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Friday's Internet Edition, September 03, 2010.
Super-group YOSO wows RM in ETC concert
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Photo by Sheri Barile
Progressive rock sensation YOSO, a hybrid group formed by original members of the bands Yes and Toto, performs an ETC concert at Lake Clementia amphitheatre in Rancho Murieta on Aug. 21. On bass (left) is Billy Sherwood of Yes. Scott Conner is on drums. Toto’s Bobby Kimball is lead singer. Tony Kaye of Yes is on keyboards, and Johnny Bruhns is on guitar.
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By Sheri Barile
River Valley Times Reporter
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Progressive rock connoisseurs in Rancho Murieta were treated to a double helping of music mastery on Aug. 21 when ETC (Entertainment, Theatre and Culture for RM) delivered super-group YOSO to Lake Clementia amphitheatre.
Made up of original founding members of the groups Yes and Toto, YOSO performed for a remarkable two-and-a-half hours while die-hard fans huddled under a bright moon and blankets to ward off the chill. Nearly 700 attended to experience the group that, combined, boasts seven Grammy awards.
YOSO took the stage as dusk yielded to the stars. They wasted no time getting the crowd energized with their opening song, which repeated the name YOSO and enlisted the audience to echo it. They proceeded to play a couple of new songs written and produced for their brand new CD, “Elements.”
Lead singer Bobby Kimball, formerly of Toto, introduced the band. “We are made up of Yes and Toto, and we’re having the time of our lives right now,” he said.
Audience member Alicia Corriea reciprocated this sentiment. “By far, this was the best ETC concert I have been too,” she said. “I’m a huge fan of progressive rock. This is the kind of concert I want to see more of.”
Corriea added that she liked the new songs that YOSO shared with RM but was anxiously waiting for some of the old Yes and Toto classic hits. “When they played ‘Africa,’ I thought to myself, I can’t believe they’re really here,” she said. “I loved listening to their old hits.”
Judging by the number of bodies on the dance floor when the familiar sound of “Africa” filled the night air, Corriea’s feeling was widespread. Kimball announced at the conclusion of the song that the band’s fans were right where he wanted them. “We love you,” he said. “This is your new area, okay?”
Throughout the evening, Kimball reached out and connected with fans near the stage, shaking their hands while he sang. Toto fan Cindy Velez remarked about it. “It was wonderful to see people up on the dance floor connecting and making contact with the band,” she said. “You could tell (YOSO) was here to please.”
Sue McNamee agreed. “They really seemed to be enjoying the venue,” she said. “You could tell that they were having fun.”
Audience members also seemed to like the fact that each member of the group was showcased during the concert with an introduction from Kimball and a solo opportunity. Fans were thrilled to see solo performances from former Yes members Billy Sherwood on bass and Tony Kaye on keyboards.
“I loved the way they featured each player,” Velez said. “Billy Sherwood was awesome.”
The consensus seemed to be that fans enjoyed the new YOSO music but would not be satisfied until they had heard the classic hits. The band didn’t disappoint, playing old favorites like Toto’s “Hold the Line” and “Rosanna” and the Yes songs “Changes,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “Roundabout.”
McNamee found the band to be technically excellent and remarked that the entire season has been a winner. “The ETC board lined up some great bands for us this summer,” she said. “They seem to outdo themselves with every passing year.”
Board President Mike Mann returned the compliment for the entire audience to hear as he announced the board’s appreciation for the support of ETC sponsors and members. “Rancho Murieta, these concerts are for you and because of you," Mann said. "We thank you.”
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