I realized that my last Short Takes was a little hard on the elder rockers I mentioned. I wanted to follow up and make clear that it’s really impressive that they’re still out there on the concert stage past the age of 70, or even 80, while I find hauling my laundry basket up and down the basement stairs requires a fair amount of stretching first. My beef, if it can be called that, is with the bands trying to present the same kind of show they performed as much younger artists, requiring higher energy and stronger voices. It can’t help but invite unfortunate comparisons at times.
There are classic rock artists, like Bob Dylan and Robert Plant, who have successfully re-imagined their approach to performing with excellent results. They work within the unavoidable limitations of age to re-focus their approaches and keep them vital and engaging. I came back to the topic because I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the greatest transformations out there. Not just a musical rebirth, but an uplifting pay-it-forward story, as well.
• Jon Anderson – Mr. Anderson is, of course, the angelic voice from the classic Yes records. Not only does it defy the known laws of physics that Jon’s alto tenor is still clear and powerful at age 77, what he’s choosing to do with his still-impressive gift is inspiring.
Music fans no doubt remember the classic Jack Black film, School of Rock. As it happens, there are several actual “schools of rock” around the country, with teens and pre-teens given a chance to learn not just music theory, but also stage presentation, from professional musicians. Instead of gathering up his old Yes bandmates, with whom he hasn’t played in decades, Jon is out on the road celebrating the 50th anniversary of Close to the Edge with students from the Paul Green Rock Academy in Connecticut. The stages are crowded, he’s trying to give as many of them as possible the chance to participate. Some of the songs feature four guitarists, two drummers, a cellist, horns, and a handful of backup singers. The energy and enthusiasm of the young men and women is an absolute delight to watch - they’re all huge smiles, fist pumps, dancing, and phenomenal musicianship - while Jon’s voice soars skyward over the top. I saw a clip from a long-time rabid Yeshead on YouTube who insisted it was the best Yes concert he’d seen in 20 to 30 years and I don’t doubt that for a second.
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