560/status/786379227436318720
https://youtu.be/YQmFM-ehFTY
"The Meeting"
https://www.facebook.com/gom3zr/videos/10210546622605773/
"Awaken"
https://youtu.be/Ovl7WAEYsU4
"Owner of a Lonely Heart"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLfUoRNBSBx/
https://youtu.be/zKHJRwY7SJ4
"Roundabout"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLfJ1pgBl6X/
https://youtu.be/zdAcj6byrsQ
https://youtu.be/Hm9i3itEiEE

Photos:
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786358499412434952
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe4ePQjDR_/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe4i3chnNQ/
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786362076717547520
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe-c_qBWCZ/
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786367973573394433
https://twitter.com/tronbunny/status/786373103085576192
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgfbRlDLR1/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLcoAbbD7Ba/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLfKI7KByUf/
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786413197712502784
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786412853880197121
https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/786413018062041088
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155458488867316&set=a.286375097315.180534.554867315&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155458642417316&set=pcb.10155458643762316&type=3&theater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLhL7gwD-tQ/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209733329983726&set=p.10209733329983726&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1195463883833654&set=p.1195463883833654&type=3&theater

Photos and video from soundcheck:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLevkiGhmrL/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLe3DFKhHni/
https://twitter.com/TMB_Virtual/status/786560083358420992

A very nice photo op courtesy of Adam Keller.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155458816847316&set=a.286375097315.180534.554867315&type=3&theater