Concert Review: Deep Purple and Yes at the Broadview Stage at SPAC

Two absolutely legendary Rock and Roll bands shared the stage on Wednesday night in Saratoga. Deep Purple and Yes were both formed in 1968. Both have had considerable personnel changes throughout the past 56 years. The Deep Purple that headlined on Wednesday night was a variation of the "Mark II" version of the band. This version was the most commercially successful incarnation of the band. Original drummer Ian Paice was joined by longtime bass player Roger Glover as the rhythm section. Singer Ian Gillan's voice hasn't aged a day. Keyboard player Don Airey impressed with not one, but two keyboard solos. The most recent addition to the Deep Purple family is Irish guitarist Simon McBride. Following after the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Joe Satriani and Steve Morse might seem like a daunting task, but McBride more than fills the shoes of those who came before him. His blistering solos were the highlight of the night.

Fellow English Prog-Rock pioneers Yes held down the middle slot for the evening. While there are no remaining original members of the band still playing with Yes, this version of the band is anchored by the stellar playing of lead guitarist Steve Howe. Howe has been with the band off and on since 1970. Time and age has not hampered Howe's ability to weave sonic tapestries with nothing more than six strings and a block of wood. The tones and sounds that Howe coaxed out of his Les Paul are otherworldly. Keyboard player Geoff Downes has been with Yes since 1980 and was also a member of the supergroup Asia with Howe. Downes was surrounded on 3 sides by rows and rows of keyboards. He masterfully played multiple parts, simultaneously. American singer Jon Davison has taken over vocal duties. His alto-tenor voice is a perfect match to the original singer Jon Anderson. Songs like "Roundabout" have incredibly high notes that Davison hits with ease. The band was rounded out by the rock solid rhythm section of Jay Schellen on drums and Billy Sherwood on bass.

Singer-Songwriter Hannah Wicklund opened the show with just a Gibson electric guitar strapped to her back. Her soulful, rocking original songs would be much better suited for a full band. She still managed to hold the SPAC crowd in the palm of her hand over the course of her 30 minute set.

The SPAC season is starting to wind down. Get out and see some live music before it is all over. Goose will be holding court on the SPAC stage this Friday and Saturday. Pop sensation Pitbull will bring T-Pain along for a Sunday night performance. That leaves Killer Queen (09/15), Farm Aid (09/21) and Post Malone (09/23) as the remaining shows on the SPAC calendar. This has been one of the biggest and best concert seasons ever for Broadview Stage at SPAC.