NOUVEAU CALLS

Attention fusion fans! "No Speak" was a short-lived label that may be of great interest to fans of jazz-fusion or instrumental rock in general, and this is one of its catalogue's strongest offerings. Because their sound is not bound by WA's normally narrow vocal range and seeming sameness of songs, these tracks are atypically dynamic and successfully experimental to these well-worn ears.

Arabesque is a mindblower, and it shows the original band members reuniting to really focus on the music. This track alone is worth the price of the CD. Wishbone Ash pioneered its own brand of twin-guitar duelling backed by sweet melodic singing and ethereally chivalric lyrics. From its inception WA has always leaned toward extended songs dappled with sparse vocals. That's what makes Nouveau Calls a logical step, and all the more interesting

It is a complete departure for the Ash and a welcome one at that. Some long-time fans may miss the vocals however. All the same, there is a crisp freshness to Noveau Calls, and if this record is of interest to you, you may want to check out The Night Of The Guitar as well. Andy Powell and Ted Turner stand their own ground successfully against some of rock's great heavyweights (including Leslie West funny enough).

In fact, all of the "No Speak" albums are worth risking a listen so spread the word.