LIVE DATES VOLUME 2

I saw Wishbone Ash live about half a dozen times during the 1970s, and all but one of those occasions was the Turner/Upton/Powell/Wisefield lineup. They always gave a great show, and Live Dates Volume 2 showcases their performance perfectly. What I like about this album is that some of the songs actually sound better than the original studio versions - in particular Living Proof, which has a bassline which just drives the song along, Goodbye Baby Hello Friend, which sounded insipid on Front Page News but is given new life here, and the closing rocker, No Easy Road. But for me the highlight of the album is what was side 3, consisting of the three slow numbers Lorelei, Persephone and You Rescue Me. Powell and Wisefield's soloing is sublime here.

This album wasn't available on CD for many years which was a frustration to fans, but it became available a couple of years ago. I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates melodic rock and skilful guitarists.