The faces of Yes are surely chiseled into the Mount Rushmore of progressive rock, staring down from psychedelic thrones and conducting the intricacies of their high art in confusing, Lewis Carrollian dialogue. An English band at its core, the group was among a handful hatched in the late 1960s and early ’70s that brought classical and jazz influences to the previously plebeian three-chord medium of rock, melding spiralling melodies with dramatic, migratory key changes, odd time signatures and abrupt breaks and stops to produce an amalgam of oft-magical musical narratives.
Despite numerous personnel changes over the decades, many of the key players are embarking on a tour of what many would call smaller venues compared to their traditionally arena-capacity draw, including original bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White and world-class guitarist Steve Howe. Oliver Wakeman (the son of former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman) and singer Benoit David round out the current lineup.
With a broad repertoire that draws from more than 20 albums (including several live albums) and includes such classic songs as “Yours is No Disgrace,” “Roundabout,” the multi-part epic “Starship Trooper” and “I’ve Seen All Good People,” there is little doubt that their performances still have the ammunition to deliver both virtuosity and sheer aural power. Furthermore, the show’s visual elements will likely impress as well, if they’ve retained the otherworldly aesthetic that’s evidenced by the covers of many of their biggest releases (such as the art for the album Relayer, which is pictured, by famed surrealist album artist Roger Dean).
Feb. 8, 8 p.m., $35-75, The Calvin Theater, 19 King St., Northampton, (413) 586-8686, www.iheg.com.
