LIVE IN WINDY CITY (USA 1992) [AKA: LIVE IN CHICAGO & LIVING PROOF]

This live album dates from 1992 and features the classic combination of Ted Turner and Andy Powell on guitar, but by this time founder members Steve Upton and Martin Turner had called it quits. We have Andy Pyle on bass and Ray Weston on drums. There are also keyboards on some tracks but this isn't credited in the liner notes. This is a bit of a shame because they add some much needed depth and interest.

The set list features tracks from the reunion albums, Strange Affair, Here to Hear and Nouveau Calls along with three from Argus and Living Proof from Just Testing. They had long given up the progressive leanings and this is just standard hard rock AOR type fare. The Turner/Powell guitar interplay is largely present and correct, the solos being inventive without being too self indulgent. However, Martin Turner's bass work in particular is missed I feel. The album gives a good indication of the 90s reunion version of the band.

I usually start listening from track 2 as this version of The King will Come is poor, I put this down to the band warming up. However Throw Down the Sword is particularly well done, gone is the sublime twin lead parts accompanied by stately organ. They use a string sound instead, which is still effective, and Andy Powell pulls out an excellent solo worthy of this epic.

I picked this up for a budget price and haven't regretted it. Ash fans should not be disappointed. Its worthy of 3.5 stars.