ANDERSON/WAKEMAN: Review

Anderson/Wakeman - The Living Tree in Concert Part One (Gonzo Mutlimedia) ****

Not too long ago Anderson and Wakeman presented us with the excellent "The Living Tree." Since then, they've taken this project out on the road on both sides of the Atlantic. This release documents the concerts, and shows what went down on stage.

Right away, the listener is experiencing the very laid back nature of the concert. Both performers are in a very fine shape artistically. They play around with the songs, and really draw out a variety of the material. Both men were in Yes, so of course, there is a fair dose of the Yes tracks. And it's really great how they rearranged these songs, so they fit the overall format of the show.

The Yes material and Anderson/Wakeman tracks are very naturally linked by their co-creators, making it a very enjoyable live recording. The duo even dust off "The Meeting" from their Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, Howe collaboration from 1989. A very impressive album, that helped to re-establish the 70s version of Yes in modern times. "23/24/11" still steals the show, and that is just such a fine track off "The Living Tree." It's as good in the studio as it is on stage. "Long Distance Runaround" is another great stand out tracks from the past, and the duo gives it a very nice semi-acoustic treatment. And who could forget the reggae rendition of "Time And A Word," with a good measure of The Beatles thrown in for your enjoyment.

Anderson/Wakeman is a very natural connection. The live performance has a very organic feel. And it's unbelievable what you can accomplish only with two players. Considering this is only part one, there should be at least one other live set to follow. Also, let's hope this duo will continue to make music in time to come.

Mark Kadzielawa

Original review

Gonzo Artist Page for Anderson/Wakeman

ANDERSON/WAKEMAN: Do you believe in magick?

What happens when two much loved ex-members of one of the world's foremost progressive rock bands collaborate as a duo? Magick. That's what.Musical magick.

Formed in 1968, and almost signed to The Beatles Apple label, Yes are undoubtedly one of the most important bands in the world of prog music. For over forty years they have followed their own idiosyncratic path, and are still producing interesting and challenging music, at the age when many men are settling into a life of pipe, slippers, and taking the dog for a walk half an hour before closing time. The in and outs of the personnel of Yes would take a whole book in itself (indeed it has, on a number of occasions) and it is far too complicated a matter to go into here. However in 2010 the contemporary lineup of the band had two famous faces who were conspicuous by their abscence.

Jon Anderson, the singer with one of the most distinctive voices in rock music, was a founder member of the band, but had left in the early 2000's because of health reasons, and Rick Wakeman, the keyboard player who had been in the band on no less than five different occasions, decided to team up for a joint venture.

Anderson says, “Listening to the songs on this album, I realize how connected I am with Rick. We have this natural singsong way of creating that seems to roll off the tongue. I am so thankful for our friendship and mutual love of music, and most of all—the fun we have working together, whether onstage or making this album of songs via the Internet. It’s as though we have excluded ‘time and space’ to make this music.”

Wakeman adds, “Light, love, belief and truth combine to create true friendships. Add music and you have a bonding of souls. That’s what has happened with ‘The Living Tree’ from the day the seed was planted.”

Just listen to what is on offer. These two records contain real magick (if you believe in such things, and I have to admit that I do). Give them a listen, and you will believe in magick as well.

Check them out at Gonzo:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/artists/6633/Anderson%20/%20Wakeman