You haven't really experienced the music of Yes until you've heard an acoustic version of "Owner of A Lonely Heart" performed by Jon Anderson and a choir on an outdoor stage in the field of a California winery.
That's exactly what listeners get on The Mother's Day Concert, an official unofficial recording of a May 1996 gig in Paso Robles during which Anderson performed (mostly acoustic) versions of solo material, plus Yes and Vangelis songs. The literal centerpiece of the release is "Longwalker Speaks," during which the leader of the Dakota Native American Indian tribe implores audience members to make every day Mother's Day and provides a segue to "Change We Must." Another treat is Anderson's fey treatment of "State of Independence," a song he co-wrote in Vangelis and one with which Donna Summer had limited success in 1982. And "Charlie Brown Theme," which features a fast-and-furious take on the cartoon music and flirts with Elton John's "Benny and the Jets," has the crowd giggling and whoopin' it up. It all seems like so much fun that you'll wonder why Anderson felt the need to tell the audience, "All I've got to do is get through this show and I'll feel OK."
Available individually or as part of The Lost Tapes mammoth box set featuring various Anderson live projects, The Mother's Day Concert skimps on the liner notes but remains full of Anderson's earthy ramblings and "love the world" spirit. Free from the restraints of Yes, he sounds even loopier — which makes this release one for hardcore fans.
Track Listing
1) Intro
2) I'll Find My Way Home
3) Wondrous Stories
4) Charlie Brown Theme
5) Children of Light
6) Time and A Word/Soon
7) Owner of A Lonely Heart
8) Longwalker Speaks
9) Change We Must
10) Time Has Come
11) One More Time
12) And You And I
13) State of Independence
14) The Revealing Science of God (Intro)
15) I've Seen All Good People
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