Total Mass Retain is a Yes Tribute Band. The Band is comprised of veterans of the music industry some who have had classical music training, are proficient in studio production and have even toured as members of other progressive rock bands.

Terry Dey is the lead vocalist. His powerful yet sweet voice uplifted the audience by interpreting Yes’s lyrics. His onstage motions added to the message and seemed to conduct the band.

Joe Cass is behind the drum kit. His style was a hybrid of the precision of Bill Bruford and the rock power of Alan White.

Randy Dembo on bass has spent several years with Nektar. The sound of his thunderous playing created a floating rhythm that was in sync with Cass’ drums.

Ray Matuza rounding out the band on guitar. He had a multitude of guitars on stage including a pedal steel guitar. Ray’s virtuosity has been praised by Steve Howe himself.

Rounding out this multigenerational project is John Wittiger’s son Kyle. He is the producer and stage manager of the band.

What makes this band special is its multigenerational background that shares the love of Yes’s timeless music. The audience was treated with full interpretations of Yes from its highly productive period from 1972 to 1973. Each set opened with selected songs from other Yes projects over the band’s long productive period.
This era saw the change of keyboard player from Tony Kaye to Rick Wakeman. Bill Bruford departed from the band at the end of this period and was replaced by Alan White who was active untill his death in 2022.

Many of the songs are pleasant memories of days past. Many times during the evening, the audience was singing the words to themselves or in silence. There were young fans also, I did see some fathers bringing their sons as well as Gen Z and boomers bringing their parents.

The performance created a truly pleasant air to a snowy winter evening.

The band will be playing again on 2/28 @ My Father’s Place in Roslyn. See totalmassretainband.com for details.

Band Members–

Terry Dey-vocals

Joe Cass Drums

John Rittweger-Keyboards

Randy Dembo-Bass

Ray Matuza-Guitars

Kyle Rittweger- Sound, lights, production

1st Set–

Awaken

Sweet Dreams

Wondrous Stories

Yours is No Disgrace

The Clap

Starship Trooper

I’ve Seen All Good People

A Venture

Perpetual Change

2nd set–

Revealing Science of God

Southside of the Sky

Ritual

Close to the Edge

You and I

Siberian Khatru

Encore

The Heart of the Sunrise