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Album Retrospectives
WISHBONE ASH
1970
Wishbone Ash’s eponymous debut album was released on December 4th 1970 through MCA Records (Decca in US). The band’s recording contract had come about via a brief encounter with Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore, Wishbone having supported Purple at Dunstable Civic Hall:
As Martin Turner remembers: "During the soundcheck Andy was onstage playing his guitar when Ritchie Blackmore walked on and started playing. Gradually they started speaking to each other with their guitars and there was quite a little rapport going on there. Anyway, Ritchie didn't say a word to us, but afterwards he told Derek Lawrence (early Purple producer) about us. Derek was looking for bands to record, so he contacted us and we gave him the demo tape that we'd done. He took it to someone he knew at MCA and that was the reason they signed us."
On August 20th 1970 Wishbone Ash secured their $250,000 advance recording contract with MCA (Decca in US). Recording sessions for their eponymous debut album took place at De Lane Lea studios, Kingsway, London during September 1970 with Derek Lawrence producing. For the sessions, Ted Turner played a Les Paul Junior, whilst Andy Powell played a Gibson SG Special, which he had then recently bought, having previously been using a homemade instrument. Martin Turner was still playing what he described as his "Mickey Mouse Special", and hired a Fender Jazz bass for the sessions (he acquired a Rickenbacker soon after the album's completion. Shortly after the album's completion, Andy Powell bought his first Gibson Flying V, an instrument which would soon become his trademark.
The debut Wishbone Ash album basically comprised of the numbers which made up the band's stage act at the time. The album featured all the trademarks of the early Wishbone Ash - Andy and Ted's revolutionary twin guitar frontline, Steve Upton's impeccably tight, though often jazzy drumming, and Martin Turner's basswork, which was in the melodic British style typified by John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire and, later, Sting.
Wishbone Ash opened with "Blind Eye", an uptempo R&B inspired number with Ted on vocals and the band's twin guitars prominent, was recorded with Procul Harum's Matthew Fisher on piano and released as a single in February 1971 (backed by another album cut "Queen of Torture".
"Hearing "Blind Eye" on the radio for the first time, while we were travelling to a show was very exciting. It was also the first time I heard myself sing. After that I always tried to get the others to sing."
"We were all too afraid to sing for the first few years", adds Martin. "I suppose it was just a matter of confidence."
"Lady Whiskey" followed - an all out rocker featuring an aggresive Andy Powell guitar solo and Martin on lead vocal, singing a lyric inspired by Steve and Martin's landlady in Chalk Farm.
"To show you what we were living in, her husband came home late one night, really out of his head and they had a fight", remembers Steve. "He knocked her through the front door and locked her out. She wasn't around for two days after that and she was eventually found in hospital."
"Errors of my Ways" took the mood down and was the band's first foray into folk-rock. Featuring harmony vocals from Martin and Andy and showcasing the typically melodic side of Ted's guitar playing, the track is a highly melodic piece which goes through a variety of mood changes without ever becoming boring or self-indulgent. The folk element would subsequently crop up on numerous occasions throughout the band's career, but was initially the influence of Andy Powell.
"I was listening to groups like Pentangle and Fairport Convention, which brought about the band's folk influence", reveals Andy Powell.
The rocky "Queen of Torture" closed the album's first side, pushing Martin's vocal chords to their limits, as he belts out a lyric ispired by a girl the band knew.
"Her name was Sylvie," recalls Martin, "and she was into some very weird sexual trips. Ted used to sleep in this little bed which we called the trolley, and I think she used to tie him in there and rape him!"
The second side of the album contained two lengthy epic tracks. The first of these, "Handy", had actually started life during the Empty Vessels days. Aside from a brief Martin Turner vocal at the end, the track is instrumental, showcasing the talents of all four members of the band. Live, the song would feature a lengthy Steve Upton drum solo. The track was inspired by jazz musician John Handy.
"We got into John Handy for a while and I had a live album that was really amazing, and that track was inspired by that", recalls Martin.
The album's closing track "Phoenix", would become the centrepiece of the band's live set for many years to come. From a peaceful beginning, with restrained soloing from Ted Turner and a Martin Turner vocal containing lyrics based on the legend of the Phoenix - the mystical bird believed to rise from smouldering Ashes - the song builds up, with Ted breaking into a lengthy solo which is uncharacteristically aggresive.
"I guess "Phoenix" was our masterpiece", admits Ted, "bringing a lot of attention to the band. It was just an elongated, structured jam."
The album was released to almost instant critical acclaim. Respected UK DJ/music critic John Peel proclaimed: "I haven't been so impressed with a relatively new band for a long time. Their music is original , exciting and beautifully played."
GARY CARTER
Fan Reviews:
Well this was the first WA album that I heard back around 1975. I was blown away right from the off. This is (together with New England) my fave WA album. I like every track on it and "Handy" is my favorite track of all along with "Vas Dis". "Blind Eye" was the first WA track i'd heard, I loved it then and still love it now. "Lady Whiskey" is a great little rocker, "Errors" is a beautiful slowie and "Queen of Torture" just rocks. What can I say about "Handy"? well it has to be MT's finest moment, and there's some lovely guitar interplay throughout. Also I've still yet to see anyone master that drum solo, what an underated drummer Steve Upton was. "Phoenix" is also a masterpeice, although I've always prefered "Handy" myself. "Phoenix" is a bit overplayed live now in my view. I also love the simple, understated cover as well. All in all a fine debut.
Tony Clark
First one I heard, in 1975, and I loved it. A tale of 2 sides.
BLIND EYE: Andy's serring lead stands out. Love that boogie piano, but glad they rarely use it.
LADY WHISKEY: is it really 1970? Eat your heart out out Deep Purple
ERRORS OF MY WAY: Personal Fav. Ted's shinning moment
QUEEN OF TORTURE: Steve, my man, pound them skins. Andy again shines.
HANDY: Must say, my least fav on this album, but a classic. Martin's bass is outstanding. Ted plays beautifully
PHOENIX: Just a total masterpiece, should have been a 1970's anthem, along the lines of "Freebird". From Ted's bluesy intro lead, to Martin's emotional awesome vocals, to Andy's stinging guitar taking it home, this song has it all.
Rich Wright
I love this album. Would love to hear "Handy" live...my favourite version of "Handy" is from the First Light album but I prefer listening to the first album becuase I love record (i have it on record) plus love listening to "Phoenix" after it. Side two is defently my favourite side but this album is full of awesome-ness.
Ben Barker
MTWA unleashed their own version of "Phoenix" on the last tour. I did not look forward to another flight of the old bird, to be honest, but it was quite magical. The harmonies (now better than ever) lifted the song beautifully and the bass and guitars interplay was perfect. Crucially they didn't over-extend it the way it has been stretched in the past at times; it seemed newly vital - almost lean. I'd still opt for "FUBB" or "The Pilgrim" if the set can accomodate just the one longer (largely) instrumental piece, but MTWA's "Phoenix" is a treat.
Keith Stoddart
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