BARE BONES

The "unplugged" concept is not a new one, over the years a diverse range of bands and artists have re-interpreted their works more or less devoid of electric instruments. The MTV series of unplugged concerts probably did most to give such projects credibility, and indeed to find a market for them.

"Bare bones" can be seen as Wishbone Ash's attempt to "Unplug", most of the tracks here being songs already familiar to their fans from previous albums. Given that their undisputed trade mark is the twin lead electric guitars in the line up, it may seem more than a little odd that they should record (almost) an entire album with the lead guitars safely left in their cases. Happily, the results belie any notion that the project is therefore founded on shifting sand.

The chosen tracks are not perhaps the most obvious selections, the complete absence of anything from "Argus" immediately raising an eyebrow. These tracks though do lend themselves well to the acoustic environment, with some such as "Error of my ways" being subject to considerable modification along the way. "Living proof" is also subject to a radical overhaul, becoming virtually a clone of "Leaf and stream" from "Argus".

In terms of the line up, it is Andy Powell who is in control here, bringing back long absent drummer Ray Weston as a band member and former band mate Claire Hamill on a guest basis. Singer and guitarist Mark Birch makes his sole appearance on a Wishbone Ash album ("What do you mean the next album is an acoustic one?!"), and a lengthy list of other guests come and go on individual tracks.

The overall atmosphere of the album is pretty laid back, with songs such as "You won't take me down" having a relaxed bluesy appeal. The appearance of violin on a couple of tracks adds a unique atmosphere to them, and the use of organ on two tracks (seemingly considered an unplugged instrument, see Neil Young!) is a clever move too.

For me, the best tracks are the two sung by Mark Birch, these being the afore mentioned "You won't take me down" and the sublime "Everybody needs a friend". The latter is an absolute master-stroke of emotional blues rock, with guitar, organ and vocals combining in a stunning piece of great beauty. Here, the band finally relent and add some fine lead guitar.

On the down side, "Love abuse" leaves me completely cold, but in the words of Michael Jackson, one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch (baby).

It is of course acoustic guitar which provides the foundation of the album throughout, but the diverse range of instruments played by the numerous guests actually results in the album being arguably more innovative than any other release from Wishbone Ash. Ironically, while "Bare bones" should therefore appeal to a wider audience than any other by the band, dedicated fans may find it harder to take. Not therefore the best place to start to discover the real Wishbone Ash, but an album well worth investigating nonetheless.

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