YES TO RELEASE LIVE SYMPHONIC ALBUM

YES TO RELEASE LIVE SYMPHONIC ALBUM

2/10/2009

Yes will release its latest live album, called Symphonic Live, on February 24th. The double disc features the band captured in concert with the European Festival Orchestra, in support of the 2001 Yes studio set Magnification. Rather than replace longtime keyboardist Rick Wakeman with another player, the band -- in one of its riskier moves -- utilized a symphony orchestra in the studio and on the road to tackle Wakeman's complex and legendary parts.

Highlights on the 14-track Symphonic Live include "Close To The Edge," "Long Distance Runaround," "Starship Trooper," "And You And I," "I've Seen All Good People," "Owner Of A Lonely Heart," and "Roundabout," among others.

Looking back, singer Jon Anderson remembers how pivotal a role FM radio played for Yes when the band first got its start: "It was a very interesting time, the beginning of the '70s, because radio was getting its FM radio and people would play longer pieces of music. It wasn't as you say poppy. Progressive rock music -- it was a career all of a sudden."

SIDE NOTES

Yes launched the current leg of its In The Present tour on Monday night (February 9th) in Houston, Texas at the House Of Blues. The current touring lineup includes bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman -- son of legendary Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Temporary lead vocalist Benoit David is filling in for Anderson, who is suffering from respiratory failure due to chronic asthma.