This double-disc set assembles Jon Anderson's own tapes from the New Life Band Song of Seven tour of 1980 on their Sheffield stop (December 3 for those who document such things). The nonet band includes Morris Pert, Ronnie Leahy, Lee Davidson, Jo Partridge, and Barry DeSouza. The sound quality? C'mon, these tapes were carried around -- in a non-archival state -- for over two decades, and the set was issued by Voiceprint fer crissakes; it is deteriorated soundboard material. That said, these tapes are superior to the ...
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This double-disc set assembles Jon Anderson's own tapes from the New Life Band Song of Seven tour of 1980 on their Sheffield stop (December 3 for those who document such things). The nonet band includes Morris Pert, Ronnie Leahy, Lee Davidson, Jo Partridge, and Barry DeSouza. The sound quality? C'mon, these tapes were carried around -- in a non-archival state -- for over two decades, and the set was issued by Voiceprint fer crissakes; it is deteriorated soundboard material. That said, these tapes are superior to the numerous fan tapes and bootlegs that have been traded over the years. There's plenty of hiss and some dropouts (though not totally wiped-out sections); yet this is a rather excellent performance. The material includes plenty of Yes material -- "Long Distance Runaround," "I've Seen All Good People," "Ritual," "Perpetual Change," etc. -- as well as tracks from Olias of Sunhillow, Song of Seven, and more. In addition, the performances are enhanced by a bonus disc of the tour rehearsals for the show. It's hard to imagine any but the most ardent Yes or Anderson fan wanting these cuts, but everyone knows that such fans exist and are plentiful. Still, it's a fine thing that the music is available from a proper source after all this time. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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