WISHBONE ASH – Live in Geneva 1995

November 17th, 2012 by jason

Angel Air www.angelair.co.uk

Wishbone Ash have had multiple line up changes and periods of inactivity since their ‘70’s hay day. Andy Powell, the sole surviving member by 1995, put a touring band together and marked their 25th anniversary with shows at the Geneva Rock Heroes Festival. Roger Filgate, who had allegedly bumped into Powell in a Connecticut record shop, shared lead guitar and vocal duties after original front man Ted Turner had left for the 2nd and final time. Tony Kishman handled the bass and Mike Sturgis occupied the drum stool, having done the same for Asia, 21 Guns and A-Ha.

The resulting live CD is a fitting testament to Wishbone Ash’s enduring melodic credentials and beautifully crafted songs. The sound is crystal clear and the guitars especially come through at the top of the mix and with sharp precision. The spiralling lead breaks that bring the excellent ‘Throw Down The Sword’ to a climax are a perfect example. A little quibble, however, is the dryness that such clinical production delivers. The sometimes sterile atmosphere can make the performance feel low key. ‘In The Skin’ sounds as if the band are constrained by the exacting requirements of a Swiss watch factory rather than cutting loose at the country’s best festival. On the other hand (see what I did there?) ‘Hard Times’ shakes off the shackles and unleashes some real and welcome energy.

The classic Wishbone Ash sound remains wonderfully intact here, despite only one original member. Set opener ‘The King Will Come’ from 1972’s landmark ‘Argus’ opus amply highlights Ash’s once pioneering twin lead guitar harmonies, complemented by twin lead vocal harmonies. ‘Blowin’ Free’ thumps along with its mid tempo boogie. The mid-set medley culled from highlights of the first two albums is stuffed with uplifting moments and gorgeous guitar exchanges.

Since this set was captured, Wishbone Ash have put out a live collection to mark their 40th anniversary. Time waits for no man and Andy Powell has simply rolled on with an ever-changing line up. This album is unlikely to register as the definitive Ash live album, but it can certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with the pick of them.

****

Dave Atkinson

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