YES in Spirit, Sound, and Soul: Total Mass Retain Rocks Cohoes

Cohoes, NY  – Words and photography by Stephanie J Bartik – NY Rockstar Photographer

On August 6, 2025, in Cohoes, the skies finally cleared after last week’s rained-out Rock The Block concert—just in time for a mid-week revival of progressive rock royalty. Though most fans expected the usual Thursday night rhythm, Wednesday brought a curveball and a true sonic treat: Total Mass Retain, the OFFICIALLY recognized YES tribute band, took the stage in a rescheduled performance that slowly but surely drew out the devoted.

Lawn chairs unfolded, blankets found their place on the ground, and with every passing minute, the quiet square transformed into a haven for progressive rock enthusiasts, building to an audience of 500. If jam bands are a loose conversation, progressive rock is a symphony with a thesis. As I once put it: jam is improv; prog is intention with precision.

The Tommy Love Litmus Test

Among the early arrivals was none other than Tommy Love, a local music legend who can’t walk into a room without someone shouting “TOM-MEEE!” He approached with curiosity. “Are they any good?” he asked. I replied, “YES. The YES tribute is very good.”

Skeptical but willing, Tommy settled into his seat—until Terry Dey, the band’s dynamic frontman, delivered the very first note. Instantly, Tommy was up and at the front of the stage. If TMR can move Tommy Love, that’s as close as it gets to Cohoes certification. Verdict: they passed with flying colors.

Total Mass Retain: Prog Rock Perfection

It wasn’t just Tommy. By the third song, fans old and new made their way up front. This was more than nostalgia—it was a reunion of minds that once lay on shag carpets listening to “Close to the Edge” and “Fragile” on vinyl, picking apart every time signature and layered harmony.

Terry Dey’s vocals channeled the unmistakable timbre of Jon Anderson. His tone, pitch, and reverence for the material were clear, and when he locked into harmony with drummer Joe Cass, it was magic—note-perfect, emotional, and unrelenting.

The band’s lineup is a dream team for YES fans:

 Terry Dey – Lead Vocals
A classically trained pianist turned powerhouse vocalist, Terry captures the essence of Jon Anderson with uncanny precision. “When I heard YES, my life changed,” he says—and it shows in every note.

 Joe Cass – Drums & Vocals
Dubbed “Little Joey” by the likes of Chris Squire and Alan White, Joe has attended every YES tour since 1994. With Alan’s fire and Bruford’s finesse, Joey anchors the band’s rhythm while singing both Squire harmonies and Trevor Rabin leads.

 John Rittweger – Keyboards
A classically trained musician with decades of experience, John has worked with Annie Haslam and members of Manhattan Transfer. His synth and piano work brought atmosphere, depth, and that signature YES sound.

Randy Dembo – Bass
With roots in the Genesis tribute scene and a touring past with NEKTAR, Randy’s reverence for Chris Squire runs deep—and you could feel it in every thunderous bassline. A recent addition to TMR, his playing elevated the experience.

 Ray Matuza – Guitars & Vocals
A progressive and fingerstyle jazz guitarist who once worked directly with Steve Howe, Ray’s passion and technique make him a standout. As a former editor of 20th Century Guitar Magazine, his prog rock pedigree is unmatched.

What Made the Night Special

TMR didn’t just play the songs—they recreated the spirit of YES. The symphonic swells, complex meters, choral harmonies, and interlaced solos were executed with love and precision. More importantly, it wasn’t sterile or robotic. It was passionate, engaging, and technically mind-blowing—a rare combo in tribute acts.

The audience was predominantly male, as expected with the genre, but the vibe was one of shared reverence. There were smiles, closed eyes, air drums, and even tears. For a moment, the years melted away, and everyone was 17 again, spinning records and dreaming in analog.

Want More YES?

Check out Total Mass Retain’s official site:
👉 www.totalmassretainband.com

Sign up for the email list, find upcoming tour dates, and don’t miss them next time they’re near your town. Prog fans, audiophiles, and old souls—you’ll be glad you said YES.

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