This DVD is available to purchase at: www.farmersmarket.is/collections/music-books/products/todmobile-ulfur THE DVD WILL NOT PLAY ON AN AMERICAN DVD PLAYER UNLESS IT IS AN ALL REGION DVD PLAYER. It will play on your PC though and the video and sound quality is great!
I guess I watch and listen to this 2-3 times a year and check out the comments. Always proud to have been a part of it :-) Greetings, Todmobile's bass player
Here’s a comment.. thanks for your part in bringing this incredible piece to life in a way that it has never been matched live before or since. But hey where’s the triple neck? ;-)
I saw Yes play this when I was 17 years old when the album came out in 1977. It was the third time that I saw Yes. But this version of Awaken is simply the best version I have ever seen or heard. I'm so happy that this was videotaped. It is so powerful.
This song (and everything else Yes created between 1972 and 1977) shaped me in my teens... now in my 60s, sitting here, goosebumps, tears in my eyes... we are blessed witnesses of the otherworldly meaning and force of music... this is not just playing notes... its about opening windows in the everyday walls of our physical existence imparting moments of bliss... thank you
Right there with you, Frank! Especially the goosebumps and tears. This is an incredible work of art, enhanced even more by this group. The guitarist is absolutely killing it, and the added background vocals are magical. ❤❤❤
I'll be 70 next week and I totally agree. There was something magical about the music we grew up with that will never be repeated, certainly not by the brain dead "artists"of today. This a oong never fails to bring an emotional response out of me, usually without dry eyes. The final moments of Suppers Ready has the same effect.
At 10:55 the voices reminded me why I am 51 and still taking voice lessons.. So that I can help heal the world and create beauty to share with all. Thank you for this love!
I saw Jon on tour with Rick Wakeman some years back, they did a meet & greet afterwards, spoke to Jon, shook his hand & said I saw YES at QPR back in May 1975 then wished him a happy birthday as the gig was around the 25 or 26 Oct. I bought a signed copy of the lyrics to Your is no Disgrace. Great evening.
Sitting here right now 40 min in my car and can't get out listening to this music. My kids are waiting, battery gets low, people looking wondering. What a happy time
is it just me, or is Jon Anderson reaching new heights here? his vocals are 100% on spot, absolutely flawless, to perfection, just like the whole show. really good stuff.
Every time I listen to this song, I'm reminded of how big our universe is. How infinite. And how little we truly know of the finite, much less that infinite. This son never fails to inspire me and bring out such raw and humble emotion. I saw yes perform this song "in the round" many ears ago, and you could feel the emotions run through the audience, both old and young alike. From start to finish, this song inspires, and it rarely fails to bring tears to my eyes. Thank you, Yes.
I could not agree more!!! Absolutely breath-taking. I played it for my 10 year old son today and he loved it! More than that he couldn't believe me when I told him how old Jon Anderson is!
I could not agree more!!! Absolutely breath-taking. I played it for my 10 year old son today and he loved it! More than that he couldn't believe me when I told him how old Jon Anderson is!
I’m on a train from Bern to Fribourg in Switzerland and heard/saw this for the first time. Chills down my spine. Tears in my eyes. The chorus behind Jon and the band is breathtaking. Thank you all for this little slice of heaven on earth.
So magical and so epical! The music of Yes made me a better man. Personality and the voice of Jon every time brings to me positivism and energy for life!
Third time I watch this entire video, non-stop... What a beautiful song and what a great performance, congratulations to everyone who attended and my respect to all the musicians who played.
Anyone who understands the concept of music as worship gets where Jon is. It’s not a performance, it’s a gift. Not going into midrash or religious brands or labels but John is gifting his gift to the giver of the gift. Those of us who get to relish that get to see a tiny glimpse of heaven. Eternity is going to be so cool, don’t miss it friends.
This is simply a masterpiece - the wonderful fusion of Jon’s amazing vocals with the Todmobile band and orchestra is just heavenly. Definitely the best version of this superb song.
I was a diehard Yes purist for many years. All these incarnations and offshoots disgusted me because they weren’t the real Yes. But then I started watching these videos, and I realized that because the Yes that I loved would never be again, I had to let go of my prejudices. As a listener I have been very unfair. This is a FANTASTIC version of a very difficult live song. Jon was the soundtrack to my life, but only in the way I wanted him to be. Now I’m free to enjoy all the wonderful interpretations by other bands, ensembles, and orchestras.
And may those performances and interpretations multiply exponentially. The underlying music is classic and amply strong to support them. Ours and the next and unborn generations will benefit greatly.
That is a good point. We have a choice either to "fossilize" the music of Yes and treat it as a relic, or to accept that the music itself can still be made to live and breathe in performances such as this. Still, I am not going to be so open-minded that my brain falls out: desperate deeds have been done in the name of Yes which are the exact opposite of this.
Its OK, but the album of this track, when you hear that first guitar kick in, it almost goes beyond rock music. Its unbelievably powerful, and really hasn't been recreated anywhere I've heard. They are good tries, but the originals really are original. I heard 'any you and i' once played and realized that it was Trevor Rabin becuase the guitar was just nowhere near Steve Howe's level. Great music really spoils you. I'm no purist of anybody, just saw a six year old play Geddy Lee's bass line on a Rush track. Jon frequently plays with high school kids 'giving the best'. But as soon as I listen to this guitar I can't help but go back to he Relayer track, its unbelievable.
+Juliano Augusto Amen & all praise to the Universe. How fortunate & blessed we are to be living in his lifetime. Yes changed my life forever back in January of 1972 with the release of FRAGILE and they have been my favorite band ever since. Witnessing what's happened to them over the last 7 years has been excruciatingly painful, but seeing Jon & this incredible band and orchestra do this incomparable rendition of Awaken brought tears to me eyes...something that rarely happens with me. We can only hope that at some point in the future--while they're still able, up and about--the hatchets will be buried (and not in each others' skulls) and the magic will happen once again. I think they still have it in them.
+Olias Lives Jon doesn't need any of the imposters who comprise Yes at this time. Like I said before, the current line-up of Yes is not Yes and they need to call themselves something else and state "performing the music of Yes" .
Christmas Day , just played Three Ships and this came on .... amazing . I love the guy to death .... GENIUS springs to mind . Totally unique singer . Thinking of Chris , rest in peace . I’ve seen the band 30 plus times and met them all at one time or other , they’ve added another dimension to my life and I’m truly grateful for that .
Listened to this many many times. It is a timeless masterpiece among the greatest songs ever written. Can not get enough of Jon Anderson. Cried a little at the end.
In my opinion, Yes is the best band ever. Awaken is the best song of Yes and this is the best version of Awaken you've ever heard. So I just heard the best music that I hear in my life. Thank you for this, wonderful
Gustavo Porta Wow! I was just thinking the same thing. Of all the times I've heard Yes play this live and all the recorded versions, this ranks as the best. I once wondered if Yes music would die out when the members of Yes were gone, but I'm assured that the music will be played by many well into the future.
I would like to simply add that not only is this a fabulous rendition of a wonderful song, but I would love to compliment the singers and the orchestra (tho I doubt they'll ever see this comment) - they've added so much to the performance and I appreciate every one of them!
coincido en que la grandeza de esta versión, el agregado de la parte coral. solo lamento que la mezcla no dio para resaltar las 4 voces femeninas sobre el lado izquierdo de la pantalla.
Well said, Mitch. Couldn't agree with you more. Close To The Edge was the first 'serious' album I got hooked on - in the mid 70's. I never quite realised how enduring Yes's music would become.
Well said, Mitch. I've always been apprehensive seeing Yes (et al) 'on their own', so to speak, but I forget that consummate musicians will logically work with other consummate musicians. What I'd love to see is the consummate musicians' own work. ;-)
Honestly this makes this grown man cry! Jon is the most amazing singer and sounds ethereal as ever. There is something so spiritually moving about Yes music and this song. This is a great version!
+John Pirrone - John, you're a brave man! I wasn't going to comment because I foolishly felt a little embarrassed at not having been able to hold back the tears myself. Was trying hard all through Awaken but, hell, just couldn't...
STUNNING! If you are a fan of this music and know the details from the Yes recording, this will BLOW YOU AWAY. Chills, tears, whatever emotional impact gets you, this performance will DO it. Jon Anderson is an ageless, joyful wonder. The scoring of the piece with orchestral instruments and choir is masterful. The guitar playing was fantastic, but the vocals are what sent it over the top for me. Jon Anderson perfection + incredibly scored and performed backing vocals and atmospherics. You will NEVER hear this piece of music performed this well live again. BRILLIANT!
Michael Swam... Although I quite agree with your comments regarding this performance (which is saying something, because I have rarely, if ever, found myself in agreement with any comment that I've read on TH-cam), it is nevertheless a point to observe that anyone who appreciates the extraordinary performance in this video would do well to acquaint themselves with the virtuosic talents of Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson. For in addition to the fact that Thorvaldur conceived this performance in partnership with Jon Anderson, he was also responsible for scoring, arranging and conducting the orchestra, the chorus, and the band. As if that weren't enough, he was also responsible for performing the intricate guitar arrangement that was originally written and performed by Steve Howe. At that, his performance of that guitar arrangement is so masterful that it is at least equal to, if not better than, Steve Howe's. In my view, rather than teaming with Jean Luc Ponty for his next project, Jon Anderson would have done far better to have teamed with the exceptional talent of Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson.
Takes my breath away! And how could Jon Anderson keep the purity and quality of his voice,....just unbelievable!Amazing cooperation and perfect harmony of all , the choir, the orchestra and the band.Goosebumps!
I could close my eyes and swear that was Steve Howe playing. I like how the guitar player is smiling as he's nailing Steve's fast runs. This is a great version of one of YES's masterpieces.
Well; Howe played a genuine 12-string - MUCH harder to play at those speeds. This man is only using an octaver effect. It's still well done; but too far back in the mix.
After seeing yes 10 or 11 times live and awaken about as many times ... which was awesome as they have been in my life ... I think they as composers have to see this at least to me the pinnacle of the version ... I think they heard all along in their heads .... a grandiose performance a perfect mix all the textures between the band orchestra and choir was Beautiful this is just my opinion .... I’ve been along and with them since 1971 and never looked back They along with ELP, PinkFloyd , Tull , King Crimson , And all in that period took the risks of new frontiers in music ... And I’m blessed to be from that era of growth .... Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💯🎸
The Todmobile people should sell this to the PBS stations. They would buy it in a heartbeat. This would be perfect for public broadcasting. And it would get this video more exposure. People need to experience this.
I've listened to Awaken at least 2,000 times. This really is as good as it gets. Jon's voice is amazing. And I swear that guitarist is channeling Steve Howe.
Musically channeling Steve Howe, but personality wise, Þorvaldur Bjarni Þorvaldsson has a huge smile on his face whereas Steve always seems to be mad at the world.
If you don't get Goose-bumps, tears in your eyes, & have difficulty speaking during the last 4 movements of this powerful song you're not human & have no soul. Yes was the music I listened to during my formative years of High School & College. If God ever grants me a do-over, please let it be just those years.
andyrowlands50029 Indeed Yes IS the best at what they do. Oh wait...they're the only ones that do what they do or CAN do what they do. My favorite of ALL time. I never get tired of them. I feel that Awaken is possibly the most incredible, intricate piece of rock to ever be written or performed. Most of the world doesn't have the capacity to get it. That's not a criticism but just an observation. It's a shame that they are such geniuses that the band went through so many lineup changes trying to keep all their genius in line with each other. The world is better because of Yes. They exemplify God's majesty and beauty through music.
+MrContradiction60 I can't stop watching this, and Jon's reaction at the end was wonderful, he absolutely loved it. As you said Mr Contradiction, only Yes could produce such soaring masterpieces that make your heart reel and your eyes moisten.
Thank you, Laurie, for such a magnificent treat. JON, YES and RICK are absolutely unforgettable. In life, wise people have said several times, "you may forget what people did to you, or even what they said to you, but you will never-never forget How they made you feel! Lord JON, (and friend Laurie) from the end of my soul, thank you...
As a lifelong Yes fan. (U.S. radio friendly period exempt!). This is without doubt the most beautiful,powerful version of this song ever! Even the band themselves never replicated it with so much power and beauty.
I am hearing this song for the first time. It makes me cry -from deep inside. Aristotle observed, that it is in man to search for beauty. We know it in the moment of ineffable experience. A ‘joy by surprise’…a moment of spontaneous awakening.
This song is where Jon Anderson lives..the music of Yes is of a unique collective effort between Jon and Chris Squire. With their commitment we are forever blessed to live in their hearts and dream..a wonderful experience. RIP Chris Squire. A job well done by this Ensemble !!!!
When my son put his recording studio in, he invited me to test out the sound system. I chose this. The funniest thing was he kept thinking that the song was over. I'd smile at him and say "Not yet. Prog Rock at its finest." :)
WOW! Simply amazing! This is an evidence that heaven exists! Tears in my eye and shivers down my spine all the way through the song. Jon is YES - it is soooo evident, even when he is not supported with the rest of the band. If only Chris was there too, and a dot on the end (country guitar lick) so I could say it is perfect. Andrej
I had heard very little of Jon but came to realize his music is a call to awaken to a spiritual consciousness. I am one who is opening up a healing and realization center and his music is the spotlighting message.
Can't say enough about what this particular piece of work has meant to me and my life. This version brought tears of joy to my eyes and my heart sang to see how much Jon enjoyed performing with this ensamble- the best Awaken without a doubt in my mind and I've heard it performed back to the original Going for the One tour to today. Brilliant orchestral composition and impecable musicianship. Bravo!
This the very best version of Awaken I have ever heard...or ever will probably.....it simply cannot...and will never be bettered - it is absolutely sublime and perfect....but it is Jon's vocals and presence that makes this so very special......
Seeing the joy in Jon's face amplifies the impact of this piece. This performance reduces me to tears every time I see and hear it. it's truly beautiful!
I think this version is perhaps closest to what Anderson has always heard in his head. That "ah!" he utters as he turns to the choir with his hands apart is what makes me think so. For me, it is, in a word, brilliant.
this version proves what ive known since i was 12yrs old in 1977. awaken is the best composition and piece of music ever..period case closed p.s jon is the 8th wonder of the world
Ever since the first time I listened to the original studio recording of "Awaken" from Yes' 1977 Going For The One album, I have believed it to be the most majestic piece of music ever composed. Truly a song for all the ages both past and future!
With no doubt for me, this is the BEST version of Awaken never made (including YES versions). Incredibly performed...the face of Jon Anderson says everything. Fantastic Anderson, Fantastic the band and orchestra. In my opinion, the long problems and painful departure from Yes bring us Anderson at his best and a real reborn for prog music.
@Jeremy Spade Really? In my opinion the different versions I´ve heard from that tour was confused and over played. I Think the Todmobile concert is the nearest to the original concept imagined by anderson. But it is my opinion.....
What a f*cking masterpiece this is... I find it impossible to listen through it without tears flowing down my cheeks. It's so magnificent, grand and all-encompassing. Just genious.
Why do I find this performance so fantastically moving? There I was, back in 1978, in my room in the attic, a 14 year old boy discovering the beauty of YES music, like I was the only one in the world at that age; while my peers revelled in disco, ABBA, KISS, maybe ELO. A friend of mine - he RIP - presented me with a cassette recording of this album. YES opened up a world of music for me. A world of colours, thoughts, feelings; a trust in intuition, in emotion, in the wordless magic of sound. No 'message', no 'fashion', just creativity, originality, dare. It stayed with me ever since, and helped shape my many other musical adventures and discoveries. It gave me musical 'guts'. Every now & then I get into a 'YES mood' and play a few of their albums upside down, with a smile from ear to ear. I am not a 'spiritual' guy. I am a sceptic, a 100% agnostic, and quite happy with it. Yet I am highly committed to making music with other people, contacting with my fellow humans on that inexplicable level of creativity and happiness. Music is a fabulous means to express and share our humanity, both our thoughts and our feelings, both what we do and what we don't understand. Witnessing this TH-cam performance I note that today, 2015, so many other people of all kinds of ages, in the band, the orchestra, the choir have come to enjoy that 'strange' YES music, get excited, feel the beauty of it, become a part of it, totally commited in giving it their best shot - and a great shot at that. Of course the original recording is in my veins; but today, I find this recording to be even more exciting. The 1978 attic boy witnessing a stageful of shared musical excitement. Look at how many people this 'Awaken' song connects; the many players, the many vocalists. All using their skill to give expression to whatever the song is to each of them. The guitar player totally making the song his own, as if there never was a Steve before him. He almost makes me cry for all his joy. As per Jon, no voice in this world will ever match his; or will ever enrich my life as his voice did. I am so happy to see him having returned to the stage, find musical companions, and share his musicianship. To me, Jon is the proud keeper of the YES flame. LOVE to all who enjoy this performance!
Hannes Minkema loved reading this! At only 17 years old, I feel I am in the same position you once were. Discovering the magnificence of this great music long before my time, and nobody does it better than Yes!
Hannes, other than my belief in Christianity, I am in complete agreement with your posting. Your words have done the best job of describing the Yes experience that I have ever read. Thank you for taking the time to express your heart.
you were lucky to have such a friend-remember him every day. I had a similar friend who turned me on to great music, who also died too young-remember him always,as without him ,you may not be listening to this
Jesus Mind, Great comment, kudos! It sounds like you and I followed a similar path with regard to music & discovery. As a twenty year old, I stumbled into 3rd row center seats to Yes' Going For the One tour in D.C. - I was completely blown away! I'll never forget it. To your list of inspiring artists I'd add: Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and my late favorite - Wolf Alice. Todmobile did a wonderful job on this production... the real genius was realizing that it couldn't be done (anywhere nearly as well) without Jon Anderson!
As a fellow bass player, marvelous... but, bass players seldom get their due and respect... Ive seen it for decades... Any live performances ive seen and wven in videos, bass players barely get seen... Even the gre❤at bass players like Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, yourself here in this video... i would say the world is out against us... bass players are of the reverse axiom of children... whereas bass players should be heard but not seen... But i did enjoy your performance here... Thankyou for checking comments and making yourself accessible to we the admirers of your work...
This is absolutely outstanding. Probably the best live rendition of this masterpiece. Awaken is by far my all time favorite song from Yes. To be perfectly honest, this solid performance really brought tears to my eyes. On the other hand, it really misses the wonderfully light hearted guitar phrase that usually closes the song. A huge thank you to Jon and the others for this!
To me this is THE MOST GREAT MASTERPIECE of symphonic prog rock ever made. Nothing to compare. Absolutely wonderful. With any musical arrangement that is made. Jon Anderson genius!!!
This DVD is available to purchase at: www.farmersmarket.is/collections/music-books/products/todmobile-ulfur
THE DVD WILL NOT PLAY ON AN AMERICAN DVD PLAYER UNLESS IT IS AN ALL REGION DVD PLAYER. It will play on your PC though and the video and sound quality is great!
Laurie MtnGalPal im willy
Says: "We have run out of stock for this item". But I NEED!!! :'(
ANDERSON IS GOD
Hey - where can I get this DVD from???? This is the best version of this song I've ever heard - please tour with Jon!! :-)
Fantastic high quality recording of sucha timeless classic!!
I guess I watch and listen to this 2-3 times a year and check out the comments. Always proud to have been a part of it :-) Greetings, Todmobile's bass player
Here’s a comment.. thanks for your part in bringing this incredible piece to life in a way that it has never been matched live before or since. But hey where’s the triple neck? ;-)
A nice feather in your cap….😊
Well, I must say, as a fellow musician, that you sound perfect on this. Channeling Mr. Squire himself. Brilliant performance by all!
Beautiful job! You could tell Jon really enjoyed himself and his time with your orchestra.
Great performance.... Respect
I saw Yes play this when I was 17 years old when the album came out in 1977. It was the third time that I saw Yes. But this version of Awaken is simply the best version I have ever seen or heard. I'm so happy that this was videotaped. It is so powerful.
That guitarist is a renaissance man indeed. Conducting the orchestra in between flawlessly pulling off insanely difficult Steve Howe riffs.
This song (and everything else Yes created between 1972 and 1977) shaped me in my teens... now in my 60s, sitting here, goosebumps, tears in my eyes... we are blessed witnesses of the otherworldly meaning and force of music... this is not just playing notes... its about opening windows in the everyday walls of our physical existence imparting moments of bliss... thank you
Very movingly and well-said, friend...
This particular song takes you everywhere
Windows and wall removed, in the spacious now. Well said, thanks.
Right there with you, Frank! Especially the goosebumps and tears. This is an incredible work of art, enhanced even more by this group. The guitarist is absolutely killing it, and the added background vocals are magical. ❤❤❤
I'll be 70 next week and I totally agree. There was something magical about the music we grew up with that will never be repeated, certainly not by the brain dead "artists"of today. This a oong never fails to bring an emotional response out of me, usually without dry eyes. The final moments of Suppers Ready has the same effect.
This is _thee most_ beautiful Yes composition ever CREATED IN MY OPINION!
Best version ever - driven to tears......
This song by YES 'Awaken' when I hear it, always makes my soul glow. Love you Jon Anderson.
79 now, I was able to attend "YES" in concert 4 times. Perfection!!
Not just a musical performance...a truly spiritual experience that Jon Anderson brings with his insightful compositions.
For sure, Yes, now!
At 10:55 the voices reminded me why I am 51 and still taking voice lessons.. So that I can help heal the world and create beauty to share with all. Thank you for this love!
Jon Anderson has made the world a better place!
You couldn't have made a more true statement!
AMEN!
He may or may not be from here, but heavens what a contribution to the place he made, aye ? !!
I saw Jon on tour with Rick Wakeman some years back, they did a meet & greet afterwards, spoke to Jon, shook his hand & said I saw YES at QPR back in May 1975 then wished him a happy birthday as the gig was around the 25 or 26 Oct. I bought a signed copy of the lyrics to Your is no Disgrace. Great evening.
I have always considered Jon the best male vocalist on earth...
Sitting here right now 40 min in my car and can't get out listening to this music. My kids are waiting, battery gets low, people looking wondering. What a happy time
is it just me, or is Jon Anderson reaching new heights here? his vocals are 100% on spot, absolutely flawless, to perfection, just like the whole show. really good stuff.
GO AND WATCH GLASGOW CONCERT OF YES WITH STEVE HOWE JUNE 2022 I'M EMBARRASSED TO WATCH THEM IT WAS BLOODY AWFUL
Steve Howe and "guests" aren't Yes, they need to call it a day.
Very best rendition of Awaken, the live choir & orchestra second to none and Jon still has it after 50+ years.
In 100 years Yes will be Classical Music......
We have been saying this since 1970. It’s time for the brilliantly talented long hairs in today’s orchestras to get with the program, IMHO.
Such perfection. Still listening to this GOAT in...........2020!!!
Every time I listen to this song, I'm reminded of how big our universe is. How infinite. And how little we truly know of the finite, much less that infinite. This son never fails to inspire me and bring out such raw and humble emotion. I saw yes perform this song "in the round" many ears ago, and you could feel the emotions run through the audience, both old and young alike. From start to finish, this song inspires, and it rarely fails to bring tears to my eyes. Thank you, Yes.
One of the best voices in rock music ever! And a perfect performance of this great song.
This is BY FAR, the BEST version of Awaken I have ever heard. It is stunning, beautiful, and impeccably performed.
+plod correct!
I could not agree more!!! Absolutely breath-taking. I played it for my 10 year old son today and he loved it! More than that he couldn't believe me when I told him how old Jon Anderson is!
I could not agree more!!! Absolutely breath-taking. I played it for my 10 year old son today and he loved it! More than that he couldn't believe me when I told him how old Jon Anderson is!
I’m on a train from Bern to Fribourg in Switzerland and heard/saw this for the first time. Chills down my spine. Tears in my eyes. The chorus behind Jon and the band is breathtaking. Thank you all for this little slice of heaven on earth.
So magical and so epical! The music of Yes made me a better man. Personality and the voice of Jon every time brings to me positivism and energy for life!
Third time I watch this entire video, non-stop... What a beautiful song and what a great performance, congratulations to everyone who attended and my respect to all the musicians who played.
Anyone who understands the concept of music as worship gets where Jon is. It’s not a performance, it’s a gift.
Not going into midrash or religious brands or labels but John is gifting his gift to the giver of the gift. Those of
us who get to relish that get to see a tiny glimpse of heaven. Eternity is going to be so cool, don’t miss it friends.
This is simply a masterpiece - the wonderful fusion of Jon’s amazing vocals with the Todmobile band and orchestra is just heavenly. Definitely the best version of this superb song.
I was a diehard Yes purist for many years. All these incarnations and offshoots disgusted me because they weren’t the real Yes. But then I started watching these videos, and I realized that because the Yes that I loved would never be again, I had to let go of my prejudices. As a listener I have been very unfair. This is a FANTASTIC version of a very difficult live song. Jon was the soundtrack to my life, but only in the way I wanted him to be. Now I’m free to enjoy all the wonderful interpretations by other bands, ensembles, and orchestras.
And may those performances and interpretations multiply exponentially. The underlying music is classic and amply strong to support them. Ours and the next and unborn generations will benefit greatly.
That is a good point. We have a choice either to "fossilize" the music of Yes and treat it as a relic, or to accept that the music itself can still be made to live and breathe in performances such as this. Still, I am not going to be so open-minded that my brain falls out: desperate deeds have been done in the name of Yes which are the exact opposite of this.
Amen
Its OK, but the album of this track, when you hear that first guitar kick in, it almost goes beyond rock music. Its unbelievably powerful, and really hasn't been recreated anywhere I've heard. They are good tries, but the originals really are original. I heard 'any you and i' once played and realized that it was Trevor Rabin becuase the guitar was just nowhere near Steve Howe's level. Great music really spoils you. I'm no purist of anybody, just saw a six year old play Geddy Lee's bass line on a Rush track. Jon frequently plays with high school kids 'giving the best'. But as soon as I listen to this guitar I can't help but go back to he Relayer track, its unbelievable.
We’ll said, I feel exactly the same way, I’m so much looking forward to seeing him in a couple months with the Band Geeks
First time I heard this rendition I was blown away. I still am. Rivals the band in MSG in the round.
I've been a fan since 1978 and this is probably the best performance of this song I've ever seen
The audience was very lucky to be witness of this wonderful and pure masterpiece !!! Jon's voice and you are in heaven...
Oh Lord, thank you for giving us Jon Anderson.
+Juliano Augusto Amen & all praise to the Universe. How fortunate & blessed we are to be living in his lifetime. Yes changed my life forever back in January of 1972 with the release of FRAGILE and they have been my favorite band ever since. Witnessing what's happened to them over the last 7 years has been excruciatingly painful, but seeing Jon & this incredible band and orchestra do this incomparable rendition of Awaken brought tears to me eyes...something that rarely happens with me. We can only hope that at some point in the future--while they're still able, up and about--the hatchets will be buried (and not in each others' skulls) and the magic will happen once again. I think they still have it in them.
+Olias Lives Jon doesn't need any of the imposters who comprise Yes at this time. Like I said before, the current line-up of Yes is not Yes and they need to call themselves something else and state "performing the music of Yes" .
Amen
juliano, that is my heart's cry, but you actually said it out loud
Christmas Day , just played Three Ships and this came on .... amazing . I love the guy to death .... GENIUS springs to mind . Totally unique singer . Thinking of Chris , rest in peace . I’ve seen the band 30 plus times and met them all at one time or other , they’ve added another dimension to my life and I’m truly grateful for that .
He's always been the epitome of Yes with his distinctive high register. The guy even in his 70s, is a phenomena!
No words, just tears... of joy. Remarkable
Nearly 50 years since this masterpiece came out, and to this day I can’t not tear up when I hear it.
Listened to this many many times. It is a timeless masterpiece among the greatest songs ever written. Can not get enough of Jon Anderson. Cried a little at the end.
Listened to this with lousy quality headphones. And still moved to tears. What magic it must have been, being in the audience.
In my opinion, Yes is the best band ever. Awaken is the best song of Yes and this is the best version of Awaken you've ever heard. So I just heard the best music that I hear in my life. Thank you for this, wonderful
Gustavo Porta I like the way you think, my friend! :-)
Gustavo Porta Wow! I was just thinking the same thing. Of all the times I've heard Yes play this live and all the recorded versions, this ranks as the best. I once wondered if Yes music would die out when the members of Yes were gone, but I'm assured that the music will be played by many well into the future.
+Gustavo Porta I agree. Just perfect.
You are totally right
+Gustavo Porta....YES = 5 musicians and every 5 at the top of their field, just among the best of the world on their instrument.
When I listen to this, I believe there is a God...
Anderson is Yes's soul.
Hey let's not ger carried away
@@neilxtYes. Let’s get carried away. It’s true.
Jon Anderson is an absolutely genius! Hands up to this masterpiece!
What an outstanding performance......goosebumps!
Best version of Awaken...EVER!!! Jon even at 70 still has his fastball!! This is way that song SHOULD be done...majestic!!!
I totally agree, supremely brilliant.
I really like the version from the Keys To Ascension concert :)
Tears then... Tears now... The finest piece of music ever written.
I would like to simply add that not only is this a fabulous rendition of a wonderful song, but I would love to compliment the singers and the orchestra (tho I doubt they'll ever see this comment) - they've added so much to the performance and I appreciate every one of them!
coincido en que la grandeza de esta versión, el agregado de la parte coral. solo lamento que la mezcla no dio para resaltar las 4 voces femeninas sobre el lado izquierdo de la pantalla.
Hi. Thank you. Many of them have watched this and still look. It is one of those you come back to:)
Well said, Mitch. Couldn't agree with you more. Close To The Edge was the first 'serious' album I got hooked on - in the mid 70's. I never quite realised how enduring Yes's music would become.
Mitch Aunger so true
Well said, Mitch.
I've always been apprehensive seeing Yes (et al) 'on their own', so to speak, but I forget that consummate musicians will logically work with other consummate musicians.
What I'd love to see is the consummate musicians' own work. ;-)
I'd buy a ticket to Iceland music concerts, after listening to this !
Honestly this makes this grown man cry! Jon is the most amazing singer and sounds ethereal as ever. There is something so spiritually moving about Yes music and this song. This is a great version!
+John Pirrone - John, you're a brave man! I wasn't going to comment because I foolishly felt a little embarrassed at not having been able to hold back the tears myself. Was trying hard all through Awaken but, hell, just couldn't...
That's one of the reasons that makes music so great!
John Pirrone 😘👍
Yep.... pretty much through the whole thing, but especially at the middle break where the harp comes in.... every time.
th-cam.com/video/uFyETnvkfaY/w-d-xo.html
Thankfully I was introduced to this music by a friend. I,m 71 !!!! Where have I been ??
STUNNING! If you are a fan of this music and know the details from the Yes recording, this will BLOW YOU AWAY. Chills, tears, whatever emotional impact gets you, this performance will DO it. Jon Anderson is an ageless, joyful wonder. The scoring of the piece with orchestral instruments and choir is masterful. The guitar playing was fantastic, but the vocals are what sent it over the top for me. Jon Anderson perfection + incredibly scored and performed backing vocals and atmospherics. You will NEVER hear this piece of music performed this well live again. BRILLIANT!
Excellent review. Perfectly stated.
Michael Swam... Although I quite agree with your comments regarding this performance (which is saying something, because I have rarely, if ever, found myself in agreement with any comment that I've read on TH-cam), it is nevertheless a point to observe that anyone who appreciates the extraordinary performance in this video would do well to acquaint themselves with the virtuosic talents of Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson.
For in addition to the fact that Thorvaldur conceived this performance in partnership with Jon Anderson, he was also responsible for scoring, arranging and conducting the orchestra, the chorus, and the band. As if that weren't enough, he was also responsible for performing the intricate guitar arrangement that was originally written and performed by Steve Howe. At that, his performance of that guitar arrangement is so masterful that it is at least equal to, if not better than, Steve Howe's.
In my view, rather than teaming with Jean Luc Ponty for his next project, Jon Anderson would have done far better to have teamed with the exceptional talent of Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson.
Persephone Dorise Why not both? I know Jamie Glaser is currently playing for the band, but...
Michae Swam
Michael Swan You are EXACTLY correct!!!!!
Takes my breath away! And how could Jon Anderson keep the purity and quality of his voice,....just unbelievable!Amazing cooperation and perfect harmony of all , the choir, the orchestra and the band.Goosebumps!
I could close my eyes and swear that was Steve Howe playing. I like how the guitar player is smiling as he's nailing Steve's fast runs. This is a great version of one of YES's masterpieces.
Simplified versions of Howe's runs!
wtf are you talking about, hes playing steve howe WAY better than steve howe can.
yep.
Well; Howe played a genuine 12-string - MUCH harder to play at those speeds. This man is only using an octaver effect. It's still well done; but too far back in the mix.
Each and every one of Yes's songs is a masterpiece :)
What a performance! Astonishing! Awesome! Staggering! Flawless!
After seeing yes 10 or 11 times live and awaken about as many times ... which was awesome as they have been in my life ... I think they as composers have to see this at least to me the pinnacle of the version ... I think they heard all along in their heads .... a grandiose performance a perfect mix all the textures between the band orchestra and choir was Beautiful this is just my opinion .... I’ve been along and with them since 1971 and never looked back They along with ELP, PinkFloyd , Tull , King Crimson , And all in that period took the risks of new frontiers in music ... And I’m blessed to be from that era of growth .... Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💯🎸
In my humble opinion this is the greatest production of any Yes song ever with the master himself on vocals. Jon, you Are Yes!
If I was that guitarist, I'd have said happily "it's all downhill from here". What a moment to be a part of.
This never fails to give me chills.
I genuinely can't watch this without tearing up. Beautiful beyond words.
😀😥😀
This song always gets my emotions fluttering.
My all time favorite.
The Todmobile people should sell this to the PBS stations. They would buy it in a heartbeat. This would be perfect for public broadcasting. And it would get this video more exposure. People need to experience this.
I've listened to Awaken at least 2,000 times. This really is as good as it gets. Jon's voice is amazing. And I swear that guitarist is channeling Steve Howe.
No Jon Anderson no yes
Yes, the guitarist is superb!
That is Tod Mobile?
Þorvaldur Bjarni Þorvaldsson is on guitar
Musically channeling Steve Howe, but personality wise, Þorvaldur Bjarni Þorvaldsson has a huge smile on his face whereas Steve always seems to be mad at the world.
If you don't get Goose-bumps, tears in your eyes, & have difficulty speaking during the last 4 movements of this powerful song you're not human & have no soul. Yes was the music I listened to during my formative years of High School & College. If God ever grants me a do-over, please let it be just those years.
This is probably the best version of Awaken I've ever heard. Yes is my all-time favourite band and it's great to see Jon Anderson back on top form.
andyrowlands50029 Indeed Yes IS the best at what they do. Oh wait...they're the only ones that do what they do or CAN do what they do. My favorite of ALL time. I never get tired of them. I feel that Awaken is possibly the most incredible, intricate piece of rock to ever be written or performed. Most of the world doesn't have the capacity to get it. That's not a criticism but just an observation. It's a shame that they are such geniuses that the band went through so many lineup changes trying to keep all their genius in line with each other. The world is better because of Yes. They exemplify God's majesty and beauty through music.
+MrContradiction60 I can't stop watching this, and Jon's reaction at the end was wonderful, he absolutely loved it. As you said Mr Contradiction, only Yes could produce such soaring masterpieces that make your heart reel and your eyes moisten.
andyrowlands50029 This is without a doubt the "classical" music of our generation. Up there with Mozart, Bach, Beethoven.
Mozart would be in the audience with lighter blazing away! Wanting More. This is just that great.
gary ryckman Well said!!!
No words just tears of elation and a lifetime of forgotten memories, thank you.
What a amazing tenor voice Jon Anderson has! Beautiful!
Thank you, Laurie, for such a magnificent treat.
JON, YES and RICK are absolutely unforgettable.
In life, wise people have said several times, "you may forget what people did to you, or even what they said to you, but you will never-never forget How they made you feel!
Lord JON, (and friend Laurie) from the end of my soul, thank you...
Best performance i heard. In my opinion, best ever version of awaken. I'm in heaven !! Thanks Todmobile ! Thanks Jon ! Thanks Iceland !!!
As a lifelong Yes fan. (U.S. radio friendly period exempt!).
This is without doubt the most beautiful,powerful version of this song ever!
Even the band themselves never replicated it with so much power and beauty.
If, when you die, you find yourself in an afterlife where you don't get to hear Jon Anderson sing anymore, you're not in Heaven.
StephenGrayce Well said, indeed!!
amen, bro.
Truly. Haunting and unique.
Spot on.
I am hearing this song for the first time. It makes me cry -from deep inside. Aristotle observed, that it is in man to search for beauty. We know it in the moment of ineffable experience. A ‘joy by surprise’…a moment of spontaneous awakening.
Jon Anderson's voice is amazing!!!
This song is where Jon Anderson lives..the music of Yes is of a unique collective effort between Jon and Chris Squire. With their commitment we are forever blessed to live in their hearts and dream..a wonderful experience. RIP Chris Squire. A job well done by this Ensemble !!!!
oh my , tears , never thought that the Yes version could be bettered but here it is
When my son put his recording studio in, he invited me to test out the sound system. I chose this. The funniest thing was he kept thinking that the song was over. I'd smile at him and say "Not yet. Prog Rock at its finest." :)
A++ rendition of this tune, perhaps the greatest progressive rock composition of all time. I've watched this twice and the tears came both times. Wow!
My, what hath God wrought? The greatest cover of the greatest song, ever. Celebrate the highest angels of human nature.
WOW! Simply amazing! This is an evidence that heaven exists!
Tears in my eye and shivers down my spine all the way through the song.
Jon is YES - it is soooo evident, even when he is not supported with the rest of the band.
If only Chris was there too, and a dot on the end (country guitar lick) so I could say it is perfect.
Andrej
THIS is what Jon Anderson and Yes deserve. Amazing performance in every way. WOW!
Simply a masterpiece of progressive rock, and this presentation is epic.
I had heard very little of Jon but came to realize his music is a call to awaken to a spiritual consciousness.
I am one who is opening up a healing and realization center and his music is the spotlighting message.
This gave me goosebumps, totally amazing.
Can't say enough about what this particular piece of work has meant to me and my life. This version brought tears of joy to my eyes and my heart sang to see how much Jon enjoyed performing with this ensamble- the best Awaken without a doubt in my mind and I've heard it performed back to the original Going for the One tour to today. Brilliant orchestral composition and impecable musicianship. Bravo!
One of the BEST performance of "Awaken" I have EVER heard!
This, in my opinion, is the greatest prog song ever. When music becomes magic
Like the time I ran away and turned around you were standing close to me. ......MAJOR. GOOSEBUMPS
Carol MacDonald one of my favorite lines in all of music
This is beyond beautiful ❤. I don't even have words, just goosebumps!!! Jon, you are incredible!
This the very best version of Awaken I have ever heard...or ever will probably.....it simply cannot...and will never be bettered - it is absolutely sublime and perfect....but it is Jon's vocals and presence that makes this so very special......
Holy crap....this is so wonderful. Jon's voice is unbelievable.this has to be my favorite song of all time. This is so great on so many levels
You can see the joy on Jon's face as this starts...he knows this is how it was always meant to sound live ...WOW!!
Seeing the joy in Jon's face amplifies the impact of this piece. This performance reduces me to tears every time I see and hear it. it's truly beautiful!
I think this version is perhaps closest to what Anderson has always heard in his head. That "ah!" he utters as he turns to the choir with his hands apart is what makes me think so. For me, it is, in a word, brilliant.
this version proves what ive known since i was 12yrs old in 1977. awaken is the best composition and piece of music ever..period case closed p.s jon is the 8th wonder of the world
+alex rothman Strong Dreams Reign Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ever since the first time I listened to the original studio recording of "Awaken" from Yes' 1977 Going For The One album, I have believed it to be the most majestic piece of music ever composed. Truly a song for all the ages both past and future!
With no doubt for me, this is the BEST version of Awaken never made (including YES versions). Incredibly performed...the face of Jon Anderson says everything. Fantastic Anderson, Fantastic the band and orchestra. In my opinion, the long problems and painful departure from Yes bring us Anderson at his best and a real reborn for prog music.
@Jeremy Spade Really? In my opinion the different versions I´ve heard from that tour was confused and over played. I Think the Todmobile concert is the nearest to the original concept imagined by anderson. But it is my opinion.....
100%
Es stellt sich die Frage was ist besser.... Das original oder dieses hier.... ich neige zu letzterem... Einfach GENIAL !!!!!!!!!!
what an honor it was to see yes growing up in the 70s...Jon Andersons voice is magical.
Andrew John same here too my friend love yes from start to finish thanks.
Magic, pure and simple....
What a f*cking masterpiece this is... I find it impossible to listen through it without tears flowing down my cheeks. It's so magnificent, grand and all-encompassing. Just genious.
After all these years, this piece still leaves me spell bound ( bought the original album in 1977)
This performance is outstanding!
iNCREDIBLE....and people would happily go on a cruise to hear a sound alike. ONLY ONE VOICE OF YES.
Why do I find this performance so fantastically moving?
There I was, back in 1978, in my room in the attic, a 14 year old boy discovering the beauty of YES music, like I was the only one in the world at that age; while my peers revelled in disco, ABBA, KISS, maybe ELO. A friend of mine - he RIP - presented me with a cassette recording of this album.
YES opened up a world of music for me. A world of colours, thoughts, feelings; a trust in intuition, in emotion, in the wordless magic of sound. No 'message', no 'fashion', just creativity, originality, dare. It stayed with me ever since, and helped shape my many other musical adventures and discoveries. It gave me musical 'guts'. Every now & then I get into a 'YES mood' and play a few of their albums upside down, with a smile from ear to ear.
I am not a 'spiritual' guy. I am a sceptic, a 100% agnostic, and quite happy with it. Yet I am highly committed to making music with other people, contacting with my fellow humans on that inexplicable level of creativity and happiness. Music is a fabulous means to express and share our humanity, both our thoughts and our feelings, both what we do and what we don't understand.
Witnessing this TH-cam performance I note that today, 2015, so many other people of all kinds of ages, in the band, the orchestra, the choir have come to enjoy that 'strange' YES music, get excited, feel the beauty of it, become a part of it, totally commited in giving it their best shot - and a great shot at that. Of course the original recording is in my veins; but today, I find this recording to be even more exciting. The 1978 attic boy witnessing a stageful of shared musical excitement.
Look at how many people this 'Awaken' song connects; the many players, the many vocalists. All using their skill to give expression to whatever the song is to each of them. The guitar player totally making the song his own, as if there never was a Steve before him. He almost makes me cry for all his joy.
As per Jon, no voice in this world will ever match his; or will ever enrich my life as his voice did. I am so happy to see him having returned to the stage, find musical companions, and share his musicianship. To me, Jon is the proud keeper of the YES flame.
LOVE to all who enjoy this performance!
Hannes Minkema loved reading this! At only 17 years old, I feel I am in the same position you once were. Discovering the magnificence of this great music long before my time, and nobody does it better than Yes!
Hannes, other than my belief in Christianity, I am in complete agreement with your posting. Your words have done the best job of describing the Yes experience that I have ever read. Thank you for taking the time to express your heart.
you were lucky to have such a friend-remember him every day. I had a similar friend who turned me on to great music, who also died too young-remember him always,as without him ,you may not be listening to this
Jesus Mind, Great comment, kudos! It sounds like you and I followed a similar path with regard to music & discovery. As a twenty year old, I stumbled into 3rd row center seats to Yes' Going For the One tour in D.C. - I was completely blown away! I'll never forget it.
To your list of inspiring artists I'd add: Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and my late favorite - Wolf Alice.
Todmobile did a wonderful job on this production... the real genius was realizing that it couldn't be done (anywhere nearly as well) without Jon Anderson!
same here dude
As a fellow bass player, marvelous... but, bass players seldom get their due and respect...
Ive seen it for decades...
Any live performances ive seen and wven in videos, bass players barely get seen...
Even the gre❤at bass players like Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, yourself here in this video... i would say the world is out against us... bass players are of the reverse axiom of children... whereas bass players should be heard but not seen...
But i did enjoy your performance here...
Thankyou for checking comments and making yourself accessible to we the admirers of your work...
Thank you :-)
No Yes needed here to appreciate Jon's marvellous voice
The best ever live version of Awaken I have heard - superlative
This is absolutely outstanding. Probably the best live rendition of this masterpiece. Awaken is by far my all time favorite song from Yes. To be perfectly honest, this solid performance really brought tears to my eyes. On the other hand, it really misses the wonderfully light hearted guitar phrase that usually closes the song. A huge thank you to Jon and the others for this!
Incredible. The song as it was always meant to be.
To me this is THE MOST GREAT MASTERPIECE of symphonic prog rock ever made. Nothing to compare. Absolutely wonderful.
With any musical arrangement that is made. Jon Anderson genius!!!