At the BergenPAC, as is Yes' custom classical music was piped in prior to the band appearing. The screen behind the stage scrolled album covers as Yes was warmly greeted by their fans. They started the set strong with "Yours is No Disgrace". The classic was vibrant with shimmering keys and stellar guitar solos from Steve utilizing multiple guitars. Jon appeared relaxed in his role and was expressive in both his movements and vocals throughout the concert.

"I've Seen All Good People" was solid and the use of bright lights shining out into the crowd enhanced the melody and mood of the piece. Another highlight was their spin on Simon and Garfunkel's "America" which allowed ample room for Yes to digress in an array of musical directions. Of course, there was a quick cheer as they sang the line about "counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike".

The band left the stage as Steve Howe sat down with an acoustic for a delightful "Mood For a Day" and a colorful "Clap". Fans were attentive but a few could not contain their excitement with some clapping and shouts during his solos.

As the rest of Yes returned, Steve mentioned their most recent album Fly from Here (2011). The band performed the opening suite from that record. The piece was extensive running the range from subtle to soaring. Throughout the songs images were used on screen to complement the storytelling. Messages on life were mixed into the music which at times gave the sensation of movement.

The newest members of YES are Jon Davison and Geoff Downes.

"Wondrous Stories" was a pleasant surprise added to the set-list. Davison handled the pretty and poignant piece with grace. Downes shined on "Awaken" another new addition to the show. Chris Squire armed with a three necked guitar/bass melded bold lines to the tune that ran through an array of progressions. Alan White was steady and strong all night and as a whole the 2012 version of Yes was tight.

"Heart of the Sunrise " a fan favorite shined brightly and the encore of "Roundabout" was rousing. The closer and the concert was animated - affirming that Yes is back to meeting the high expectations of their fans.

Procol Harum took the stage promptly at seven opening with "Wall Street Blues" - a searing commentary with cutting guitar chords and some jamming. "Nice to be back," stated Brooker as they moved into a robust "As Strong as Samson". Gary chatted more than the members of Yes did mixing some humor among his comments.

"Pandora's Box" had the feel of a carnival with the pair of keyboards swirling in a colorful mix of codas. "An Old English Dream" was an orchestrated piece that showcased the musicianship of Brooker and his band. The tune was a bold ballad with the keys floating high into the mix.

Procol Harum's set had the hits including a well seasoned "A Salty Dog" that ebbed and flowed on progressions along with the engaging and enigmatic "A White Shade of Pale". The moody piece was magical supported by strong guitar solos and spacey steady keys. Procol Harum concluded with a daunting "Conquistador".

Chris Squire captains a rejuvenated version of YES in 2012.

At the Mayo, Procol Harum took the stage at seven sticking to the same set list. They were just as good as they were the week before. "Wall Street Blues" was scathing with the two keyboards punctuating the points of the tune. "Pandora' Box" still had a slightly sinister feel and stellar jamming.

Gary talked between songs and on this night he mentioned that his home country has not won many sporting events but an Englishmen had just won the Tour de France. For fans that were not as familiar with Procol Harum's work the one hour set was a quick overview of their catalogue and demonstrated that the group has impressive interplay.

"Requests? That's extra," jested Brooker responding to a shout out before they performed a polished "A White Shade of Pale" and a captivating "Conquistador". The pairing ended Procol Harum's Mayo set on an engaging and energized note.

Yes also played a similar set list at the Mayo with the only change being Steve's acoustic solos. "Ram" was multi-layered with a lovely lilt. "Leaves of Green" was a pageantry of chord changes with Jon sweetly singing of colors and millions of voices. Afterwards, Steve mentioned bringing their songbook up to date as an introduction to "Fly from Here".

The more we hear this suite the more it grows on us. The complex piece has an array of strange and traditional keyboard sounds that meander through melodic movements. Hook lines are interspersed among intricate progressions and solos. The suite has depth, diversity and that distinctive Yes signature.

Although the tracks were played in same order we found many of the interpretations to be different. Nuances were added throughout the song list. " America " allowed plenty of room for improvisation as did the encore "Roundabout".

Yes is back in fine form. They are performing their classic and contemporary tunes with new life inserting different tempos and textures along the way. Both Yes and Procol Harum have had their setbacks but they have used 2012 to build themselves back up and maintain their strongholds in the prog-rock world.

YES Setlist: Yours is No Disgrace / Tempus Fugit / All Good People / America / Steve Howe Solo - Mood For a Day/Clap (BergenPAC) / Steve Howe Solo - Ram/Leaves of Green (MayoPAC) / Fly from Here Suite / Wondrous Stories / Heart of the Sunrise / Awaken / Encore / Roundabout

Yes: Chris Squire - bass; Steve Howe - guitars; Alan White - drums; Geoff Downes - keyboards; Jon Davison - vocals

Procol Harum Setlist: Wall Street Blues / As Strong as Samson / Pandora's Box / Homburg / An Old English Dream / A Salty Dog / Simple Sister / Cerdes (Outside the Gates Of) / A Whiter Shade of Pale / Encore / Conquistador

Procol Harum: Gary Brooker - piano and voice; Geoff Whitehorn - lead guitar; Geoff Dunn - percussion; Matt Pegg - bass guitar; Josh Phillips - Hammond organ

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum is in fine shape following a nasty fall earlier in the year!

Related Links: For more information on YES & PROCOL HARUM and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - YES | Procol Harum | bergenPAC.org | MayoArts.org

(Originally Published on July 23, 2012)