The First 'ProgAge' series of gigs, to coincide with the Winter Solstice, was held at The Orb Knaresborough on 21.12.12. This final ProgYes promoted gig of 2012 was supposed to be the final gig ever, with 21.12.12 predicted by Mayans to be the end of the world. In fact, for the enthusiastic audience - it proved to be a great way to start the 2012 festive season. Starting with 'Commercial Suicide' (from 'The Pathway of Light') Tim Hunter featured new material from the forthcoming 'Ascension', some beefed up versions of other tracks from 'The Pathway Of Light' (which is set for re-issue in mid 2013) and ended with his seasonal anthem 'Sing It In'. H2 followed with a spelbinding selection of their unique, hypnotic electronic Free Jazz. Finally, Tim joined H2 on stage for a 3 way improvisation, adding guitar synthesiser

Saturday night: SeyeS and Silver Lining

SeyeS: Coming across Yes in the tribute re incarnation SeYeS was a revelation. And I consider myself converted. "SeYeS are the UK's No1 Tribute to the Music of Classic 70's Yes" so says Planet Rock, and I can see why. This was a proper rocking, romp by really accomplished musicians, obviously loving the intricate challenges thrown up by each track.
It occurred to me there must be easier ways to make money and probably easier bands to tribute, But this was wondrous! And excellent value for the modest ticket price.

Sunday night: Manning

Manning is a highly acclaimed Leeds based contemporary Prog rock band that has been in existence since 1999. Theirs is an eclectic mix of music; not restricted to one genre, in fact anything from sea shanteys and folk songs to out & out prog rock epics appear on the set list which tonight also included some tracks from Manning's latest album "Akoustik" which is a rework of some stand out tracks from the band's back catalogue.

Friday night: H2 and Tim Hunter
H2 are Phil Hanson (Trumpet, Effects, Controllers) and Roger Armstrong (Laptop, Beats, Samples, Controllers) based in Harrogate.Together they create live and spontaneous Free-Jazz using a combination of laptop generated beats, loops and samples, a swathe of Trumpet and various other techno gadgets.

The result on stage at ProgYes was intoxicating; an opaque blend of strange musical hues; A silky layer of trumpet, free from key, time signature or tempo constraint subtly layered on an undercoat of prefabricated syncopated rhythms beats, bops, plinks and plonks.