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Reviews

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It was Saturday, June 23rd that we journeyed to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park for a day of live music amidst the rock formations and abundant forest. Spirits were high, the air rich with the smell of barbecue and incense and the sky dappled with clouds of various hues of white and blue that produced a textured natural ceiling but posed no threat.

These were perfect conditions for something magical to happen, and that it did. For the next band to take the stage would be ENVISION a classic YES Tribute Band. We've seen ENVISION several times and are still amazed at the depth and talent of this quintet but to see the reactions of those who have never witnessed this, well, lets just say the element of surprise is priceless.

Today's set would be somewhat shorter than the bands usual 2 to 3-hour marathons of classic YES but still included a thoughtful list of classics like "Yours is No Disgrace". With its swirling Hammond, provided by keyboardist Matt Riddle, and staccato rhythm Envision got the audience's full attention.

Next up was "Perpetual change", a personal favorite for its counter time signatures that could prove to be disastrous, but not with this band. They keep it so tight that you're able to distinguish individual instruments through the complex passages. Then on to Roundabout, this one is still a crowd pleaser and they had no problem getting the place groovin'.

Next we were treated to "South Side of the Sky". This seemed most appropriate for this venue and is another personal favorite for Matt's articulately played piano solo in the middle section that gives way to flowing vocal harmonies.

Next up was "America" . That's right YES' beefed up version of the Simon And Garfunkel hit. So we took an imaginary trip "to look for America" as Melissa unfolded the landscape before us. This was a perfect lead in to "I've Seen All Good People" which had people dancing and swaying on the beach and all through the vendors midway. Then on to a "Long Distance Runaround", with it's odd meter and syncopated rhythm.

The final two songs proved to be a spiraling crescendo to a show that created enough energy to clear the aforementioned clouds and reveal a clear sapphire blue sky. The first being "And You And I". Hearing this song played live is a spiritual event of the highest order and today was no exception. The sound seemed to flow from the band and into the forest in a very non-contrived manner that added to the communal nature of this gathering. I could go on and on about this one but suffice to say they all hit it spot-on as the final chords echoed through the trees and feelings of exaltation consumed us.

And to close, "Starship Trooper". Always a great finale, with storybook lyrics & energetic solos.

As mentioned, We've seen ENVISION several times before and will continue to attend their shows as long as they are willing to endure the personal sacrifice, time and energy spent on reproducing this very unique music for our entertainment. For those who have yet to see ENVISION, Get Out There!! It's is a great way to support Progressive Rock and see an extremely talented band with a lot of heart.

A very sincere thanks to all the members of ENVISION for keeping the message alive.

Envision @ Mississippi Nights, St. Louis, MO.

From: Tom Tyrell

Envision came to St. Louis for the 2nd time on April 27 and played in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. The music was incredible.. They really have shown how Yes could do it and bring the house down. Melissa hit all the notes perfectly and the playing was spectacular!!

I saw them the last time they came in this area to Pops, and was blown away then. This time topped it. That they played Close to the Edge, which for me, is the ultimate in a Yessong would have been enough, but to see them also do Tempus Fugit (a fantastic surprise!) to a tee, and South Side of the Sky (2 songs that I wish Yes would do), and to everyone's suprise and delight, did an incredible version of Ritual, I would never have believed they could pull it off, but they did!!!

Thanks to ENVISION, master musicians all, for a fantastic show!! I'm hoping to see them somewhere again, and waiting for Melissa to break out the harp for Awaken! See them if you can, they are worth it.

ENVISION @ The Odeon - Cleveland, OH.

Without a doubt, the greatest highlight for me of year 2001 to date was being treated to an absolutely exceptional night of music Saturday evening at the Odeon in the Cleveland Flats. Envision, the great classic YES tribute band, and Living in the Past, a wonderful Jethro Tull tribute band, treated a large, enthusiastic crowd to an evening of talent not often replicated. Although I have always been a fan of Jethro Tull, and Living in the Past's performance was quite entertaining, the greatest musical love of my life for 32 years has been the band YES.

I have always been amazed at the monstrous talent it takes for YES to create their music, and have always held them in the highest esteem for it. But to find a band that mirrors YES' music to the note, along with all of the heavenly sound effects and the heart behind YES music, is truly a treasure I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. As, in my opinion, YES' talent stands far above the myriad of musicians paraded before us throughout the last 32 years, Northeast Ohio's Envision's talent stands right along with it. Believe me, that is no understatement and it is coming from a very discerning, loyal YES fan.

Except for a few moments of Melissa's encouragement toward support for more positive music such as YES, Envision presented their show with no breaks. I have had the opportunity to witness Envision's shows four times, and every time I do they get better. I can't explain it specifically - they just do. This band is an absolute "must see," - your ears, eyes and heart will be in for an exceptional treat.

ENVISION @ The Odeon - Cleveland, OH.

From: Bill Farmer

Yesterday, I made an especially long trip to Cleveland, Ohio to see YES tribute band - Envision, at the Odeon concert hall. I went to the concert thinking I would be entertained, Instead I was converted! And believe it or not, I walked out of the concert with a deeper understanding of the music of YES than before. Envision's performance revealed, with great clarity, the beauty, subtlety and majesty of YES's compositions, and perhaps unconsciously, Envision revealed their own brilliant artistry.These five musicians have chops! They have a technical virtuosity that comes eerily close to that of the members of YES themselves.

During the concert, one of my favorite things to do was to just close my eyes and ...listen. I soon found myself dancing and smiling, like so many others around me, and thinking I can not believe I am hearing YES Music performed live, and Jon Anderson is not even in the room! It was a wonderfully beautiful and weird feeling to be hearing Yes music performed with all that astounding power and vitality! Very cool! And Melissa, the singer, interpreted Jon Anderson's vocal inflections and melodic sense wonderfully. But just as importantly, I think she has a similar heart...just the right ingredients to carry YES's music and message faithfully.

At one point, Melissa spoke to the audience about our need to create positive music, and to support positive musicians such as YES. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking that, with their own musical prowess, Envision themselves may well become one of those positive voices. I'd love to hear their compositions! Envision seems poised to perhaps make the same kind of impact YES has. With their own compositions, Envision could carry the flame of life and enlightenment even farther into the future.

ENVISION @ The Tralf - Buffalo, N.Y.

From: Joe Dolce

Being a serious YES fan for many years, and seeing them about a dozen times, I couldn't miss seeing ENVISION. I've seen them twice before, and this was their best performance yet. If you're a hard core YES fan, as I am, you would appreciate the song list that ENVISION played. From RITUAL to HEART OF THE SUNRISE, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, AND YOU AND I just to name a few.

They are truly impressive! You can close your eyes and you would think you were in the presence of YES. Melissa sounds so much like Jon Anderson, it's eerie.

The only thing I missed was hearing something from DRAMA live. Well I wasn't disappointed! Near the end of the second set ENVISION shocked everybody by playing TEMPUS FUGIT! The song started out by Matt doing an amazing job on keyboards. The whole band played this song to perfection. Melissa easily made the transition from Jon, to that of Trevor Horn. I was stunned. What a treat to hear something you know you won't hear live.

Afterward, I had a chance to meet the band, and thank them for a great show. They were all very friendly. If you ever get the chance to see ENVISION, go for it. It's definately worth it!

ENVISION @ The Odeon - Cleveland, OH.

From: Steve Lebo

Seeing Envision is truly a magical experience. I've seen them twice: once in Pittsburgh and recently at the Odeon in Cleveland. For those of you who just can't wait for that next YES album or tour, you owe it to yourselves to see and hear this truly amazing band. To cover YES is obviously no easy task! Envision does it with breath-taking renditions of ALOT of classic material. Their musical selections will astound even the new fans, but lo and behold, they cater to the "old" fans as well. But then again, is not YES music TIMELESS?

Song selections were key to the show, and if I am not mistaken, they mix their shows up quite a bit. At the Odeon, such classics as "Close to the Edge" and "South Side of the Sky" were played with magical precision. I especially liked Matt's keyboard work on "Southside". Surprise song "And you and I" is by far the all time (all eternity?) crowd pleaser. It is my favorite, and to be quite honest with you, I could hear that song live 1,000 times. Envision soared through that number as if guided by the members of YES themselves in some spiritual way... I love that song!!! Perhaps the highlight of the show (for ME, anyway) was their rendition of the end part to "Gates of delerium" or as others know it as "SOON". Melissa seemed to have transported herself along with the entire audience to that special place...Thank you!!!

ENVISION @ The Tralf - Buffalo, N.Y.

From: Henry Kowalewski

The Tralf is the perfect venue for ENVISION. All of the best classic YESsongs were played to perfection. ENVISION has been able to reproduce studio versions of YES' flagship songs in an intimate atmosphere that flows like the best YES concert you have ever been to.

The FIREBIRD SUITE opening was like a flashback to a 70's YES concert. SOUTH SIDE OF THE SKY and the album cut of YOURS IS NO DISGRACE are both selections that may never be played "live" so well, even by the original artists. They played all of the favorites from THE YES ALBUM, CLOSE TO THE EDGE and even selections from TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS.

ENVISION has accomplished the difficult and almost impossible task of duplicating "studio Yes" which is what drew fans to the group years ago. Lots of work, patience and talent has paid off. In an era when style outweighs substance, ENVISION reaffirms the fact that "classic rock" is still an artform that combines brilliant rock instrumentaion with beautiful melodies, and lyrics with a message. Every song is a musical composition, unlike the music that is produced today.

This show is a "must see" for anyone that enjoys YES music.

ENVISION @ The Tralf - Buffalo, N.Y.

From: Mark Thomasson

A night at the Tralf! The night was perfect for a concert in Buffalo. A group of friends had gathered at the Tralfamadore Cafe to see this YES tribute band. If it were not for my friend Scott, I would have never witnessed such an incredible show.

The band was right on for timing from the very beginning of the concert to the encore. People were whistling and hooting with lighters lit like it was really a live YES show. The instrumentals were outstanding and the lead vocalist sent goosebumps down my arm. I could close my eyes and it was like I was watching them in THE ROUND again. WOW!!!!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Cleveland, OH 9/30/2000

From: Mike Cash

This morning I witnessed ENVISION playing their YES-tribute material live at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 5th anniversary "Rock Around the Clock" celebration . Needless to say, they were fantastic. Their setlist included:

CINEMA, OWNER OF A LONELY HEART, YOURS IS NO DISGRACE, AMERICA, I'VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE, MEDLEY: PERPETUAL CHANGE / SOON / ROUNDABOUT, STARSHIP TROOPER

They played extremely well and did justice to YES with some of their personal touches thrown in. Melissa ended by commenting, "Maybe soon we will get to see and hear YES playing right here!" One can only hope.....

It was great to see them playing their fingers off on the concert stage within the lobby of the RRHOF and people standing on every floor and escalator and landing just watching and rocking with them. This was great publicity for YES and anyone there who thinks the awesome machine that originated these songs and has been playing them and dozens of other masterpieces doesn't belong there.......well, they are sadly misguided.

See ENVISION and HEAR them if you have ANY chance at all. It's the next best thing to seeing YES!

ENVISION @ the Rock Hall 9/30/2000

From: John D Lucic

Great show at the Rock Hall. My first time seeing you surpassed my expectations. You redeemed Roundabout (Yes' "Stairway to Freebird"). The Gates of Delirium section was very exciting. I'm amazed at how hard the guitarist and keyboard player have to work. You both have just tons of details to think about on stage, and you pull it off well. Harmonies were great. Lots of little details struck me: The drummer (thankfully) does a very good job with Bruford's style as well as White's. The snare work on the triple repeat ending to America was a pleasure to hear. And the little detail of the arpeggio harmonies after the "follow" lyric in "Starship Trooper" was great. It was the three note arpeggio with your lead singer taking the second and third notes very accurately with great work on themicrophone distance. You have my admiration.

ENVISION @ Pops - St. Louis, MO
Photo: Roy DeRousse

From: Kevin Carr

Being a Yes fan for more than 24 years, I have always been intrigued by their music and their talent. So, of course I would set out to see any band that had the vision to play their music. I was lucky enough to catch the Envision show at Pop's in St. Louis on June 10th. It was amazing and refreshing! I always say if your going to do something, you might as well do it right, and Envision has done it right, and with great passion.

I picked up your CD and had a chance to meet a few of the band members that night. The CD sounds great. I particularly like South Side of the Sky (great song). It is great to share this passion I have for Yes's music with others that understand the same passion.

From: JB Anderton

Just wanted to sing my praises of Envision's performance in St. Louis last night. My bandmates and I were totally blown away by the show and had agreat time! My personal highlight has to be "Close To The Edge" - It's myfavorite of the epic tunes, and I've never seen it live before. "Perpetual Change" into "Gates" totally rocked!

Envision played everything with such attention to detail - especially Matt's authentic keyboard sounds - and with such love of the music. Seeing the band perform last night was like going back in time.

From: Stephen E. Jackson

"Here in Northeastern Ohio, we are blessed with an excellent classic Yes tribute band, Envision. Many of you may have heard of or read about them. I have heard them performing numerous times, sometimes out live,sometimes in rehearsal. It's not just the notes, but they have put alot of time and effort into reproducing the tones created by Yes on the studio albums. I have heard them do material from THE YES ALBUM up to GOING FOR THE ONE. Once, in a live performance setting, I heard the keyboard player, Matt Riddle, reproduce Rick Wakeman's keyboard solo from AN EVENING OF YES MUSIC PLUS so flawlessly, it sounded just like the CD! Their rendition of Close To The Edge is stunning in how they got the sounds so close to the originals"

From: Peter Michael Reid, owner of Timelapse Records

"Hi Matt, I've just finished listening to one of the tapes you sent me, and it's excellent. The music is beautifully performed, and very close to the original too. I was impressed by this, because I bet Yes are extremely difficult to copy, with all their complex arrangements and time sequences etc., so well done! And Melissa handles the vocals superbly, she's a perfect match for Jon's vocal range and I don't think you could've found a better person for the role, "Wondrous Stories" was just perfect! Your playing does in my opinion, capture the feel of their music, for this you should feel proud"

From: NonWorldly Concepts Homeworld (Fletch Brendan Good, Progday Council)

"Envision: You gave me a cassette of their Yes tribute. These guys are the real stand-outs of all the ones I listened to. They sound so much like the real Yes it scares me. All the cover versions on here are better than the ones on the Magna Carta disc, except possibly Siberian Khatru (which would be a tie). It's truly startling how their singer, a woman, has exactly the same voice as Jon. Anyway, I'm blathering, but these guys are good!"

From: John Connelly

Just wanted to drop you a note to compliment you on your performance last night. I was truly impressed -- I dare say you played those tunes better than current-day Yes can play them! if imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, it's no wonder the band has given you its blessing. loved your keyboard setup -- it's not every day I get to see a hammond and a minimoog on the same stage! I saw Rick Wakeman play on the same stage(with his son, et al.) in the mid-90s, and it was a real treat to hear you play his stuff last night in what was probably the last live show I'll see at Graffiti. Thanks for the incredible show, and I hope you find your way back to Pittsburgh sometime soon.

ProgDay 99 9/3/99 @ GO! Carborro, NC.

John Covach / John Collinge, for Progression Magazine Fall / Winter 99 - 2000

Despite being squeezed onto a very small stage, ENVISION sounded great. They turned in an excellent performance of YES tunes from "The YES Album", "Fragile", & "Close to the Edge". As good as the whole thing was, a crowd favorite was "Ritual", from "Tales from Topographic Oceans", a delight to hear.

A review of, "ENVISION a Tribute to YES"

ENVISION productions independant release. 1998

From: Doug Curran, for Progression Magazine

Attention all Yes fans-this is a band you should hear, and see in concert. Envision is to Yes what ReGenesis is to Genesis. We're talking real Hammond organ, mini-moog, polymoog, Roland synth, Gibson ES-175 guitar, acoustic & classical guitar, Rickenbacker 4001 bass and five string bass, Ludwig drums, and an alto singer who plays incidental percussion. This self-produced demo debut is nothing short of brilliant.

Ohio-based Envision recorded these eight songs in two days, with no overdubs, to capture their concert sound live in the studio. Each song was taped once each day, with the best of the two takes used, except "Wonderous Stories," which was captured in one take! Mixing was done in two days, then mastering. The results are amazing.

Keyboard virtuoso Matt Riddle leads the band through uncanny versions of "Siberian Khatru", "America", "I've Seen All Good People", "Long Distance Runaround", "Roundabout", "Heart of the Sunrise", and the aforementioned "Wonderous Stories". The highlight, even above these, is the rarely performed classic, "South Side of the Sky." Remember, this is all done live, beginning to end, and Envision nails this one to the wall with precision and power, something Yes could not accomplish successfully in a live setting.

Thankfully these covers are not infused with alternative touches, or reproduced entirely note for note. They are filled with modern touches using period instruments and engaging vocals. The secret weapon is the lead singer. Are you sitting down? Her name is Melissa. A woman alto, who you'd swear was Jon Anderson's twin, or twin sister, for that matter. She enhances the songs with a woman's touch that fits perfectly with Yes's blend of light and heavy, feminine and masculine, acoustic and electric.

Review of "ENVISION a Tribute to YES"

ENVISION productions independant release. 1998

From: Roy DeRousse for Awaken Magazine

Envision is an Ohio-based band whose mission is "[being] dedicated to performing the magic of classic Yes." Tribute bands face a tough challenge, especially when recorded. Live, if they sound exactly like the band they're paying tribute to... that could be a good thing, it's a tribute. People want to imagine that they're hearing "the band." Making a recording like that is a bit more problematic. If it sounds exactly like "the band," what's the point? People can listen to the original albums!

Envision has met that challenge with a demo CD entitled "A Classic Yes Tribute", featuring covers of 8 classic Yes songs. It's versions of the songs are very faithful to the originals, yet there are enough small differences to make it interesting to the fan who has heard the songs many, many times. For example, even though Roundabout may be my favorite song ever, I am completely burned out on it, yet the Envision version has a special "punch" to it that makes it fun to listen to once again. Southside of the Sky is a particular favorite of mine.

Review of "ENVISION a Tribute to YES"

From: John W. Patterson

Fusion/Progressive Editor

AllAboutJazz.com

"Why bother," some might ask. "Just buy the original discs by Yes, " you might hear said. If that's your limited attitude then quit reading now. However, If like me, you were dazzled by Yes in the "good olde days", had your neurons re-wired by Yes, and spent hours immersed in the alternate realities Yes sculpted, then you'd best keep reading.

Envision is a tribute band out of Ohio, USA. Simply put, they are AMAZING. Melissa, a fine-voiced woman, is the lead vocalist and covers Jon Anderson's ethereal vox parameters with graceful ease. "Is this Melissa or Jon guesting?" Amazing! Matt Riddle on keys exudes the Kaye/Moraz/Wakeman aura all over the place. Amazing! My hat's off to you Envision. Three thumbs up, and my ears are smiling. Melissa, Matt, and crew -- you have touched one of the cornerstones of Art Rock and the foundation shook! A golden rain of glistening prog gems lays at your feet. Well done!!

RILEY'S ROCKHOUSE Chicago, Ill.

Jeff Burgess

Envision, if you will , the difficulty in performing the music of YES. Then, Envision performing that music to a hungry, knowledgeable YES crowd who knows every note, every riff and every time change. Envision, if you dare, four virtuoso musicians and one heavenly voice (and an accomplished musician in her own right) coming together to perform the music of four other virtuoso musicians and one heavenly voice -- capturing the intensity, emotion, sincerity, attention-to-detail and spirituality of YES.

Envision promised four hours of "96% 70's YES music" and delivered that and more! Ritual was especially adventurous. Add to the mix Matt Riddle's exceptional keyboard mastery and Melissa (the lead singer) captured Jon's alto voice, taking the music over-the-top with that emotional edge. Melissa truly finalized the fact that this was an Evening of YES Music.

Everybody reading this owes it to themselves to see this incredible group of musicians. We are looking forward to their future release of their own material. In the meantime, support these guys!

BEAR CREEK AMPHITHEATER Canton,Ohio

Linda Dauwalder-Dachtyl

I am a Yes fan from way back and a professional musician, a very discriminating listener. Let me tell you, I was absolutely KNOCKED OUT by this great band.

"Yours is No Disgrace" was done in "The Yes Album" style. I haven't even heard Yes cover it as close as their own studio recording! Matt Riddle's "Tony Kaye" organ registration, all the elements were there and then the vocalist steps up to the mike....is it Jon? YES!! Melissa has Jon 's singing style down, right down to Jon's Lancashire treatment of pronouncing "R's". Unbelievable! The harmony vocals were "right on" too. If you closed your eyes, you would have thought it was Yes. Remarkable! This band has done their homework.

The choice of set list was impeccable. For die-hard Classic Yes fans this is an absolute dream. For 80's late-comers, no Rabin tunes. Depends on what you like. As for me, it was GREAT to not have to hear "Owner".

If there is a favorite Yes selection for me, it is "Heart of the Sunrise". Envision's rendition was so authentic I thought I would hear the door slam and the "We Have Heaven" reprise at the end!

I recommend this band to all Yes fans, even the "casual ones". They truly are the best cover band I have ever heard in my life. I have played for years, teach music in college, etc.. so you are getting the opinion of a very picky educated "musical snob" and Yes fanatic!

They KNOCKED ME OUT. They are an absolute MUST SEE!

PENNY ARCADE Rochester, N.Y.

Rob Kudla

Envision is a band from Ohio whose repertoire consists almost entirely of Yes material. I had the opportunity to see them at the Penny Arcade in Charlotte, a town near Rochester, New York, this past Friday. I enjoyed them immensely & their live show really exceeded my expectations by a whole lot.

The show was extremely impressive, and everyone in my entourage thanked me separately for turning me on to Envision. Here's the set list (out of order since I wasn't completely sober):

Siberian Khatru, Yours is No Disgrace, South Side of the Sky, Heart of the Sunrise, Long Distance Runaround, The Fish, America (a cover of a cover? :) ), Mood for a Day, Clap, Wonderous Stories, Owner of a Lonely Heart, And You And I, I've Seen All Good People (with drum solo and extended blues jam), Rick Wakeman's ABWH solo including additional Six Wives excerpt, Close to the Edge, Roundabout, Encore: Five Percent For Nothing

Yes, you heard that last one right. Unfortunately, Roundabout finished at quarter to 2 (bars in Rochester close at 2) and George dragged me away as they started Five Percent; they were still jamming on it as we were halfway across the parking lot so I'm guessing they extended it a bit. I don't actually know that was the last song they played.
Every member of Envision plays with total confidence, enthusiasm and the highest regard not only for the notes, but the total sound. The analog keyboard parts had little analog touches like portamento and filter sweeps that added a great deal of authenticity to songs like AYAI, and through creative arrangement and attention to detail, they managed to pull off things like "South Side of the Sky" and the difficult climax of "CTTE" better than I've ever heard Yes themselves do it.

In conclusion, if Yes is symphonic music, Envision is the orchestra to play it. If you like Yes music, you should grab any chance you get to see Envision play.

Review of the 4/26 and 5/3 Envision Concerts

Brett Amacher

Canton Repository - Canton, Ohio

I'm not accustomed to reviewing "rock" bands. At the risk of sounding snobbish, I normally only critique "classical" concerts. Envision is a "classic" Yes tribute band. Regardless of what one calls it, whether "prog," art, symphonic, classical, or even anti-rock, no contribution is considered more central and seminal to the genre than that of Yes. And it is very difficult indeed to imagine a "cover" band better reproducing the original in all ways than does Envision. It is readily apparent how long and hard these five extraordinary musicians have worked to faithfully replicate the nuances of tone, intricacies of style, delicacies of balance, and yet spontaneity of spirit that made the original material so transcendent.

This band is the rarity among "tribute" bands that can always seem to sense just when it's necessary to duplicate or when they can do their own thing. The group's vocalist par excellence, par Jon Anderson, is Melissa Riddle. She has perfectly captured the essence of Anderson's unique manner yet honed her tone into her own individual style, imitating his exact inflections when expected.

Near the middle of the set, the band dispersed to leave the group's virtuoso keyboardist, Matt Riddle, to provided a musical and increasingly awe-inducing performance of Wakeman's ABWH solo. His digital dexterity and complete musicianship continually proved astounding throughout the performances.

In keeping with the Yes tradition, the generous set ended with a truly phenomenal "Starship Trooper." The band really pulls out all the stops for some extended keyboard and guitar soloing that simply has to be seen and heard to be appreciated.

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