Yes - Yessongs

Yessongs is a riveting documentary-style film centered around the hugely popular English rock band, Yes. Directed by Peter Neal in 1975, the film brings the band's hypnotic, virtuoso performances to life through a collection of live music experiences masterfully pieced together. Unlike many resources that celebrated Yes for their studio creativity and innovation, Yessongs brings to light the pulsating energy, talent, and complex arrangements that became the band's signature style during live performances.

The band themselves, Yes, are renowned for their distinct blend of progressive, symphonic rock, which they brought onto the international stage in the 1970s. The film features the classic Yes line-up of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and Alan White (drums). Notably, White had just replaced Bill Bruford, who only appears in the credits of this film.

Yessongs dives deep into the band's elaborate and ambitious tour that took place during 1972-1973, showcasing their iconic music and flamboyant live performances. Known for their unique style, combining inventive arrangements, ambitious concepts, and virtuosic performances, Yes brought about a new kind of showmanship to the rock concert stage, thriving on challenges and complex compositions where each player was both a soloist and part of a massive, intricate weave of sound and style.

What distinguishes Yessongs as a film is the fact that it does not aim at documenting a standard narrative journey of the band. It primarily showcases the live performance prowess of Yes and their almost theatrical music, interleaved with interviews, backstage footage, and group conversations. This establishes a more personal connection between the band and the viewer, providing exclusive insights into the persona and soul of the band, beyond their music.

The film captures the band’s most famous pieces from their album, Close to the Edge and Fragile, at their most electric and inspired moments, replete with Rick Wakeman's extravagant capes and Roger Dean's otherworldly stage sets.

Roger Dean's surrealistic and fantastical artwork—a distinctive feature of Yes's album covers—is also seamlessly integrated into the film. Visual effects inspired by Dean's paintings provide transitory links between different portions of the film that add to its dreamlike elements, making the film a multi-sensory feast, beyond just the music.

While the film will serve as a spellbinding journey for hard-core Yes fans, it also provides an avenue for those unfamiliar with the band to experience their mesmerizing performances. The uninitiated may come to appreciate the sheer skill, talent, and musicianship Yes brought onto the stage without necessarily following the band in their time.

Yes's music, full of spiritual and philosophical themes, resonates with a wide audience, especially those who enjoy orchestral complexities and intertwining melodies. The film effectively captures the band's ability to play intensely complex arrangements live—no mean feat considering their penchant for sprawling musical epics that could last up to 20 minutes or more.

Yessongs is not just about the live concerts. It's about the energy and the chemistry between the band members. The film is generous in offering footage of the band's daily life off stage, providing an intimate portrait of each band member, and humanizing these titans of progressive rock.

The film culminates in a massive concert at London's Rainbow Theatre, a performance that truly encompasses the band's onstage energy, musical dexterity, and charismatic presence. Arguably, the scenes from this epic event represent the crowning glory of the Yessongs film and illustrate how Yes have earned their reputation as one of the best live bands of their time.

In conclusion, Yessongs is not just a film—it is a rich tapestry interwoven with music, art, and the spirit of progressive rock as epitomized by Yes. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the band's music, the film is assured to leave you with an appreciation for the phenomenal force that is Yes. From its sublime depiction of live performances to the intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the band's life, Yessongs is undoubtedly a triumph of music documentation that stands the test of time.