Rodrigo y Gabriela Tour Updates/Workout Tunes

Hey World Family,
Falcon, here. There will be a couple of updates today; so much going on in the world of entertainment.

There have been some updates in the tour schedule of Rodrigo y Gabriela, so we wanted to pass these on to you ASAP.

This is the full schedule as we know it at the moment. Of course, the new album 11:11 will be out in September, so when it is, we will let you know;)

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

July, 15 2009 08:00 PM - Jazz Festival, Gent, Belgium
http://www.gentjazz.com/

July, 17 2009 08:00 PM - Festival Les Suds (Old Arena), Arles, France
http://www.suds-arles.com/

July, 19 2009 08:00 PM - Lovebox ( 2nd stage), Victoria Park, Hackney, London
http://www.lovebox.net/

July, 21 2009 08:00 PM - Blue Balls Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland,
http://www.blueballs.ch/

July, 23 2009 08:00 PM - Paleo Festival (Chapiteau Stage), Nyon, Switzerland
http://www.2009.paleo.ch/

July, 24 2009 08:00 PM - Les 3 Elephants Festival (Main Stage), Laval, France
http://www.les3elephants.com/2009

July, 26 2009 08:00 PM - Secret Garden Party (Main stage), Cambridge, UK
http://www.secretgardenparty.com/2009

July, 28 2009 08:00 PM - Dolans Warehouse, Limerick, Ireland
Box Office 061 314483 & www.dolanspub.com

July, 29 2009 08:00 PM - School of Music, Cork, Ireland
www.cyprusavenue.ie

August, 1 2009 08:00 PM - Presqu’ile de Crozon Festival, Crozon, France
http://www.festivalduboutdumonde.com/

September, 4 2009 08:00 PM - Electric Picnic Festival, Stradbally, Laois
http://www.electricpicnic.ie/

September, 16 2009 08:00 PM - Terminal 5, New York City,
http://www.terminal5nyc.com/

September, 19 2009 08:00 PM - Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Denver, CO

September, 21 2009 08:00 PM - Moore Theatre, Seattle, USA

September, 23 2009 08:00 PM - Fox Theatre, Oakland, USA

September, 25 2009 08:00 PM - Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, USA


Falcon loves this pair; they are magnificent players and performers combining style, grace, and intensity gloriously. If you haven’t checked them out yet, just go to You Tube; they have a new video, and a ton of classics. Download a couple of tracks for the MP3, too. They are great inspiration for the workout.

FALCON AND DOVE WORKOUT

Yes, questions have swirled about what do Falcon and Dove listen to when we are hitting the gym, yoga, Pilates, weights, bikes, and trails.
Well, Dove has a list she will share with you later (she is in Chi-town this weekend), but I will give you some of my current motivators.

FALCON’S LIST

YES-of course, I am a solid YES fan so I love putting on some stuff from TALES, RELAYER, UNION, and THE YES ALBUM. Of course, YES cousins are great, too: CIRCA, JON ANDERSON, JON AND VANGELIS, ABWH, etc.

QUEENSRYCHE-any album will do, but the latest SOLDIER’S STORY is great on the trails

EVANESCENCE- Yes, they are great to listen to when depressed or in need of some psychological revenge, but are also great on the bike. Having been a dancer for many years, Falcon sometimes forgets to breathe correctly when exercising. Dancers know what I mean when I say this. If I am listening to female vocalists I enjoy and respect, I will often sing along and that keeps me breathing, not holding my breath against the exertion. HEART, STREISAND (yes, Barbra), ELLA, NANCY WILSON (jazz, Heart already mentioned), JANIS, JONI, PINK even CLANNAD is great to bike and hike to while singing. I don’t recommend this for others, but Falcon has had asthma since I was a kid, and I don’t take meds, I just do T’ai-Chi, avoid foods that trigger responses (dairy is the worst for that) and exercise, EVERY DAY! I have to do something active. At my age, it becomes even more important. I can tell you what happens when you don’t exercise…bad stuff can creep in. I can do curls with laundry soap, so take every opportunity you can get to stay or get healthy.

PREDATOR-highly inspiring; I talked about these guys last week. This is my new favorite CD to push me further.

EARTH,WIND, AND FIRE-they will get you up for anything! It doesn’t matter what I am doing, I can always get motivated with them. You have to get moving with them on the player.

STYX- these guys are for the weights. Tommy, Gowan, James and the gang keep me working through the burn

WES MONTGOMERY- cool down time; nothing like a little Wes…

ANDREAS VOLLENWEIDER- I can bike to most of his stuff, but my favorite is of course, DOWN TO THE MOON. I also like WHITE WINDS for a cool down

MOODY BLUES-yes, I love them. These guys are great for hiking in the woods and appreciating nature. Things just look more beautiful when they are on…

KILLSWITCH and SLIPKNOT-for immediately following Pilates class. For some reason, they are just a good addition to do the aerobic stuff I do to keep the muscles loose after the intensity of Pilates. These are my release guys, then a nice bath or shower.

CHIEFTAINS, JOHN MC CANN, TOMMY MAKEM, CAPERCAILLE, BROTHER-Falcon gets Celtic, Scot, and tribal when doing some T’ai Chi and body sculpting.

JAZZ for chillin’- when slowing down relaxing, and trying to stay cool in rush-hour traffic, jazz is the only way to go. Local artists like GEORGE BENSON, AHMED JAMAL, JOE NEGRI, are always nice. There are so many artists I listen to, it would be unfair to single out, but I also like ALAN PARSONS PROJECT for rush hour…er…um..hours. It goes on forever…

This is just a snapsot of the moment; it can change all the time and usually does. Music for dance is entirely different, and that is for another day;)

Stay strong, world family. Have a great week!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Memorial Day Weekend: Honoring Ancestors, Family, Friends, Fun!

Hey World Family,
Falcon here, wishing you all a great weekend, and a happy Memorial Day weekend to our U.S. family, and Victoria Day to our Canadian Brothers and Sisters!

There are plenty of things to do this weekend, outdoors and in: movies (Terminator: Salvation opens and is a magnificently terrifying trip), get out to many festivals (eat all those foods you never allow yourself to have the rest of the year, in moderation), get out to the park, pool, or just clean up the yard (like Falcon), and remember what Memorial Day is for: honoring our war dead, and those who served who have passed on. Falcon and Dove honor all ancestors during this period, and we hope you will have some reflective time to do the same.

One important point about this weekend is history. Our holidays frequently honor our history, yet many don’t really know that much about why we honor what we celebrate. Keeping up the places that help remind us of our wonderful, tragic, mournful, and triumphant history is something that goes overlooked frequently. Falcon and Dove love history, so we are going to do our part to support organizations that support education us all on the history that has brought us to where we are...and reminds us to remember the lessons of that past lest we repeat the most challenging lessons our that past due to inattention to those lessons.

Falcon visited the Derry Area Historical Society this week, for a wonderful presentation and screening of Andy McAllister’s important film, Out of the Ground”, which we have told you is an extremely moving and important film. Again, it will be shown as part of the Film and Wine Festival in Johnstown, PA on July 11, and we hope you can come out and see it, meet the director, and have some serious fun!

DAHS is in a wonderful cabin in Derry, PA of course. It is a wonderful trip back into history, and is in great hands with John Matviya. He is warm and thoroughly informed about the history of the region. Get out this summer, visit Pennsylvania and make sure you stop there and say hello. The region is so stunningly beautiful (this is the shire, after all), you may never want to leave. Can get here, but still would like to help out, here is a way to help. Falcon got this fine invitation from John:

357 Pittsburgh Street
P. O. Box 64
New Derry, PA 15671
724 – 694 – 8808
www.derryhistory.org

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A DAHS INNKEEPER
This is the fourth year that our historical society has been able to conduct its business and maintain the historic Fulton House without continual fundraising efforts due to the great success of our Innkeeper Patron program. The “Innkeepers” are a generous group of people and businesses who have each donated $175.00 to cover the monthly costs of running our society during the course of the year. Our 2009 Innkeepers, listed on the back, agreed last year to fund our general operating expenses in 2009 allowing our general membership dues and other donations to go directly into outreach and educational activities in our community. Because of their generosity, the DAHS Board of Directors does not have to waste time worrying about how to pay the utility bills each month!

Our historical society continues to be very active and involved in numerous exciting initiatives. This year we have expanded to the corners of the Derry Area with the relocation of our Family and Community Research Center to the New Alexandria Public Library. The relocation allows us to be open and available to our members and visitors 5 days a week, every week, while freeing up the Fulton House to provide more historical exhibits throughout the warmer season. A separate fund drive, when completed, will fulfill our dream to reconstruct the Fulton House’s fireplace, encouraging better use of that facility in the cooler months.

Without our 2009 Innkeepers none of what we have accomplished could have been undertaken. We sincerely thank them and appreciate their interest in our society’s mission. It is now time to sign up to become one of the 2010 Innkeepers. If you would like to help by being a 2010 Innkeeper, please send your tax-deductable contribution of $175 by June 1st to the address below. If you have questions, please contact me, John Matviya, via email at jjmatv@comcast.net. A fantastic Innkeepers’ Dinner awaits you! Thank you!!
357Pittsburgh St.
P. O. Box 64
New Derry, PA 15671

General meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00p.
www.derryhistory.org


NEW MUSIC NEWS

Soihadto

Has had a fierce week! They have signed with Grape Juice Records, and are recording right now with J. Robbins! There will be a tour, beginning in June! Stay tuned. There are some amazing new pics on their My Space page! Check it out!
www.myspace.com/soihadto

Queensryche

They did an amazing Internet live concert performance for two hours and are now immersed in a major tour. Check out their My Space for some additional information:
www.myspace.com/queensryche

BROTHER

On May 28th, BROTHER will return to the Waterfest Concert Series at the
Riverside Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's been a couple of years since the fellas have played in Oshkosh and the guys say they are looking forward to it.

Keep in touch by visiting the band at BROTHERmusic.com, on myspace,
Twitter, and the BROTHER blog.
BROTHER
http://www.brothermusic.com/


Billy Sherwood, Tony Kaye, Alan White

TODAY-release of CIRCA : Overflow! These are 7 previously unreleased songs that did not appear on either the debut or on Circa: HQ CD. It is on iTunes now! Search ‘circa overflow’. Sweet!!! BTW, CIRCA :LIVE DVD is also available on iTunes. They do a killer version of the Yes anthem, “The More We Live”.

Rik Emmett

Has been a busy guy: new album coming out with co-troub Dave Dunlop, Push and Pull, available beginning May 26 in CD form (Tuesday), but can be preordered now through Maple Music (www.maplemusic.com), socially networking for new peeps ‘cause he is now on Facebook and Twitter, in addition to the My Space page and his website, www.rikemmett.com. There’s a new contest for members and friends. Details on the blog: www.myspace.com/rikemmettnetwork

Push and Pull harkens like their debut project of Strung-Out Troubadours, and has a similar mix of instrumental and vocalized pieces. One tune, “A Deeper Kind of Blue” appears both as a dueling guitar instrumental and as a p.s. version with Rik’s emotional tenor conclusion. Most of this project is fun stuff, with extremely impressive pieces like “52 Pick Up” and “Red Hot” burning up the axes like only Emmett can. Dave gets a more balanced presentation and the load seems more evenly split on this project, including his surprising lead vocals on “Only Time Will Tell” (original, not an Asia cover; I only mention this because three people have already asked me that question). “Way, Way Kooler (a nod to Way Cool from the late 1990’s Swing Shift) actually is, and “Declaration” seems to be an anthem-like affirmation of daily renewal. “Miracle of Love” is a nice piece that would make a good mainstream rock single, although Falcon has to admit that the version done with Orchard Studios live from Brampton on the Internet broadcast with just Rik and Dave is more favored that the retro background vocals on the studio recording. The first single from this project, “Why, Baby” had been out since December, and it is now joined by these and one more masterpiece, “And The River Still Runs” which thematically has its origins in the same vein as “Dos Arroyos” from the debut Troubs (“Two Streams”, although this piece flows like water or consciousness, depending on your mood) which also brought about the construction of “State of Grace”, from the same project- which was one of the most elegantly constructed songs Emmett has written in his solo career. Overall, Push and Pull should be added to your collection.

RAISE THE CURE

I received this message from our Sister Julie, the President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:

You’re making a difference.

Through your continued support, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is making progress on several fronts. One of the areas where we have had the most impact is heightening awareness among elected officials about the urgent need to do more about fighting pancreatic cancer. Due to our advocacy efforts, Congress is now considering the first-ever substantive bill regarding the disease: The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, H.R. 745. This landmark legislation will dedicate more federal funding towards research and finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Although we are moving forward, much remains to be accomplished. If you have not already done so, click on this RAISE THE CURE campaign link and make a donation to become a part of finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION GROWS THE RESEARCH THAT GROWS CURES.
Your contribution to RAISE THE CURE will be put to work on two fronts. You’ll be directly funding more private research to ensure the development of early detection diagnostics, improved therapies, more clinical trials, finding key biomarkers and expanding the scientific understanding of pancreatic cancer. You’ll also help us ensure that Congress passes The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, H.R. 745. Once enacted and fully funded it will provide a greater focus on this disease and will provide the National Cancer Institute with the tools it needs to develop the diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.

Jai Pausch, the wife of the late Carnegie Mellon University Professor Randy Pausch, PhD, whose fight against pancreatic cancer inspired millions through his book, The Last Lecture, remains committed to our mission. "Through research, patient support and advocacy, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and all of its supporters are making a real difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients and their families,” she said. “Together, we can raise the cure and make every day matter in the fight against pancreatic cancer."

Please join Jai and support the effort to find a cure. Your generous donation will provide real hope for pancreatic cancer patients and keep progress moving forward in the fight to find a cure.
Best regards,
Jason Kuhn, Board Chair
Julie Fleshman, JD MBA, President and CEO

https://netcommunity.pancan.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=537

To donate by phone, please call Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at 877-272-6226

Falcon has to run, it is time to put her talons into the dirt for some serious gardening this weekend (yes, Falcon and Dove prefer our own organic fruits and veggies when we have them). Stay strong, World Family; have a great weekend!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

SAG Awards, YES Top 40..er..um 41

Hello World Family,
Falcon here to review last nights Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) winners. First of all, I must say a personal congratulations to my girl, Sally Field. We share a birthday, and gosh, she is still at the top of her game on "Brothers and Sisters", and looks incredible! I hope I look that good when I reach her age...I better get to work!

Other winners include the no-surprise "30 Rock" and personal awards for Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey. Other expected winners included Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti for their portrayals of Abagail and John Adams in the HBO series "John Adams". (Just a note: why didn't Stephen Dillane get a nom this year from this series; he is fabulous). Hugh Laurie won again for his role in "House", and Gary Oldman emotionally accepted the Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger in his bruising portrayal of The Joker in "The Dark Knight".

Some surprises: Best Ensemble for television went to "Mad Men" in a tough category featuring "Boston Legal", "Dexter", "The CLoser", and "House". Kate Winslet did pull out the Best Supporting Actress in film with a crazy tight battle between other highly qualified thespians Any Adams, Penelope Cruz, Viola Davis (you looked fantastic!), and Taraji P. Herman who did a spectacular job as Benjamin Button's mom.
Meryl Streep was the Best Actress Drama in an equally heavy category. Best Ensemble Cast went to "Slumdog Millionaire", and I wasn't sure it would for the SAG awards...this was nice to see.

How does this effect Oscars? Well, it does give you a better idea of where the pulse of voters may be. Remember, that the Academy now has specialized voting in technical categories, so only those associated with those areas vote on them. this has a good side, and a not so good side. It should mean that the winners are more competent, and not just well liked. The undersside is that outsiders and independents in these technical categories may get completely ignored, and never make the final cut for consideration. I certainly think that happened this year in animation. This is a good year for films of high quality; you can't go wrong with mot of these offerings.


YES TOP 40...41

Well, there have been a couple of these lists on You Tube lately, and actually it is long overdue. The Progressive Rock Band YES is celebrating their 41st Anniversary later this year, and what a four decades they have had!!!

To say that these guys rocked is an understatement. They have created trends, changed radio, changed rock (artistically and technologically) and it seemed that no matter what the changes in the band, they always had something powerful to say.

There are a couple of disclaimers I need to mention before I list the top 41 (one for every year that the band has been in existence).

First of all, I need to say that I bought the very first YES album (entitled simply, Yes) when I was just 8 years old. Some of the songs on this list are the direct result of the times that they were played on the radio, and the impact they had on me as a child, a teen, and then as an adult. I think that’s important because many people will talk about the aptitude of a piece, or its technical degree of difficulty or its lyric value, and all of those are important qualities to discuss when talking about YES. However, their discussion may be retrospective about the quality of the music and its Billboard placement, rather than on a direct experience with the music in its period. Since I have lived four decades plus listening to this music, though, I have to point out some of its impact personally at particular stages of my life, because that is what ultimately helps us love or not love a particular song sometimes.

I also want to point out that some of these songs literally changed my perceptions of the world in which we live. Literally. Some supported beliefs I already had, but some actually helped form them. I know that I have been a better person at times in my life because I could quote Yes song lyrics to my mind to keep it all together in times of challenge and struggle. Songs oftentimes become part of the overall fabric of our lives. Anybody think they are not impacted by art and music is crazy. I am willing to admit that I have been formed and supported by some pretty powerful stuff. It’s also pretty darn good.

Another disclaimer: I did not include any solo music by any of the YES members, or Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe (ABWH), but I would have loved to. I consider the ABWH album a YES album, and most YES fans probably do as well. That album is so strong that most of it would be on this list, in particular, “Brother of Mine”, I’m Alive”, “Birthright”, and “The Meeting”. Of course, “Quartet”, The Order of the Universe” and “Let’s Pretend” are good tracks, too. The solo material by YES band members or former members over the years would be massive, and maybe we can do a list of the top songs by YES band members when solo or in collaboration with other artists. Nearly all the members have done incredible work away from the band. From Alan White to Chris Squire to Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin…there has been some very strong work done. The most proficient has probably been work by Bill Bruford and of course Jon Anderson. These guys have played with so many fantastic artists; it is hard to keep up.

I also have not included any of YES’ cover songs…so no Paul Simon, Beatles covers, or Richie Havens. They are incredible versions and I would actually rather listen to YES’ version ‘America’ sometimes than the original; it depends upon my mood.

One more thing, these songs are not in any particular order. That would be impossible. Falcon has said in the past that “The More We Live” may be my favorite song of all time. After doing this assignment, I am still strong with that although as a hard core YES fan, I have to say I could easily also say that at the end of my life, if I could pick a song to be playing as I breathe my last sighs, it would probably be the “Soon” portion of “The Gates of Delirium” from Relayer. That is just such an outstandingly beautiful capsulation of the reason for our existence and our divine participation in our hope, whatever your faith (or lack thereof). Although, I honestly don’t know how someone without faith could get to the end of “Soon” without becoming a weeping believer in something higher. Music just sometimes reaches a special chord in all of us, and this is one of those songs for me.

Falcon is not perfect, and it is quite likely I left your favorite YES song off of the list...I didn't mean to, but I could only put 41 on the list. I also probably made a mistake on a least one of these on which album they came from and which year. That's because I actually lived this stuff...and my own personal RAM disk is full (aka, my brain). I am lucky I can recall what I had for breakfast...what did I have for breakfast? Oh, yeah...I remember...

The songs are listed below in bold with the album they originally appeared on in parenthesis. So as not to confuse those who may want to explore YES music, and may not be familiar with album titles, let me explain: the first three albums are called, in this order, :Yes, Time and A Word, and The Yes Album. In 1983, there was an album whose title was its catalog number (not anything deeper, really…no mystery numbers to the universe). It is called 90125. That’s its name. I know, that’s weird, but it’s true. It was the reason long time friend, Eddie Van Halen teased his buddy Trevor Rabin with Van Halen’s 1985 album title: OU812. Hee-hee.

Without further ado…here they are:

Sweet Dreams (Yes)- I loved this song when I was a kid, and it’s theme has always given me hope…”Sweet Dreams control the future”.
It is not outstanding musically, but you can hear where the band would go in the future with some undercurrents of future themes that appear on The Yes Album in songs like “Yours is No Disgrace”, etc.

South Side of the Sky (Fragile)-this entire album could be on the list, and should be on anyone’s top album lists of all time. This is such a strong, diverse album. It does have some very strong “American” themes, but I also think it’s great how they combined some local flavor into the mix to make this piece very interesting musically. Some of what eventually became fusion years later can give a nod right here to this piece, as well as other YES songs.

Survival (Yes)-this is such a bright, pleasant piece with rolling melodic vocals and strong harmonies. Good message.

Silent Spring (Talk)-This album was not what you would call warm and fuzzy. It reflected the times of the mid 1990s and this song title is personal to those from Pittsburgh, since Rachel Carson, the author of the book by the same title in 1963 was born in Springdale. This is a powerful song, in segments that are reflective, yet unflinching. It is not an easy song to listen to, but a necessary one. It is not a summary of the book’s themes, but touches on some of the same concerns.

The Remembering (Tales From Topographic Oceans)-This was a double album with 4 songs on it, one for each side of vinyl. At the time, many in the music industry thought this project was professional suicide. They were all wrong. This project stands alone as one of the reasons the term ‘progressive’ was applied to rock music like this.

This double album pushed the limits of classification off the scale. This music was rock, was classical, was jazz, was fusion (that barely existed as a genre in 1973), was new age (that didn’t exist as a category until the 1980’s), and something other than we have a category for… and was written in about 22 hours of intense collaboration while playing shows in Japan. It completely, mind-blowingly rocks! This particular piece, referring not only to honoring our ancient, indigenous roots as people with ancestry, but our spiritual ‘remembering’, is a colossal piece of percussion (both drum and keyboards, as well as accessory instruments), guitar and bass blowout, yet is articulate and intelligent. This entire album, 36 years old, is still ahead of its time. It turned radio on its head, and this along with other Yes albums, made the AOR (Album Oriented Rock) genre have real teeth.

Saving My Heart (Union)- Okay, this is not musically deep, but it is a lot of fun. The reggae-touched piece is bouncy, completely danceable, and was very popular during the live tour in 1991 when the 8pc YES toured the Union project (on a rotating stage). This brings back a lot of happy moments with many friends when our children were young and they loved this song. It’s just an adorable little piece.

Madrigal (Tormato)-I cannot find another popular song (except in the Harry Potter “Prisoner of Azkaban” soundtrack) where a Celeste was used on a modern piece of music in the latter half of the 20th century. Rick Wakeman’s articulation on this song as well as it hopeful lyrics are why it’s on the list. Yes, I remember the reference to ‘celestial travelers’ in the song, but that doesn’t discourage me from it. My favorite line in this song is “cast off your garments of fear, replace them with love”.

Owner of a Lonely Heart (90125)-This was a huge hit, of course, and was a combination of lyrics and music written by the YES members who had reunited after a repast in 1980; they were going to call the band “Cinema” (which actually became the title of a Grammy Award nominated instrumental on the album) until Jon Anderson re-joined the foursome, making the sound unmistakably YES. Jon changed the lyrics a bit. Trevor Rabin said he composed this piece during an ‘extended visit’ to the privy. Pretty funny. Great video.

Lift Me Up (Union)- Maybe it was because there are eight YES musicians featured in a variety of ways on songs on this album, and in the video you had all eight singing and playing (from a live show I believed that was filmed in Ohio), but this just makes me feel good when I hear it…even though it is thematically kind of a bummer. An indictment on the state of homelessness, it is a sensitive piece that asks for a humble hand in recovering strength, compassion, and love from those in a position to deliver it. It’s anthem like refrain puts it on the list.

The Ancient (Tales From Topographic Oceans)-Another side of this incredible album that uses ancient melodic approaches complimented with modern themes to make this piece all at once gritty, pounding, rousing, and progressive…all at the same time.

Shoot High, Aim Low (Big Generator)-this song’s lyrics follow an actual incident that happened to the band members. It was real (and real scary). The song documents the incident and personal feelings while searching for answers to some of the world’s most complicated dynamics. Listen carefully, you will get it.

Long Distance Runaround (Fragile)- ever have a long distance argument with your sweetheart? Well…then you get it. This song features wicked bass! It also has Chris Squire’s magnificent instrumental “The Fish” attached to it. (Trivia: why is it called, “the Fish”…well, Chris Squire is a Pisces. He also called his solo project, Fish out of Water.

Looking Around (Yes)- A nice piece on their debut album. This reminds me a little of period ELP; I guess it’s the Hammond organ. Nice little love song. I wore this one out as a kid.

Spirit of Survival (Magnification)-This is fierce New Age! Think that Nouveau Age cannot be strong? Listen to this song.

Miracle of Life (Union)- Trevor Rabin does a fine job on this song, and it is a really dynamic piece. This was one of the best tours ever. I would love to see those eight guys again as YES: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Tony Kaye, and Trevor Rabin.

Mood for a Day (Fragile)- I always loved this piece, and can listen to it anytime. I also like “The Clap”, and it was hard to decide which one to put on the list. Steve Howe is a master guitarist, and his influence runs wide and deep.

Shock to the System (Big Generator)- This song is hard and nasty and I love it! The lyrics are particularly poignant to our recent politics (the end of an error) as well as the crooks of the financial markets. The fact that this song was released on Big Generator in 1987 shows how some things had not changed. Of course, this song ends optimistically…YES doesn’t do songs that just complain. There is always hope.

The Revealing Science of God (Tales From Topographic Oceans)
This is another magnificent piece and is the opening song from the double album. It is a powerful peace and should leave you feeling very good afterwards.

Roundabout (Fragile)- This is the biggest hit YES has ever had, and it’s just a simple song about a picnic atmosphere on a lake with mountains and a few profound observations included. Interesting introduction, breaks, coda…it simply rocks!

It Will Be a Good Day (The Ladder)- Simply beautiful, Asian influenced piece. It will inspire you every day that you hear it.

Turn of the Century (Going for the One)-This is one of the most bittersweet, tender, heartfelt songs that I have ever heard anywhere. Its storytelling is intimate and engaging. It is hauntingly gorgeous. The message: that love never dies. I personally know this to be true.

Close to the Edge (Close to the Edge)- Incredible song! Some YES members (including Jon’s son, Damien) did a rap version of this, and it hysterically worked! I don’t even know if you can buy that…but, listen to the original, see what you think. Oh, yes…another loooooong piece. It is worth every minute.

Wonderous Stories (Going for the One)-this album is another one of those that the entire album is a series of best songs. No, I did not misspell the title. I love this song, always have from the first moment I heard it. I used to sing it to my daughter when she was a baby and rock her to sleep. It just seemed like one of those songs. I have heard it in dreams and things always turned out well at the end.

Heart of the Sunrise (Fragile)-Transcendental movement of a singular individual through crowds in the city. Surrounded by herds of people, yet lost in an aloneness. It was so strong a piece that you could see the film playing out in your head…way before we had the technology to actually play out what you saw. One magnificent piece of music.

Changes (90125)- Describes the YES experience to a ‘T’. This band changed line up more than some people changed socks, yet it always sounded so good. The 1983 album 90125 sold a million copies upon its September 25 release in just 3 days. Every song on this album is good. It was extremely popular and summarizes the fact that everything indeed changes.

Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album)-the first song that I can recall (written in 1971) that supported the position of troops sent to war, but not the war. Back then, everything was pretty black and white; you either supported the Vietnam War or you didn’t. I was amazed how this song was completely alone in its ability to acknowledge that those who have to go to war for governments and leaders are not the ones who are responsible for its ills. It was a song that separated the war from the men and women who fought it. Instrumentally suave in its construction, it was one of the best songs on an album filled with best songs. It is a masterpiece.

It Can Happen (90125)-One of my favorites; the light and dark of what can happen to people when they don’t participate in their own enlightenment. Take the tips from this song and be strong.

I’m Running (Big Generator)-“A simple peace just can’t be found; waste another day, blasting all their lives away…I heard the thunder underground, tunneling away at the very soul of man”. My God-son used to recite this particular passage when he was three. I asked him what he thought it meant. He said,” War breaks off pieces of man’s heart. You shouldn’t do it.” Out of the mouths of babes…
This piece has Chris Squire on a five string bass playing an opening lick that made grown men cry. Including xylophones along with the regular smorgasbord of instruments, this song is impossibly complicated as well as inspiring. By the end... “all the world will Race as One this time” (as in human race). This is progressive rock at some of its most dynamic. It’s hard to believe that this is on the same album as “Rhythm of Love”. No, it’s not one of my favorites. I didn’t like the video, either.

Hold On (90125)-Hold on contains…dare I say it…sarcasm. I love its construction! It points out some of the problems, gives someone the proverbial bird at the end of the second verse, and then ends on a bright and happy note about sunshine. What more could you ask for from a Yes song?

Starship Trooper (The Yes Album)-Yes concerts used to end with this song for good reason. It rocks out! Words will not do it justice. Just listen.

Onward (Tormato)-composed by Chris Squire for his wife, Nikki, simply one of the most beautiful pieces every written. Hear it, and it will move your soul.

Perpetual Change (The Yes Album)- The more things change…
Great song; loved it when it came out, and I still love it. It used to make my fingers bleed when I played the bas part on this one over and over again. I know why Chris Squire uses a pick!

Parallels (Going for the One)- One of my favorite songs ever, period. Self love, and universal love rises in a really cool hard rock song with an organ recorded in a magnificent church in Switzerland.

I’ve Seen All Good People (The Yes Album)- A strong, diverse piece that so many people love…me, too. A moving song about love, self love, and a chess game.

Ritual/Nous Sommes du Soleil (Tales from Topographic Oceans)-This is the fourth side of the double album on the universal truths of life. This song is a musical battle between the forces of negativity and pure love. Sexual love, Tantric love…the kind that heightens our consciousness when experienced with someone we truly adore. Love wins.

Hearts (90125)- Another top ten song in my book. Beautiful, strong, rocks out, then decrescendos into a beautiful, powerful conclusion that floats into the celestial. This song live is a truly magical experience.

Time and a Word (Time and a Word)- I love the organ introduction, the vocal range of Jon Anderson, and the simple yet poignant lyrics…all wrapped up in one package. I will never get tired of this song. As a child, I broke up a fight in a class singing this song.
The power of music should never be doubted.

The More We Live (Union)-One of the most beautiful life anthems I have ever heard by anyone, anywhere. It is encapsulated and complete in its message of hope and love.

And You and I (Close to the Edge)- One of the best YES songs ever. I have thought for months what I would say about this song. I cannot articulate how thought provoking it was for me as a girl of 12. Of course, then Tales and Relayer came out. Talk about mind blowing…and I was not doing any botanicals. I was sure that the Doobie Bros. borrowed the Preacher and the Teacher line in ‘China Grove”. I think everyone comes away with different interpretations and impressions of all YES songs, and this one you just have to experience for yourself. You smile, you sigh, you think. It’s a cool piece.

The Gates of Delirium/Soon (Relayer)-I have already mentioned what I think about the end section affectionately called “Soon”. Listen to the entire song to get the full effect. The song runs the range of sound, expression, and genre in a heavy, then rugged, then climatic, and finally ethereal experience. Your eyes may betray you and you may weep without really knowing why. A raw, engaging, and beautiful composition.

Awaken (Going for the One)-the most existential YES song ever. You may visit another dimension while listening to this one. Live or studio version, this is a top song in my book. Is it the top YES song ever? Well…I said I wasn’t going to qualify them that way, so I still won’t. I will admit though that as I was preparing this post, I changed the order of some of my songs, and was surprised that this was the last one left. I guess to my subconscious, that means something.

There they are: forty-one songs, one for each year of YES…FOR THE MEMBERS OF YES:

I don’t know if I have said it enough times, but…thanks, guys. I really, really mean it. Thanks for the late nights, the discussions over 2 or 3 notes in a bar…the changes and the affirmations. Thank you for the long road trips and the impossible tour schedules. Although you are masters at your craft, you are forever humble students, and that is what makes your music so special. We wish you the best, and we love you all, always.

Falcon and Dove

Pittsburgh Symphony-Special Performance January 27

Hello Family!

There is a special concert scheduled by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for January, 27 at 8pm that you must see if you are in the region.

It is called TRIBUTE: A Symphonic Celebration of African American Culture, Daniel Meyer, Conductor. This performance features the Marcus Roberts trio and the Mount Ararat Baptist Church Mass Choir. There is a special jazz combo performance before and after the PSO performance. This concert will conclude with Igor Stravinsky's Suite of the Firebird (If you aren't a classical music fan, but like the group YES, then you have heard this piece open every YES TOUR for the past 40 years, and in honor of that 40 years, we will post a special list...very soon).

The best part: tickets for this event start at a mere $5!!! That is for adults! Bring the kids, bring friends, and have a nice night out of fantastic music in beautiful Heinz Hall.

Falcon and Dove did not want you to miss this incredible opportunity! Contact Heinz Hall at 412-392-4900 or on the web at: www.pittsburghsymphony.org

We will post our special YES list, and some OSCAR information later this week!
Stay strong, World Family!

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Rockin' The Paradise

Hello World Family,
"Tonight's the night we make history...honey, you and I. And I'll take any risk to tie back the hands of time, and stay with you here tonight."
"Dennis DeYoung, Styx, Rockin' the Paradise, Paradise Theatre, 1981

Falcon here. Wow! What an election night here in the U.S., eh? Somehow, in the middle of all the excitement last night, this was the song that popped into my head. After thinking about it, I understand why. Styx was born and breed in the South Side of Chicago (appropriate since that is where President-elect Barack Obama started his community service work) and the song was composed at a time when, under the Reagan administration, many young people were wondering how to change America for the better. Sound familiar?

Falcon and Dove want to congratulate the new first family (yes, there will be a puppy in the White House!) and sincerely pray that now that the election is over, Americans will realize we have a hell of a lot of work to do, and we need to do it together.

I am particularly proud of my home state of Pennsylvania. Obama carried all but 5 counties in the entire state. Unfortunately, those 5 counties he didn't carry surround the greater Pittsburgh area...which gives me pause.

I have a special message for some of the people in those counties:
"Dear neighbor,
I guess you got a lot of those nasty emails about Obama, and read every single one. I wish you would read a newspaper, a book, a noteworthy magazine with the same enthusiasm as you read fear and hate-mongoring emails. If you did, you would know a lot more not only about our national candidates, but our regional and local candidates as well. I can say this with complete confidence because I got those emails, too. (Although I really didn't want to). I understood the mentality of those who create them, but I don't pretend to understand those who spread them.

Those that made them are ignorant individuals whose own self-loathing has become a virus that they cannot even recognise in themselves anymore. Those that spread them I cannot fathom. I do know one thing: there are only two real emotions in the universe (the rest are partial manifestations of these): LOVE and FEAR. I would suppose that those who penned these vile vommitous masses would fall into the latter catagory, since love clearly has nothing to do with it.

Do you really think that your values are unique or separate from those of anyone else? Do you really live in a different America? Do you really only identify with Joe and Plumber, and not Maya Angelou? If so, then this may be a very difficult period for you. As Bob Dylan would say, the times they are a changin' and it is time for those hanging on to immature perspectives and hateful rhetoric to grow the hell up.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I do know one thing: America will not go backwards. The paradigm has shifted and minds will only move forward no matter how rewarding or challenging. I hope that your mind joins the party. Don't be proverbially dragged, kicking and screming like an infant having a temper tantrum to revelation of change and growth. It really is for the best, even in the worst of times. No one said it will be easy, but it will...be.

The First Commandment is to Love They Neighbor, as Theyself...don't forget the last part, dear neighbor. We are all in this together, so let's work together to make things better for all of us.
Sincerely,
Your Neighborhors that Love You"

Brothers and Sisters, I was actually going to close this post talking about how proud I am to be an American at this time in hour history. I was going to mention that Obama and I are the same age, have daughters, and sincere hope for their future. I still want to emphasize that...but I think I am going to change my original plans for song lyrics to quote. I was going to post the lyrics to"Rockin'the Paradise" (Paradise referring to America in the song; Styx did this a lot, also see Suite: Madame Blue on the Equinox album). Those of you who don't know the song, you can go look up the lyrics and/or listen to the piece. It is very poinant to the entire American landscape right now. However, the song lyrics I am going to leave you with are from the Progressive Rock supergroup, YES. This was not their most popular song, but in this post-election environment, I feel it is the most important. It is probably one of my most favorite songs ever written by anyone, anywhere. It is a song of hope, affirmation, resolution...and release.

The More We Live
Verse One

You and I can change the world;

The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.

From this moment on we share the world;

The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.

The spirit of imagination can lead us through the dark;

The more we see, the more we try, the more we show.

The evidence of our confusion, life has left its mark;

The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.


As we walk into tomorrow

(Turning away from the path we know)

Holding the future with our hands

(We carry the weight of the world we go)

It's up to you and I -- We hold the key; we hold the answers

Verse Two

All our thoughts of doubt and fear are leaving one by one

The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.

For each of us the road is clear and life has just begun;

The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.

Each time we reach for goals we set for ourselves,

The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.

All we need is just to believe in ourselves;

We face the truth, we see it clear, with no disguise.


Cast away our doubt and sorrow

(Turning away from the past we know)

The Universe at our command

(Sharing the fate of the world we grow)

Together you and I, we hold the key to all the answers

(All the answers)

Let go...

(Chris Squire)
From the album, Union, 1991.

Today we move forward, World Family. Let's remind ourselves that there is no 'box' and our 'outside thinking' (thinking outside the box) is really reality shifting. Keep praying, and while we pray...move our feet.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove