|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hittin' the High Notes in New York City A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch Singer Jon Anderson is a founding member of the influential prog-rock group Yes. Anderson's iconic alto voice and intriguing lyrics have shaped much of the band's sound in its four decade history. Jon is also known for his work with Vangelis and Kitaro. He recently released The Living Tree - a collaboration with longtime Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The duo's debut studio album of nine original tracks has received rave reviews.
 Jon Anderson was in a good mood and in great voice at B.B. Kings in New York City. Jon Anderson performed to a capacity crowd at B.B. Kings in New York City on April 30, 2011. He is currently out in support of his upcoming album Survival and Other Stories. The CD has an inspirational message as it addresses the themes of healing, life, love, survival and understanding. The concert tour called "An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson" features solo material, new songs and classics from the Yes catalogue. Bird sounds were heard before Jon took the stage around 8 p.m. Anderson was warmly welcomed by his fans. He started strumming an acoustic guitar as he sang in what sounded like Spanish before flowing into "Yours Is No Disgrace". He incorporated different vocal arrangements into the piece. Since this was an acoustic show the songs were stripped down. In some cases they were shortened - which allowed the focus to remain on the lyrics and vocals with Anderson aptly using his instruments to accent the presentation. The audience was very appreciative of Jon and his acoustic interpretations and he smiled often throughout the show. "Sweet Dreams" and "Long Distance Runaround" were played on guitar with Jon's melodic voice carrying both tunes in their more simplified versions. Spirited guitars emphasized the statement that "love is everything" as he moved into "Time and a Word" that featured a blend of raspy vocals with the high notes. "Thank you all for coming out, I look forward to coming to B.B. Kings," declared Anderson. At this point, Jon spoke of recovering from being gravely ill and how supportive his wife was during this time. He recalled recuperating and mumbling a tune that became "Under Heaven's Door (Never Ever). It was a moving song about overcoming, winning and belief, ending with Jon's signature "whoo"! "Count Your Blessings" was inspiring with its message that "love will always come through" and the refrain "you are part of the stars". Jon then shared a story about meeting keyboardist Vangelis and collaborating with him on two albums. One did well and the other flopped. At that point, the duo felt the pressure to write a hit song. They did which resulted in the two performing on an English TV program called Top of the Pops. It was then that Vangelis realized he did not want to be a pop star. It was a good lead into an engaging version of "I'll Find My Way Home". Jon joked that when everyone learns to play guitar they learn E and than A. He described that with those two you can write a song but when he found another suspended chord he came up with the pattern for "Starship Trooper". He proceeded to play a condensed version closing with the comment "remember when it went on forever". "Our souls are forever," stated Anderson touching again on the subject of being close to death. He said he no longer feared death and how his experience had a profound effect on him. Next, he offered up "Unbroken Spirit" - a new song that was a pretty and poetic piece about life. Jon then shared a Yes story regarding a gig in Argentina. Yes was the first English group to play the region after the Falklands War. There had been death threats against the band and bassist Chris Squire had warned Jon that they would shoot the singer first. "I ran around the stage so fast" quipped Jon as he played "Owner of a Lonely Heart" with changes in the pace and vocalization of the song. Moving to the keyboards, Jon played a medley that had bits of "Close To The Edge" and "You Got the Light" for his honey. Picking us a ukulele, Anderson inspired us with the words "you got the light" as the crowd sang the "boom boom" parts. Anderson thanked the audience for singing so much and returned to the guitar for an acoustic and altered interpretation of "And You and I". Jon mentioned that about five years ago he started writing his memoirs. Jon and his brother Tony had a band when they were in their teens. The song "Tony and Me" told their story with bits of music from The Beatles and The Everly Brothers mixed in. Anderson talked about his solo work and performed songs from that period. Returning to the Yes catalogue Anderson moved into "Your Move" and led the audience through the give peace a chance part with a shout-out to John Lennon. "I've Seen All Good People" also included the crowd singing and clapping along. "I am going to try a new song from the new album," said Jon as he played a tune with a theme of understanding truth. Instead of leaving the stage, Anderson said "encore" and encouraged the audience to stand and stretch their legs. "Roundabout" was rousing as it was another audience participation song. "Remember you are the light, you are so powerful," said Jon as he moved in to a spirited "Soon". 'O'er" was an Irish flavored song sang with soul thus ending "An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson" on an enchanting note.
 Jon Anderson's new CD and the poster for his April 30, 2011 concert in New York. Related Links: For more information on JON ANDERSON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- JonAnderson.com | B.B. King Blues Club (Originally Published on May 01, 2011) |
PLEASE CONTACT US AT -- PHONE: 973.556.5400|E-MAIL
About Us | Band & Artist Community | Client Testimonials | Concert Tickets New Members & Music | Press Releases | Radio Show | Reviews-CD | Reviews-DVD | Send Music
© 2012 SoundPress.net | All Rights Reserved
|
