WISHBONE ASH

Some 30+ years before the arrival of "Explosions in the sky", Wishbone Ash pioneered the line up of bass, drums and twin lead guitars. They may not have been the first band to do so (that is a debate for the forum) but they were certainly the first to enjoy a run of major success with that structure. (Unlike EitS however, Wishbone Ash were prepared to let each of the lead guitarists ply his trade with solos, and also added vocals to their songs).

This their eponymous debut album displays all the naivety of a band setting out, while simultaneously offering some truly inspired work. It is side two of the album to which we need to look to find anything prog, and in particular to the criminally under-recognised "Phoenix". This 10½ minute epic has a classic prog structure, with some wonderful melodies, and supreme guitar work. When placed in context (it was recorded in 1970), it arguably laid the framework for many prog classics which followed. Admittedly it is at times rather clumsy but in many ways that only adds to the attraction of the piece. "Phoenix" was some years ahead of its time, and it still stands up well today as a magnificent opus. The other track occupying side two of the album is the 11½ minute "Handy". This is a rather more orthodox extended blues rock number, which in all honesty outstays its welcome considerably.

Side one of the album consists of four more orthodox folk and blues based songs. While these are more than adequate offerings for a first album, on their own they do little to distinguish Wishbone Ash as a band to be watched.

In all, "Wishbone Ash" was a highly credible first album, "Phoenix" in particular offering real hope that the band could come up with some excellent progressive music, with or without keyboards in their line up.

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