Share the post "Album review: TED & MAJELLA – Better Together (Ted Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash)"
David Randall chatted to Ted Turner about the album for his weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. (24:41) The full interview is repeated on Friday 11 May at 22:00 GMT.
Turneround Music [Release date 06.04.18]
Since 1974, when he left the band, Ted Turner has occasionally surfaced with Wishbone Ash-related reunions but since that time he has been rather quiet in terms of his own recorded output. His only solo release is 2010′s ‘Eclektic Value’, whilst his twitter page is frozen in that year (when he played High Voltage with his former band) and with a website that is no longer active.
It’s a total surprise, then, that he comes up with one of 2018′s finer albums, so far, together with his partner Majella.
The couple have evidently been energised by both their own relationship with each other and the wider environment. Thoughtful lyrics, a fine vocal from Majella, Turner’s spiky bluesy licks and a soft rock vibe throughout all make for a very fine listen.
Often when a couple collaborate it might have the effect of neutering the main “name”. In this example Turner plays a very supportive but never intrusive role on guitar (and backing vocals). It all fits perfectly. Often the “partner” might be the weak link. But Majella ticks all the boxes.
There’s a consistency to this album, and true craftsmanship, frequently lacking in these days of instant gratification. In fact, the laid back, unhurried feel allows the listener both reflection and restoration.
The spirit of the enterprise is summed up in the opener ‘Better Together’ whilst ‘Instairs’ is inspired by Turner’s interest in the work of American theorist and global thinker Buckminster Fuller. A song like ‘Karmony’ further demonstrates Majella’s soulful streak with Turner showing why he was so revered back in the early 1970s, even if these days he is a master of restraint.
We shouldn’t really be surprised by this album, because since the eighties Turner has immersed himself in wider, global issues. To release an album like ‘Better Together’, seemingly out of the blue, is nevertheless a quiet revelation. And timely, given Wishbone Ash’s continued ascendancy via live shows and reissues. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 7 April 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 2 April 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: TED & MAJELLA – Better Together (Ted Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash)"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
