Close To The Edge - A Band Geek Yes Cover with Chris Clark

This is our cover version of the progressive rock epic, Close To The Edge by Yes!

Ann Marie Nacchio - Vocals
Chris Clark - Keyboards
Andy Grazaino - Guitars/Vocals
Richie Castellano - Bass/Vocals
Andy Ascolese - Drums/Vocals
Jarrett Pressman - Foley FX

Additional Ambient FX by Richie Castellano

Mixed and Edited by Richie Castellano

This goes with Band Geek episode 140 which can be found here:

A few people have been asking about the production of this. We recorded live in the same room together. We all have separate monitor mixes in our Audio-Technica headphones via the MOTU 1248. The final product you're seeing is comprised of a few takes from this session. I'm one guy doing all the production myself so I do need to stop to fix cameras, monitors, etc... We recorded MIDI data from the drums and keyboards. During the mix phase, I used BFD3 and Abbey Road Drum Libraries instead of the stock Roland sounds. Most of the keyboard sounds are directly from Chris's keyboards, but some of the Mellotrons and Synths are coming from IK Multimedia SampleTank. The guitar and bass tones are all coming from the Line 6 Helix.

Thanks for watching!

[ellipseanostalrius]

I've never seen anyone try to cover this song. Who would try? This is mind-blowingly good.

[RichieCastellano]

Hey guys, I'm blown away by these comments. I just want to clarify something here. This isn't a bunch of music snobs showing off. This is genuine love for Yes and their music. We are hardcore Yes fans and this video is not about conquering a song or doing it better than anyone. It's about the joy of indulging our inner teenagers and being lucky enough to get the opportunity to play our favorite music. Andy, Andy and I had a band in high school and dreamed of playing this. We never could get the vocals or keyboards right. We were very fortunate to have Chris Clark and my wife help us make this dream a reality. Thank you for watching. I'll probably run into some of you guys on the next Yes or ARW tour. I'll be the one in the audience screaming his head off!

[TCd]

It's not just the fact that this rendition is technically perfect, it moves to tears just like the original. Whatever it is, you guys nailed it big time.

[daleberger]

Someone once said " if it's not Jon Anderson it's just karaoke ". That being said, this is the most outstanding rendition of a Yes song without Jon Anderson I have ever witnessed. Hat's off to an amazing ensemble, and an epic tribute.

[mellotronin]

I thought what was the point of even trying to recreate this genius piece of music... Then I after listening to this it was obvious this is our classical music for people born in the 1960's and it should be performed like the works of of Mozart, Chopin with reverence and homage.

[gregorglasbruch]

This is nothing else than stunning, mindblowing, phantastic. I listened to this song about a thousand times in my life, if not more. I have all the notes and nuances in my head, and all I‘ve got to say is you guys really nailed it. Keep up the great work and passion.

[danbonello]

As a lifelong Yes fan I never thought in a million years a band could come close to covering them. You proved me dead wrong. Absolutely amazing!!!

[richardboughton]

When I first heard this as a young, carefree guy I was moved to tears. I'd never heard anything so beautiful. Now, as an old man of nearly 70 I'm moved once again by this breathtaking cover. Thankyou.

[alwayscasesensitive]

13th September 2022, just a few months away, Close to the Edge will be 50 years old. Never in all those 50 years did I at any time expect anyone to attempt a cover of this song and do it justice but what you guys have done here has exceeded every expectation I might have harboured during those 50 years. When you got to the "Now that you find, now that you're whole" line, I realised that I had temporarily stopped breathing and was almost in tears. Astonishing stuff. I can't thank you enough for doing this.

[jimbeaux]

Just imagine stumbling into a bar to see these guys playing this.

[HalJikaKick]

This woman singing is an absolute freaking treasure. Omg not many are worthy of singing this music

[hnoerdli]

This wins the internet. There is no better use of 18:20 on the internet. Bassist absolutely channels Chris squire and plays every sonic nuance Chris recorded. Some of those Howe licks are acrobatic. Thank you for gifting this.

[decks]

Ok, ok, enough, enough I am a serious old fart but, was lucky enough to live in London in my youth and was privileged to be able to see many(to become) legendary bands, Yes obviously included. I have been a fan since then and after the 25th watching of this vid, I have to announce that this is far and away the very, very best Yes cover I have ever seen and heard( and I've seen a fair few!!) It's so, so gratifying to hear this great song sound so fresh and vibrant, so brilliantly done and keeping the Yes legend alive. Many, many thanks for making this old fart feel very happy and young again!!( gush fest over!)

[TaffmanGuyo]

I'm a pretty devout 66 year old Yes fan - since The Yes Album, have enjoyed their performances in 4 different countries over the years, & I just want to say a huge thank you to you all. Absolutely brilliant. Come & play for us in the UK, I'll even make you a cuppa! Fantastic performance.

[alanenglish]

Another old fart now has tears in his eyes listening to this. I love you guys, just outstanding. It's like the Fish is still with us. Keep up the great work.

[SergioBracali]

Recording a cover of this song is heroic in itself, regardless of the results. And this one is perfect. I'm speechless 😧

[thedude]

And to think Yes were all in their mid twenties or so when they wrote this...as for this version... excuse me while I pick my jaw off the floor...

[cultosaur]

OMG, this was worth the wait! A new high-water-mark has been set in difficulty...beyond awesome people! Hand-shredding virtual applause for all of you...no one has ever performed the legendary Yes better in a basement, I'll wager! Graziano, simply over-the-top brilliant and Chris Clark nailed the keys while Ascolese gets more out of a Roland trap than I would have guessed possible! Never easy to take on Jon Anderson's vocals, but Ann Marie is superb once again! Did I mention how feverishly awesome Chris did on the keys? Wow! Richie, great backing vocals and mix ... not to mention you did a very fine tribute to Chris Squire with your bass! In a word, stunning!

[killgorewat]

I love the drummer taking a coffee and reading break during the vocal-keyboard section. :-)

[qquark]

I honestly cant believe such a bunch of talented Yes-lovers could exist. Thanks!!