WISHBONE ASH

Have you ever found yourself entangled with music especially in the interlude part? I have experienced it many times especially those with long guitar or keyboard solo. One of great rock songs with great interlude using guitar solo is those performed by Ted Nugent in his great composition called Stranglehold where the interlude contains fabulous guitar solo augmented by powerful drumming and dynamic bass lines. It's truly a great rock track that has become my ultimate favorite since I was a teenager. Another great rock interlude is the one performed by Grand Funk Railroad under the track name of Inside Looking Out. Oh man . this is a wonderfully crafted interlude with - of course - great overall composition. For those of you who were there when the 70s rock music came out, you must have known the songs that I mention.

So, what Ted Nugent and Grand Funk got to do with Wishbone Ash?

Well, it's actually refers to the power of association. Last night while driving I spun this debut album by Wishbone Ash and the entire album brings me back really to the glory days of 70s where I loved all kind of music: be it pop, rock, or disco and . so sorry by that I time I knew nothing what was then called prog. I loved King Crimson, Yes, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Barrabas, Chase, Chicago Transit Authority, Tea, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Argent, Wishbone Ash, KC & The Sunshine Band, BT Express, Heatwave, Shirley Bassey, Mac & Kattie Kisson, George Baker Selection, Bee Gees, ABBA, Pussycat, Mouth and McNeal altogether with the local heroes like Koes Plus, Koes Bersaudara, Dara Puspita, Rasela, God Bless, Golden Wing. All happened at the same time! Do you remember song that was very popular at that time titled as Hang On Sloopy? That was one of the hit in mid 60s but was still popular in early 70s. Check out on youtube on this song, you might have known it!

Yes, the debut album of Wishbone Ash represents the style of music that came out during that time. I especially associate with Nugent's Stranglehold when I enjoyed the double guitar solo as interlude of "Phoenix" - the last track of this album. Oh man. the double guitar solo by Powell and Turner is truly stunning and brings the memory back in the 70s. If you know this song and Stranglehold or GFR's "Inside Looking Out" you definitely know what I mean. I don't want to go through a memory extravaganza, but I am sure if you are new to this debut album by Wishbone Ash you hardly disagree with me that Phoenix is an excellent composition. "Blind Eye" is another great track with blues rock approach, unique singing style, nice piano work - it's a solid composition.

"Error of My Ways" combines nice psychedelic composition with a tinge of blues music featuring excellent guitar solo in double guitar formation. "Handy" is also a solid composition using bass guitar as dominant instrument at intro part followed with excellent guitar work in blues rock style. The exploration of double guitar work reminds me to the follow-up rock music with bands like Iron Maiden or Metallica.

Overall, this is an excellent debut album with blues rock style and very little prog components in this album. However, this album was one of important releases from vintage rock bands. I cannot afford not to associate this kind of music with those like Ted Nugent or Grand Funk did in the same decade. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)