Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks – Live Perpetual Change (Album Review)

by Geoff Bailie

What do you envisage life being like when you’re 80? There are probably very few of us who would see that as anything like what we did in our teens and twenties — but for many of the older generation of rock stars, there seems to be no good reason to stop!

In the case of Jon Anderson, that meant that in 2024, True, his album recorded with The Band Geeks, was arguably his most acclaimed release since Olias of Sunhillow in 1976.

True was preceded by Anderson’s first tour with these musicians in 2023, where the setlist was unapologetically the Yes classics — no solo material, no new songs — just unashamedly the epics and classics that Yes fans know him for. And there’s no reason to apologise for that. Of course, between 2016 and 2018, the Anderson Rabin Wakeman group toured the world, playing songs from the Yes catalogue, with setlists that mixed 1970s and 1980s-era Yes, striving to some extent to bring their own sound to the pre-Rabin era – but this is something different.

With The Band Geeks, the modus operandi seems to have been to provide Jon with the best possible and most faithful backing band to present a setlist of epic Yes tracks — including mega-epics like Close to the Edge and The Gates of Delirium — that a band like ARW would never have tackled. So what you have here is a band that wants to respect and honour these classic songs, and a vocalist who is still able to hit the heights (vocally and emotionally) that this music needs.

Assuming you’re already a Yes fan, I won’t go through the minutiae of each track, except to say that The Band Geeks inject an energy into these pieces which Jon is more than able to keep pace with. While there are small variations and personalisations here and there, each musician knows that there’s a series of notes — a set of sounds — that are needed, and drifting from that score isn’t necessary. I’d already written part of this review with only having the audio files – but I recently got a copy of the Blu-ray and actually that adds a whole new layer of revelation. The sheer joy and energy that the Band Geeks members give off during these performances is something to behold. Drummer Andy Ascolese puts in an incredibly energetic performance, bringing the flourishes of Bruford, the power of White and his own little additions, constantly looking like he’s having the time of his life! Christopher Clark and Robert Kipp are on keys, with Kipp serving as utility guy when extra guitar is needed – this provides an enormous sound bed for the music but also some incredible lead playing. There’s a hilarious moment during the Gates battle section where Kipps doesn’t have any keyboard part to play but is joyously punching out the stabs of the music with his fist, such is his enjoyment! Andy Graziano on guitar faithfully nails every essential guitar part but like the keyboard players uses the spots where live Yes would have verged into improvisation to add his own stamp to things. Last and by no means least, band leader Richie Castellano absolutely nails, and then some, the essential Squire bass tones and riffs, bouncing around the stage while doing so, and capturing the “light and shade” of Chris Squire’s playing: driving and strident when required, but soft and supportive when that’s what’s needed.

Another thing to add is that, as with True, the vocal prowess of the band is on equal footing with their instrumental chops. That means that songs like I’ve Seen All Good People and Yours Is No Disgrace have stunning vocals in addition to the music.

Last but by no means least, Jon is front of stage, singing fantastically, swaying and conducting but also clearly immensely enjoying music that is flowing around him. His voice is strong and confident and the vocal arrangements have been constructed in a way to ensure that this instrument comes across at its finest. So I noticed that on some of the group harmonies Jon takes a slightly lower part, presumably to then preserve the powers and the heights of his range for moments like, for example, the finale of Awaken which is a breathtaking vocal performance. For a man of any age, this performance deserves the standing ovations it receives!

I expect you’ve gathered by now that I have high praise for this album, but there’s one remaining question: with Yes studio and live albums in abundance, why would I listen to this one? To be honest, it’s a question I’ve asked myself, but I feel there are three great reasons:

1. Jon Anderson’s voice is incredible — it’s fantastic to hear him singing this signature material so well, and you’ll be amazed at his performance on this set.
2. The Band Geeks’ arrangements manage to pinpoint the sweet spot between the original studio recordings and the energy of live performances. So it’s not a slavish copy of the albums, but the performances crackle with the energy of a truly connected band.
3. There is a Blu-ray and this is the very best way to enjoy these performances.

With murmurings of Jon & The Band Geeks 2 studio album on the way and more touring, this live release is definitely one that Yes fans shouldn’t miss out on!