What makes Live at the NEC – Oct 24th 1989 by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe notable?

Though recorded in 1989, this live album was released two decades later, highlighting the enduring appeal of its members' work. The recording serves as a testament to the complex arrangements and virtuosity that defined the progressive rock movement, underscoring how these artists influenced subsequent generations of musicians. Released in 2010, this live album by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe documents a concert from their 1989 tour, which followed the band's self-titled debut album. This performance showcased the group's synergy and musicianship during a brief but significant period in the evolution of progressive rock, as they navigated the legacy of Yes and their individual careers.

How many songs are on Live at the NEC – Oct 24th 1989?

Live at the NEC – Oct 24th 1989 has 17 tracks, running approximately 145 minutes.

Live at the NEC – Oct 24th 1989

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe · 2010

145 min · 17 tracks · progressive rock

A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation, capturing the essence of progressive rock's live energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Close to the Edge — This extended piece encapsulates the band's mastery of progressive rock dynamics, blending intricate musical themes with an epic structure that resonates with fans of the genre.
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Heart of the Sunrise — The performance delivers an emotional depth with soaring vocals and complex rhythms, showcasing the band’s ability to create stirring moments within their elaborate compositions.
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Brother of Mine — This track highlights the collaboration between members, combining lush harmonies and intricate instrumentation that reflect the band's distinctive sound while addressing personal themes.
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Roundabout — As a classic Yes song, its inclusion demonstrates the band's connection to their roots while providing an exhilarating experience for long-time fans through its familiar yet revitalized arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album captures intricate live performances with strong solos but lacks a fully cohesive narrative across its length.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
Multiple solos are showcased, including a dedicated piano solo by Wakeman and a drum solo, highlighting individual musicianship.
The setlist includes medleys that blend multiple songs into cohesive performances, creating a dynamic flow throughout the concert.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Time and a Word / Owner of a Lonely Heart / Teakbois 7:28
2 Clap 4:21
3 Mood for a Day 4:13
4 Wakeman Solo 5:05
5 Long Distance Runaround / Drum Solo 7:20
6 Birthright 6:34
7 And You and I 10:39
8 All Good People 8:55
9 Close to the Edge 19:06

Disc 2

1 Themes / Bruford-Levin Duet 12:00
2 Brother of Mine 10:06
3 Jon's Intro 1:35
4 The Meeting 4:46
5 Heart of the Sunrise 11:20
6 Roundabout 8:54
7 Starship Trooper 13:33
8 Order of the Universe 9:38

What to play next

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We Make Believe

1990

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