Tour of the Universe (DVD)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
The Rocktologist	[1]
AllMusic	[3]

Tour of the Universe is the video release of a concert by progressive rock musician, singer and songwriter Jon Anderson on 1 April 2004 at XM Radio Studios, Washington D.C. before an intimate audience of about 60 friends.^[1]

Overview

Source:^[1]

Tour of the Universe is Anderson's debut solo DVD, featuring many new songs as well as classic hits from his work with Yes and his collaborations with Vangelis. Jon's performance has been crafted with dramatic animation and innovative visuals to create this concept DVD.

The DVD is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS and Stereo sound options and bonus material (special features) including :

• a section on The Golden Mean (14:14) (which has become a source of fascination for Anderson) in which Dr. Ron Knott explains the mysteries of The Golden Mean and how it is important to all of us.
• a section on Golden Music (12:52) which focuses on an interview with concert pianist Roy Howat of Cambridge University who explains how The Golden Mean has influenced the works of the great classical composers Béla Bartok and Claude Debussy.
• the lyrics with audio (58:06).

Artwork

The graphics and animation were created by Robert Grafalo in London.^[1]

Tracks

Source:^[1]

New material

Tour of the Universe includes 10 previously un-released Anderson songs: "Harmony", "Father Sky", Bring On The Day", "Standing Still, "This Is", "White Buffalo", "Harping", "You Lift Me Up", "Set Sail" and "Who Could Imagine?".

Amongst a few other solo tunes, Anderson also performs the very emotive and aptly song named "First Song" that he wrote as a small child.

Older material

Tour of the Universe includes several Yes favourites such as "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Long Distance Run-around", "Your Move", "Nous Sommes Du Soleil", "The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)", "And You And I". A stage favourite from the fruitful Yes catalogue "Show Me" is also featured, with the addition of pre-recorded piano parts and video of long-time friend and band-mate Rick Wakeman and a 50 piece Children's choir. The DVD also includes the Anderson/Vangelis collaborations "State of Independence" and "Change We Must".

Track listing

Main feature

1. Harmony – 2:39
2. Father Sky – 4:25 (2:10 + 2:15)
3. Standing Still – 1:19
4. Bring On The Day – 2:32
5. You Lift Me Up – 4:36
6. Long Distance Runaround – 2:44
7. State of Independence – 6:02
8. Set Sail – 3:18
9. Who Could Imagine? – 2:13
10. The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)– 3:03
11. First Song – 1:32
12. Nous Sommes Du Soleil – 2:53
13. O'er – 1:07
14. Show Me – 4:59
15. White Buffalo – 4:22
16. And You and I – 2:26
17. Change We Must – 4:51
18. Harping – 1:50
19. Your Move– 2:38
20. Yours Is No Disgrace – 4:02
21. This Is – 7:21
22. Credits – 2:37

Special features (bonus material) (85:12)

• The Golden Mean (14:14)
• Golden Music (12:52)
• Lyrics with audio (58:06)

Personnel

Sources:^[1][2]

• Jon Anderson – vocals, acoustic guitar, midi guitar, acoustic nylon string guitar, electronic piano and harp
• Rick Wakeman – piano on "Show Me", choir arrangement on "State of Independence", "Show Me" and "This Is".

Choir on "State of Independence", "Show Me" and "This Is":

• The Spelthorne Young Voices Choir (a 50 piece Children's choir)
• Babette Langsford's "The Young Set"

References