Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

When we find ourselves in the company of a legend the least we can do is applaud the time and the word they have left written in stone for us to follow, to ponder and debate, and to marvel at as we perhaps have only toyed with existence, as they have shaped it in their image.

The Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool has witnessed the extraordinary on many occasions, the crowd spellbound by the aura on a stage that has held the prodigy and the icon alike in equal measure, the audience delivering a unifying sharp intake of breath at the beginning of a song that they might have considered unlikely to ever hear live in their lifetime delivered with such incredible passion and reverence, and as an era comes to end perhaps, an evening in the company of Jon Anderson And The Band Geeks, the sense of beauty could be seen to overwhelm the senses and leave each person holding onto the memory of each song performed with gratitude and intense respect.

Time may make sacrifices of us all, it is inevitable that what were once can not be held in state of static abundance, that perpetual change must be allowed to flow like a river, pulling at the banks, eroding them over time but creating the unexperienced course in which to map and enjoy; and in that new representation so the progression of Time is renewed, like faith and love, it never stops being transformed.

It is in the voice of Jon Anderson that many will have been in attendance, to see the rare visit of one of Progressive Rock’s most unique and much loved frontmen to the city, but on the back of the sensational studio album collaboration between the English spirit and the American Progressive sound that The Band Geeks have perfected with style and grace, True, the evening was one of joyous pastoral illumination, of songs from the book of Yes and their own union which gave the crowd a lift as the eternal autumn equinox turned and the rule book of life seems to be rewritten.

Through tracks such as Close To The Edge, the outstanding Counties and Countries, Giving Is Living, I’ve Seen All Good People, Starship Trooper, Once Upon A Dream, and the fascination of Roundabout played over two halves of the evening, what transpires was elegance in renewal, sophistication in a rekindling of drama and vocal perfection aided by a sound that was all embracing and fiercely cool.

Jon Anderson And The Band Geeks brought love to the Philharmonic Hall, and it was accepted with sincerity and gratitude.

Ian D. Hall