Yes Reaction: Classical Guitarist REACTS to Yes Awaken 2003

[@JoneRuiz]

Want to see the latest guitar accessories that are popular right now? Just click here! amzn.to/3QMB2om

[@chazwyman8951]

"Like the time I ran away; turned around and you were standing close to me."

[@mrmuffin60]

You don't listen to Awaken, you experience it. Biblical.

[@martinreed5964]

dive in, Yes is a collection of the greatest musicians of the era

[@souldreamer9056]

The best ever performance of this is Jon Anderson (Yes’ singer) performing with Todmobile, with full choir, orchestra and band. Majestic as hell. Todmobile are an Icelandic band. It’s on KZbin.

[@lookmanohands1966]

Another prog masterpiece. They choke me up it's so beautiful sometimes

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Yes is the best band ever. Thx for your reaction 👍💪

[@nickmastro6870]

Oh my, you should check out the whole Close to the Edge album, will blow your mind. It's among the best in the general prog genre I highly recommend

[@Divedown_25]

Awaken is one fabulous song

[@diannkelley3481]

Or even Yessongs to see the talent of the best Prog band ever. While I hear this, I think of their live version of this song and know that will once again be my next video to see, I think from 1991!

[@markjacobsen8335]

The chord progression is just the circle of 5ths. My favorite piece of music of all time. As a classical guitarist you should definitely hit "Turn Of The Century". Enjoy your YES journey. It's been a great one for all of us.

[@aprilstewart5929]

That chord progression is hypnotic (which might be why it's the Circle of Fifths).

[@deoTS1]

you're right that this progression, at its root (pardon the pun), is the circle of fifths. but i'd add that it's not "just" the circle of fifths. specifically: the chord voicings, inversions, and quality (major or minor) do not follow a specific repeating sequence. this goes a *long* way to make this section feel less repetitive and instead, more transcendent. it really is exceptional orchestration.

[@aprilstewart5929]

@@deoTS1 Well....now I gotta go to my piano and see if you're right; I think there are repetitions, but you're right about the inversions- however, the melody and vocals may be distracting both of us. I think I'll check this out, tomorrow.

[@S-Ltd1000]

I love watching these first time reactions to the major Yes pieces. I'm fortunate enough to have seen them on numerous occasions and I'm truly grateful for that.

[@williamburkholder769]

Every YES album recorded between 1970 and 1977 is worth hearing multiple times. Some people will find some of it TOO much, but with multiple listens, you hear more and more and more. The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Yessongs, Tales from Topographic Oceans, Relayer, and Going for the One are the core albums of their best work. I've never been bored with it.

[@randyteta9170]

Starship Trooper is the song you need to hear

[@peterthompson8014]

Welcome to the world of YES music. One of the most significant Acts the 20th century

[@uncletom618]

Hello kind Sir, if you want to hear another like that song, try choosing another song from that album called “Turn of the Century “. It has alot of acoustic/classical guitars, and is as beautiful as “Awaken”. I just suggested Awaken two days ago, hopefully you choose my suggestion again! Thank youfor your insightful analysis

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Absolutely and a great version is on the 35th Anniversary Tour called Songs From Tsongas. Normally l would say listen to the original album version first

[@markwitherspoon1416]

One of my favorite songs and with your guitar background you will love it!

[@steeleye2112]

There are bands I like, bands I love but a few that include Yes are beyond this, they are life itself, one of the reasons I'm here is to experience things like this that there aren't really any words for.

[@alexandreandrade9273]

If you want listen YES more JAZZ so, you have that listen the "RELAYER" album! Can not wait for that...

[@IanHillan]

My all time favorite song. First time I heard it was aged 16 in early 1978 and it literally changed my life and turned me in a new direction. It is still a spiritual experience every time.

[@danielmora7382]

Very good reaction! If you want something similar from Yes, try "And You and I", one of their signature songs, and very acoustic-driven. All of the peak Yes music (including the one you just listened to) is 70s music. Awaken is from 1977. Hope you enjoy!

[@marxter6]

Also Turn of the Century from Going for the One is worthy!

[@marialourdessalinasmejia9072]

To me, yes music is not of this world, simply magic ever!!!!!

[@loisr3970]

Lord luvs ducks... my hubby and I have been married 45 yrs. Out on our little lake in the canoe. Sunset, It deserves the time to absorb all given to us! You hear something else every listen . Couple cuts...Changes, See all good people. Cheers

[@johnamick]

Masterpiece.

[@brianbarcroft9167]

Stupendous. Anderson's voice is angelic. Arrangement superb. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@souldreamer9056]

That “weird progression” is a repeating circle of fifths, cycling through all 12 major chords and then starting over.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Ladies and gentlemen YES the greatest show on earth. Nice reaction Jone. Enjoy your Yes journey, Siberian Khatru is funky, Sound Chaser is super jazzy. 🙏🍁

[@wendellwiggins2900]

Crazy! This was your first YES. OMG! You went straight to the top

[@stevo43068]

"Close to the Edge," friend. 😁❤️

[@christopherhuot2826]

YES is one of a kind!!!

[@IvorPresents]

Close to the Edge is Epic Yes. Roundabout is immaculate, Saw them in '76. DC. Their music does not age.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Jone, check out "Turn of the Century", by Yes, from the same album as Awaken! It's more classical-guitar driven and just as beautiful as Awaken! You will love it!

[@yyzwdm]

Going For The One is one of my favorite Yes albums. So many great songs and in my opinion, some of their greatest work.

[@douglaskrug4806]

If there ever was a song that was truly spiritual, it is this track by Yes. A beautiful, brilliant composition by (by my account) the best progressive rock band of all time. Had the good fortune to witness this song played live in concert and it sounded just as good! Thanks for an inspirational and insightful review!

[@judiekrapf6926]

My husband has seen YES 49 times live......me, just a mere "several". I welcome you to our world ! Best band, EVER.

[@nonrepublicrat]

You will certainly like YES: Turn of the Century.

[@jameswattles7341]

Welcome to the world of YES you'll find you will be constantly amazed. Thanks for your reaction.

[@greenbluemonkey]

This is the album that I learned to like Yes. To love Yes actually. This song is one of their best.

[@EccentricAuntWanda1]

Turn of the Century from this album is really amazing. Great review - this was one of the best Yes songs. Also great are songs from the Yes Album or Fragile.

[@JAMP1865]

Thanks for your comments again, as I mentioned earlier try “a mood for a day” One side note Chris Squire (rip) was a pioneer bassist with melodic lines, having a cult like followers

[@bookhouseboy280]

Howe playing "Mood For a Day" (at 2:29 after "Your Move") live 1975: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPCgaqDnt18lZI

[@DavidLazarus]

Very melodic, yes. However, he also plays some great chords in this song as well as others. Chris was definitely a prolific, master class bassist.

[@TheRKae]

A lot of people are suggesting it, so let me add my voice to that chorus: Listen to "Turn of the Century." It's a classical guitar masterpiece. Also listen to "The Ancient" from "Tales from Topographic Oceans."

[@rk41gator]

Epic Yes. You started out BIG. lol

[@RePete02]

Thanks for 1) using the studio album and 2) actually listening for long periods without interruption. Steve Howe is a wonderful guitarist with a unique sound and style.

[@charlesfewlass2120]

I had the privilege of having seeing and hearing them perform this piece in an outdoor concert in the Nineties. It was a moment when all eight musicians that had been a part of Yes during the Seventies came together for one album and one tour. It was also the perfect moment to perform this complex piece live. It was sublime. Another song from the album that also delivers goosebumps is Turn of the Century. Thank you for doing a reaction to this song! Cheers!

[@j_omega_t]

"Yours Is No Disgrace" is my favorite classic Yes. "I'm Running" is my favorite post-Classic. Both are awesome.

[@digdoug9352]

"I'm Running" is a great suggestion. The older albums have always been my favorite, however the "newer" albums have grown on me over the years. I think many Yes fans would appreciate reactions to some deeper cuts.

[@nevbarnes1034]

I love Squire's opening to _I'm Running._

[@danielmora7382]

Something similar in spirit to Yes is Genesis. Let me introduce you to their guitarist Steve Hackett, a very humble, unassuming and self taught musician. You can listen to Genesis’ “Firth of Fifth”, which has his distinctive electric guitar in a rock context. After this you can hear Genesis’ “Blood on the Rooftops” which is classical guitar in a rock context and after listening to those two, you can listen to Steve Hackett solo in “An Open Window”, which is pure unaccompanied classical guitar, composed, arranged and played by him alone. Hope you enjoy!

[@JensAndersen-co5zq]

Thank you for yuor deskreck. Jeg have loved YES all my live in 40 yearr and I know the all bout Yes.

[@smithpm81]

my fave band since i was 12 years old in 1977

[@timothygrayson]

Awaken is a unique track as it almost religious in its majesty

[@avantprog6902]

Great reaction! This has in recent years become my favorite Yes composition. You should see the Todmobile full orchestra version.

[@Bosiota1]

Going for the one, Fragile and Close to the edge, are masterpieces of the music of the last century

[@deansharinus7165]

This iteration of Yes (there have been many) is my favorite. ALL of them are Masters of their craft. RIP Chris

[@aprilstewart5929]

Jon Anderson's voice is nothing short of beautiful, and he actually wrote the melody and lyrics to this piece. And a lot of the music, too. He's perfect for this because it's what he's doing. You should hear his other work; he adapts his voice to whatever genre, with amazing flexibility. "Hold On To Love" comes to mind.

[@diannkelley3481]

It is angelic.

[@DavidLazarus]

Definitely! He can belt out some aggressive vocals when he wants to.

[@DavidLazarus]

@@diannkelley3481 - Yes, I think Jon is an incarnate angel.

[@aprilstewart5929]

@@DavidLazarus Whatever he does, it's carefully planned- or when he misses, he compensates like a champ. Very few have had his kind of gift. Me love him long time. :)

[@DavidLazarus]

@@aprilstewart5929 - Let me guess... You're taken, right? Women who love prog rock are so hard to find. I think it would be easier to find a needle in a haystack the size of Mount Everest.

[@susangonsalves9636]

"Wondrous Stories," "And You and I," and "Turn of the Century," in similar vein. Pretty much everything Yes does can do no wrong in my eyes. "Starship Trooper" and "Heart of the Sunrise," too.

[@andylane3739]

Their most spiritual song. Im not religious, but this song makes me feel infinity

[@neilloughran4437]

I've been listening to this song since the 80s... always loved Wonderous Stories since 1977 but Awaken is a whole other thing.... the mix of organ, choirs and the strange time signature of 11/8 along with the complete circle of fifths going though all 12 keys... I honestly think this track will be seen as a classic for the ages way beyond our lifetimes

[@anthonyblakely399]

It is a very Spiritual album and song. One of their masterpiece. React to "Turn of The Century," by Yes on the same album, "Going For The One."

[@yes_head]

In my comments in your "Close to the Edge" reaction I mentioned how Steve Howe had just discovered the Fender pedal steel around that time. Here he's been using it for a few years and was well acquainted with creating psychedelic soundscapes with it. But Steve Howe's real moment on this song is his 12-string electric guitar solo at 3:55. He used a 1964 Rickenbacker Model 1993 (because, hey -- every British guitarist in the 60s had to have one, right?) He also came up with the Eastern-flavored riff in the beginning of the song. Just like "Close to the Edge" (which has a similar structure), there's a ton to unpack here, so a first reaction is often just "Wow!" After this, I'd recommend either the other two songs on the Close to the Edge album, or "Turn of the Century" also from Going for the One.

[@jimralston7562]

Subscribed! The Close to the Edge album is 3 songs/pieces. Each a masterpiece! It's my favorite album of all time. You can't go wrong!

[@JoneRuiz]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[@chac65]

In the part near where you said you enjoy the chord progression, you might notice that the band progresses through the entire circle of fifths. In particular, the climax portion when the pipe organ hits the big notes.

[@philsmith2444]

If you’re looking for a Yes song that’s perfect to relax to, I think “The Remembering” is hard to beat.

[@altair8598]

Jone, there is a performance on YT of Jon Anderson singing this with an orchestra in 2013, and his voice has stood up incredibly well. You'd enjoy.

[@markjohnson4217]

YES released three consecutive albums between 1971and 72, that not only defined progressive rock but elevated them to a level of respectability that rivalled Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Those three perfect albums were The Yes Album, Fragile, and Close to the Edge, their magnum opus. This track, 'Awaken' was five years later and was the closing track from Going for the One, a stunning album. Some fans say it was the last real YES album before the 'altered or more compromised periods that followed. I don't agree, but the consistent genius of a true collective of five virtuosos somehow creating something as cohesive and masterful as their early 70s peak was perhaps never at the same level in the subsequent decades. Buy they still had gems up their sleeves and it is fun exploring their journey.

[@johncase2408]

In the middle somber section, the vocalist Jon Anderson is playing a harp to interplay with the pipe organ played by Rick Wakeman. It's a wonderful piece of music, quite astounding. Great review 👏

[@dominickferrari8368]

Try " Going for the One " the title track from this album. :)

[@eddiecriglington400]

I’ve been a fan since 1970, age 14. You’ve been ‘Awakened’. This Album was 1977, so you’ve a few Classics before this one too. No Choir, all Rick Wakeman’s Keyboards. And Jon Anderson’s unique voice. Superb. Magical. Wonderful. 🎶❤️🎶

[@flomalheur7467]

I think the best album to get to know YES is the live album "Yessongs" (1973 /3 records). But that may be because I got to know (and love) Yes in this way almost 50 years ago.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

Yes is the mother of all prog rock. Probably the greatest prog rock album of all times is Close to the Edge. Depending on my mood, Close to the Edge or Hemispheres (Rush) takes the place as my #1 favorite album of all time. Another great song from this album tho, is Turn of the Century. You def want to hear it next

[@bobcorbin3294]

If Yes is the mother of Prog is King Crimson the Father?

[@diannkelley3481]

My favorite Yes album too, and Hemispheres is my second Rush album after Caress of Steele. 80’s would be Grace Under Pressure. I’ve seen Rush many times. Kind sir, the organ is the master of keyboards, Rick Wakeman. I so look forward to seeing him later this month in Atlanta. I have always loved Jon, singer, the best, but go back and forth on the next best between, Steve Howe, master guitarist or Rick Wakeman, whom I refer to as magic fingers despite his worsening arthritis. I urge you to see Steve live, as I know you are a professional guitarist.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

@@diannkelley3481 I put Caress 3rd after Hemispheres and Permanent Waves, but I've always said if Caress came out after 2112, A Farewell, and Hemispheres it would have been a smash hit, but it had to come first and it had to fail miserably for us to get 2112, and hence the rest .

[@diannkelley3481]

@@GM-MarkOfExcellence I remember when Permanent Waves first came out while I was a senior in high school, I was shocked and disappointed. It was so different from the albums I was used to and loved. However, I quickly got used to it. Now, I believe I’ll make today a Rush day with Moving Pictures Vital Signs. For some reason that song jumped into my head. On another note, pun intended, Yes had the best guitarist, bassist, lead singer and keyboardist of any other band. However, no drummer came close to Neil Peart. Have a great weekend, fellow Yes/Rush fan! Edit: As I listen to the Fly By Night album after listening to PM and MP, I still prefer the older version of Rush’s music or shall I say pre-1980. I also love the fantasy and didactic elements in their lyrics. I never liked the first album, especially Working Man and definitely don’t like some of the later albums.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

@@diannkelley3481 Sister Rush fan, music lover, My fav from the first album is Before and After, The only harder rock ever created was Temples in 2112. That's my personality. Not fake hard like metal, but genius hard like Rush.

[@gjmarr1]

This has always been one of my favorite Yes tunes. That strange section before the amazing keyboard / organ section always grabbed me but I didn't know why. I recently learned that they are doing a complete chromatic circle of fifths. Don't know of any other band that has ever pulled that off. They repeat it again after the keyboard section. Absolutely amazing.

[@mokra7744]

i love this song

[@Kae6502]

You really have to listen to "Close to the Edge" by Yes. This is the ultimate prog rock song. The ultimate Yes song of all time. I've searched out, and have watched ALL of the reactions to this song on KZbin. Looking forward to your reaction to this masterpiece. :)

[@kevinbutler3665]

My two all time fav songs by anyone are this and Gates Of Delirium also by Yes.

[@johng.8517]

This is a very spiritual song. Starting with the title "Awaken". You get an emotional spiritual journey with the music, the words, the singing. Every note is just perfect. Music like this won't happen again any time soon. Yes is my favorite band. I saw you did "Close to the Edge after this which is probably their best but check out "The Gates of Delirium". That one is about war. It's right up there too.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

I respected how you felt this piece overall and commented on it,. There really is just so much going on. I am sure if you listen to it again you will hear a lot more. You make a good point, every sound we hear that is familiar to us is what we follow... I look forward to more content from you.

[@caroleann_2142]

Peace & Spirituality "We have Heaven" Ethereal ❤

[@fernandotor3266]

Its a master piece

[@eclecticNhectic]

The Clap is a fun guitar piece. Close to the Edge is, in my opinion, the apex of Yes, and progressive music in general.. like this, almost a whole symphony in one song. Enjoy☮️

[@rogerhennie8939]

There is a really good demonstration video on KZbin showing Steve Howe performing Clap, a track from The Yes Album.

[@KMAsKorner]

Yes, always uplifting music. I would like to see you try Turn of the Century for its beautiful acoustic gtr's and keys. Other people I would say try Close to the Edge next but I believe you will love Turn of the Century.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes is the best band ever!!!

[@stanleymerritt4722]

Perfection.

[@robertfarrimond3369]

The Organ towards the end is Rick Wakeman, playing a church organ, in a church.

[@morthnadic1]

🗣 Close to the Edge Subscribed 🖐🤓🍿

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

YES Takes you on a journey They don't follow rules they are Incredibly talented song writers and musicians . Awaken is a beautiful song but it's just one of many of their masterpieces.

[@StarCitizenSpeakeasy]

it's a lot to take in for your first YES listen lol There is Classic YES like this then 80s YES starting with 90120

[@sethrichardson9974]

I've always considered Awaken to be Yes' masterpiece, on a per with or a close second to Close to the Edge.

[@jacquesjrviens3384]

Yes wrote the absolute best progressive song. You have to listen to : The gates of delirium. The last section of that epic journey HAS to be some of the most beautiful music ever recorded. I believe Alex Lifeson from Rush was inspired by that section for La villa strangiato. War and its aftermath. Perfect musical story telling. Brings tears to eyes every time when that guitar swelling slowly fades in... You'll understand when you listen to it.

[@patthewoodboy]

the Organ is the one at Vevey , St Martins church

[@imfranki]

The weird progression throughout the Master of Images section is the circle of fifths

[@DavidLazarus]

Yes has long been my favorite band. Although, in more recent years, my favorite band could also be King Crimson or even Simple Minds depending on the day. Nevertheless, Yes will always hold a special place in my heart; at least their music up through 2004. Awaken truly is an incredible song. I too loved it from the time I first heard it more than 30 years ago. This is the second video of yours I've watched and an earlier one than the previous. While I enjoyed it, I'd more prefer an analysis being that you are a classical musician. It doesn't always have to be in depth, but it would give more dimension to your reactions. To give you some background, my three favorite "reactors" are Rick Beato, Elizabeth Zharoff (The Charismatic Voice) and Doug Helvering. All three offer various levels of analysis in addition to reacting. However, in general, Rick has usually heard the songs before. Thus, it's not a true reaction. Still, he's so passionate, enthusiastic and down to earth that his videos really stand out. Until next time . . . .

[@smuffy2323]

You should check out the video with Jon Anderson playing with Todmobile in Iceland with orchestra and choir playing this amazing piece

[@welshhibby]

EPIC !

[@Talentseeker4]

I would love to hear your reaction to the Italian prog band Premiata Forneria Marconi on their track Photos of Ghosts. Think you'll like them. Album was a 1973 release.

[@dansmusic5749]

That's a 12 string Rickenbacker ripping through the opening section and that's a real pipe organ in a actual church.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

NOTHING like 70's YES!!!!! EVER. Next listen to their CLOSE to the EDGE & TALES from Topographic Oceans

[@ronvillarreal5003]

I would Love your reaction to the song Madrigal by Yes. The guitarist plays a Ramirez guitar and has some excellent technique. Please listen to it.

[@timbrown2971]

You should try the version with Jon Anderson and Tod Mobile. No members of Yes except Jon but it will blow your mind. I’m not sure there is a better 20 minutes of music ever played.

[@francoisathome5979]

When you re-listen to your comment you will notice putting back the can with beer(?) is very audible because your mike is on the same surface.

[@Magnetron33]

One of God's finest compositions.

[@fernandotor3266]

Organ recorded in a cathedral in switzerland

[@CanigoCatala]

I prefer the previous Yes albums, though this is also interesting. I guess many people has already suggested the Close to the edge suite, a truly original masterpiece that you must do ;-). As a classical guitar solo piece. Mood for a day

[@mattleppard1970]

Close to the Edge and Gates of Delirium please please please ❤❤

[@federov100]

I’m an atheist, but this piece is my ‘go to god’ moment.

[@skatter44]

Have you reacted to their song 'Turn of the Century' from this album? If not, I would highly recommend it!