Chris thanked and greeted the audience. Squire introduced Benoit and Oliver before the band played "Tempus Fugit" from Drama. David was daring in his movements as he danced to the rapid rhythms and edgy scale progressions of the song. Benoit appeared more confident in his role on this tour. We had the pleasure of seeing Yes in November of 2008 and David - while capable was perhaps more cautious when starting out to replace - at least, temporality - the legendary Jon Anderson in a controversial band maneuver. However, the switch is paying off and his increased animation added to the overall energy of the evening.

"Astral Traveler" was infused with cryptic guitar chords, crashing rhythms and colorful keys that segued into a powerful pulsing drum solo by Alan. White's kit was permeated in various colored lights enhancing his dynamic presentation.

Benoit David is growing in his role as Yes front man.

Howe picked out the distinctive opening notes to "And You And I" with chromatic keys floating to the top of the mix. Wakeman takes a more subtle approach to the full spectrum of keyboard sections that are such an important part of the Yes sound. Oliver is a strong player in his own right and we would like to have seen more solos from him. David singing soared on the song as Steve signature slide work was stunning.

After Howe's solos the group performed an energized and engaging version of "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" from 90125. Returning to the Drama record Yes played "Machine Messiah", which was massive with its monster rhythms, menacing guitar leads and mesmerizing keys. David played an acoustic guitar as the song moved into its more melodic moments. As the momentum picked back up Benoit switched to a tambourine and was spinning around as Oliver's creepy and concise keys floated to the top of the mix.

We presumed that Yes's robust version of "Roundabout" would close the set but the band surprised us with a stunning "Heart Of The Sunrise". The song ran from frenzied to fabulous with many in the audience stretching out their hands as David lushly sang the lyrics "Sharp-Distance".

"Thank you very much for being a great audience," stated Steve before the encore "Starship Trooper" which was spacious with Howe utilizing two guitars as the song flew through various speeds and styles. Thus ending the show on a high note.

Asia came out strong and opened the evening's proceedings with two songs from their self-titled Asia album. "Wildest Dreams" was energetically executed with Carl Palmer powerfully propelling the rhythms of the hit. "Only Time Will Tell" was timeless with Howe utilizing the treble technique along with other skills for a variety of textures and tones.

"Extraordinary Life" from Asia's most recent record Phoenix was a reflective rocker with Steve playing two guitars. "Remember MTV?," asked John, the first night, the first thing you would have seen was "Video Killed The Radio Star". Wetton sang through a megaphone for the first part of the 80's tune. Downes was exuberant on the keys adding some effects. The crowd clapped along as Steve added lush licks and a little jam to the video hit.

Continuing the retro theme, Asia performed King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King". The psychedelic tune was a pageantry of sounds pulsing with powerful percussion and precise leads from Steve. Adding to the historic nature of the night - flautist and King Crimson founding member Ian McDonald took the stage to add the signature flute solo to the number he help pen 40 years ago - adding some meditative meandering and bringing the song to a mighty close.

Chris Squire, Alan White and Oliver Wakeman of Yes.

"The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" from Alpha was slow and sweet with Howe picking pretty chords from a lap combined with rich, vibrant rhythms. Staying with the slower mode, Asia performed "Don't Cry" acoustically, which was soft yet strong with subtle keys adding to the mood like a gentle rain.

"Fanfare For The Common Man" was a fan favorite with Palmer powerfully propelling the piece through bold bass lines and beguiling keys. Carl's solo was fast, furious and fearless with some slick stick work and gongs. His bombardment of the kit had the crowd in a fever before the rest of the band joined the fray again.

"Sole Survivor" was a steady stream of sounds featuring a soaring Steve solo. "Heat of the Moment" was agile and animated allowing ample room for audience participation and ended the set with no encore on a solid note.

Both Asia and Yes performed career spanning sets from their vibrant and varied catalogues demonstrating why both bands have had major impacts on music. Each presented engaging live sets that will stand the test of time. After numerous standing ovations and roaring feedback from the evening's audience we can honestly report that these classic prog rock bands were both excellent - and Howe!

YES Set List:
Siberian Khatru
I've Seen All Good People
Tempus Fugit
Astral Traveler
And You And I
Steve Solo I
Steve Solo II
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Machine Messiah
Roundabout
Heart Of The Sunrise
Starship Trooper

Yes 2009:
Steve Howe - guitars
Chris Squire - bass
Alan White - drums
Benoit David - vocals
Oliver Wakeman - keyboards

ASIA Set List:
Wildest Dreams
Only Time Will Tell
Extraordinary Life
Video Killed the Radio Star
In The Court of the Crimson King
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Don't Cry
Fanfare For the Common Man
Sole Survivor
Heat of the Moment

Asia 2009:
Steve Howe - guitars
Geoff Downes - keyboards
Carl Palmer - drums
John Wetton - bass and vocals

Asia's John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes.

Related Links: For more information on YES & ASIA and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- YesWorld.com | OriginalAsia.com | WellmontTheatre.com | Search "YES" | Search "ASIA"

Originally Published: 07/31/2009 on Kweevak.com