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Jon Anderson at the BergenPAC - Wondrous Stories of Survival and Yarns on YES
The fact that Jon Anderson was performing at the BergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey on March 19, 2012 is a story of survival. The man with the sweet voice and the sweet spirit is not the image of a fighter. Yet, Jon fought back a respiratory illness back in 2008 that could have taken his life and his voice. This was not lost on Anderson's fans as he took the stage a few minutes after eight on Monday night. Jon was warmly welcomed and the audience remained attentive and appreciative the entire evening.
 Jon Anderson on stage in Englewood, New Jersey on the last night of his 2012 winter session. For many years, Jon Anderson was the voice and the creative visionary for the progressive rock group, Yes. Jon sings naturally in the high ranges and his style was very much a part of the band's signature sound. Before Jon's health battles, Yes was planning a 40th anniversary tour. Then, Anderson needed months to recover and the other members of the group were not willing to wait for their legendary lead singer. Anderson and Yes went their separate ways with their relationship strained. From that time, drawing on his inner strength, Jon wrote new music (Survival & Other Stories) and started touring regularly as a solo artist and with Rick Wakeman - the former keyboardist from Yes - with the two putting out the critically acclaimed The Living Tree album. Interviews with Anderson indicate that he is happy and enjoying the new chapters in his life and music. The stage set-up was stark with a few instruments and a large screen. The screen was used throughout the show to tell stories of the spirit. Mystical scenes including chakras, colors, outer space, snakes, trees and water were prevalent themes along with iconic imagery of Egypt and Stonehenge. Armed with an acoustic Jon started with a snippet from his most recent epic song called "Open". This bright and hopeful opener fed into the Yes staple, "Yours Is No Disgrace". Anderson soared vocally in the stripped down version of the classic. "Sweet Dreams" was sentimental and sweet. "Thanks so much," greeted Jon as he mentioned that they had been on the road for weeks and this was the last night of his current tour. "Great to be with you," stated Jon as he moved into Simon and Garfunkel's "America". Jon's interpretation was more true to form than the funky version that Yes once played. Afterwards, Anderson announced that he became an American citizen about two and a half years ago. "Thank God for Bob Marley," said Jon as he played the reggae inspired "Time and a Word" that included a few bars of The Beatles "She Loves You" and Marley's "One Love". Fans clapped along as Anderson ended the song with another shout-out to Bob Marley. Jon picked up an ancient Chinese instrument that he called George. It looked like a very narrow guitar. Jon relayed that he wrote several songs on the device as he was recovering. The next number was powered by Anderson's strong foot-tapping as he played the spirited "Under Heaven's Door". "Music comes from somewhere," stated Jon, adding the he believes "it comes from the Pleiades and the Seven Sisters". This led into "Flight of the Moorglade" from his first solo album, Olias of Sunhillow. Jon revealed that he is getting a live band together to perform the record in its entirety sometime in the future. The song was a showcase that mixed a combination of singing and vocalizations blended with subtle instrumentation. Both "Long Distance Run Around" and "Starship Trouper" were engaging even in their starker forms. Jon mentioned that he had had nine operations saying, "God bless those doctors and nurses. Right in the middle of that I got this from a Polish composer - a song about how strong the human spirit is." The piece became "Unbroken Spirit" which was the next inspiring song of the set-list. Recalling his days with Yes, Anderson mentioned that they were a big rock band back in 1984 traveling with a large crew. Jon joked that it was one roadie's full time job to wake up bassist Chris Squire who was always late. He also recalled seeing the movie Spinal Tap with two young filmmakers who were documenting the Yes tour. He said the mockumentary was so true and that Nigel in the movie with all the guitars was just like Steve Howe. Jon gently jabbed his former bandmate remembering that the guitarist did not like people stepping on his stage carpet. Anderson also reminisced that Yes was the first English band to play in Argentina after the Falkland's War. The group had received death threats but were assured by officials that they would be protected. After Chris implied that they would aim for the lead singer first, Jon made sure he ran around the stage at that gig. The stories surrounded a lively version of "Owner of A Lonely Heart." Anderson took a seat at the piano commenting that he loved playing the piano while jesting, "just the white keys". He played a montage that included parts from "Close To The Edge" and "Heart of the Sunrise ." He moved into the sweet and sentimental "Will You Marry Me Again". The song was written for his "honey" and his wife Jane came out to give Jon a quick hug and a "yes". Jon picked up a ukulele; laughing that "it cost only 25 dollars and sounds like it". He played the up-beat "The Light of Love" with the crowd singing along. He mentioned growing up on a farm with his brother Tony and their musical influences. The next song included bits from The Everly Brothers, The Beatles and The Beach Boys as Jon sang a tale of simpler times on "Tony and Me". The requested "Turn of the Century" was serious countered with the crowd pleasing animated trio of Yes favorites "Your Move", "I've Seen All Good People" and "Roundabout." This three-pack had fans on their feet, clapping and singing along. The encore included "State of Independence" and "Wondrous Stories". After thanking everyone again for coming out Jon reminded us that we all have the same powerful light to shine as he closed with a shimmering version of "Soon." Since 2008, Jon Anderson has returned from the brink of death in good voice. His solo acoustic shows are a fine blend of his work with Yes and newer songs that tell his wondrous stories of survival. Jon Anderson is one of many popular acts to perform at the BergenPAC. The venue's 2012 season is packed with an eclectic mix of comedy, music education and concerts. Scheduled to appear are The Moody Blues, Blue Oyster Cult, Squeeze with The English Beat, Dokken with Warrant, Boyz II Men, Glenn Frey, Paul Anka, Gladys Knight, Steve Miller Band, Ziggy Marley, Zappy Plays Zappa and many more. Please check the BergenPAC's calendar for a list of all of their events.
 Related Links: For more information on JON ANDERSON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Jon Anderson | bergenPAC.org
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