Search - Jon Anderson :: Live From La La Land

Spiritual and uplifting oneman-show

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 09/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Besides being a rockstar with Yes, vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson always have maintained a busy solo-career. And producing some wonderful albums like "Animation" (finally released on CD last year), "Toltec",

"Angel's Embrace", "In The City of Angel's", combining first class composition with artistic and visionary lyrics. Unfortunately it is as if he never had found the right fanbase for his transcendental musical visions. Like artists like Jack Bruce, Robert Plant, Joni Mitchell somehow paying the price for being relentless on the move towards the uncharted.



This wonderful album is taken from a solo-concert at The Roxy in LA, as part of his "Tour of the Universe" (also chronicled on a great DVD). But it's obvious that the new songs and the whole solo-concept has grown considerably since the radio-show that makes up the DVD.



The repertoire is partly poignant new songs, like "Father Sky", "Reggae Song", "White Buffalo" and the delicious "Buddha Song". And partly Yes-classics like "Long Distance Runaround", "Wonderous Stories", "Turn Of The Century". There's also a tongue-in-cheek version of "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" (well, Jon isn't really a Trevor Rabin on the guitar).



Jon accompanies himself on MIDI-guitar and piano, producing quite a spectacular sound. But the really quality of the record lies in his nakedness and honesty on stage, a visionary human being communicating with openminded fellow human beings.



I was fortunate to catch the solo-tour here in Copenhagen. And vividly and fondly remember walking out in the full moon night, hand in hand with my beloved, both of us feeling like we were floating above the ground, silent and enriched"

Jon on top

Desert lives | Tucson | 11/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While other progressive musicians and bands have fallen by the wayside over time,their reputations far exceeding the reality of their work, Jon Anderson stands as a towereing musical phenomenon. Live from La La Land is more of Jon's pure musical inventiveness and genius that has always sustained thinking, feeling listeners in the great wasteland of so called rock music. Who has been as prolific? Who has never disappeared from the music scene and tried to make some pathetic comeback 20 years later? Who has fronted such a remarkable band and also had such a brillant solo career? Perhaps only Ian can make such claims. Thank you Jon for your light through the years"

Worth having, not superb

Paul S | Portland OR area | 10/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some of the reviews here seem to be highly rated because of a passion for Jon, which I share, more than relating to this CD.

It's definitely a double CD worth having and better than many of his solo efforts. I struggled in deciding whether it's a 3 or 4 star. It's not outstanding. Disc 2 is definitely better than 1. His voice isn't that strong or pure on this recording compared to what I've heard before on CD or live.

But there are cuts here like Soon, State of Independence, Wondrous Stories, Turn of the Century that make the CD worth having to hear how John does these songs devoid of other accompaniment.

I hope his health heals so he can be back on tour with Yes soon.

Paul"