Wishbone Ash

[Rick and Roll]

The first time I'd ever seen them....set list is attached. Four from "Argus", easily in my top 10 records of all time. "Sometime World", "Blowin Free"...just magic.

They took me to the toolshed and beat the hell out of me with their show. I implore you to see them if they come to your town. Two hours never better spent. Although Andy Powell is the only original member, they stay true to the oldies and have some excellent newer material. And the extended jams, for example in "The Way of the World" was awesome. The 20-minute epic "Phoenix" was stellar.

I hope they don't "prog up" their set for Rosfest too much. They were just fine. The only complaint was the loudness of guitarist Jyrki "Muddy" Manninen, a Finn with serious chops. My left ear will never be the same. Of course I was at the front table...I will never learn.

Bob Skeat on bass (always smiling) and Joe Crabtree on drums round out the band. Both are super competent...

I'll post some pics from a friend's camera later.

Glad you liked them Rick.......The ash always put on a good show. Incidentally there is another Wishbone Ash doing the rounds here in the UK at the moment fronted by original Bass player Martin Turner. His playing style, voice and, of course, songs wewre one of the best things about the band IMHO. That's why I tend to vere towards MT's band more than AP's.

Still can't wait to see therm at ROSfest though.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by KeithieW

Glad you liked them Rick.......The ash always put on a good show. Incidentally there is another Wishbone Ash doing the rounds here in the UK at the moment fronted by original Bass player Martin Turner. His playing style, voice and, of course, songs wewre one of the best things about the band IMHO. That's why I tend to vere towards MT's band more than AP's.

Still can't wait to see therm at ROSfest though.

I was explaining that to a gentleman who "hadn't seen them since '73". I too like Matin's voice and style, it's a shame they're not able to work things out. If you haven't seen Bob Skeat, he's a fantastic player, and his positive attitude is infectious.

I wanted to talk to Andy about Rosfest but the line was a bit long. At least he had subliminal cues from my t-shirt.....

[kaltsu]

There was a time to see Wishbone Ash and that was in the early 70's. After that the band was lost and later reincarnations have failed to find the missing spark. Saw a club gig 6-7 years ago and sympathetic though Andy Powell was, couldn't really find a reason for their existence. So whenever it's Ash time, I just dig out my worn copy of Argus and try to understand why "Blowin' Free" is such a favorite.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by kaltsu

There was a time to see Wishbone Ash and that was in the early 70's. After that the band was lost and later reincarnations have failed to find the missing spark. Saw a club gig 6-7 years ago and sympathetic though Andy Powell was, couldn't really find a reason for their existence. So whenever it's Ash time, I just dig out my worn copy of Argus and try to understand why "Blowin' Free" is such a favorite.

I used to feel that way about bands. Not anymore, it depends on the situation. It really is dependent on the band and the show. I was never one to pine for something that once was. You'll never hear me ask for a Genesis reunion. But not because they "had their time", but because it would not work, and the musicians are too disconnected now. Also, I would never seen Queen with Paul Rogers.

Wishbone Ash however, married the old stuff with newer material that pleased everyone. I've been to many many shows and the crowd was as happy as I have ever seen one. I think that speaks volumes.

The only weird thing was Andy Powell singing Mart Turner's lines. But Muddy (guitarist) was too loud in the mix anyway so it wasn't too distinguishable