Wishbone Ash - Bare Bones
2001/ 50:03 Minutes / 11 Tracks / Studio / CD
Release Date: February 5, 2001 - Castle Music
Produced by: Andy Powell
Website: www.wishboneash.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on February 20, 2002

I originally was going to write a scathing review of this disc. You see, I'm a Wishbone Ash fan from waaayyy back, to their second LP, which is where I came in sometime in '72. From that point I've been a avid fan, largely in but, at times, unable to listen to some of their later material. More on that later. I was such a huge fan that, by the time I graduated in '75, my class prophecy had incorporated the profusity of Wishbone Ash LPs, 8-tracks and cassettes that I had collected. I was mildly disturbed by the departure of Ted Turner but quickly recanted when the Mark II lineup, incorporating Laurie Wisefield, released "There's The Rub". I bought, and loved every album after that until I hit the brick wall with "Twin Engines Burning". After that, it was hit and miss until "Nouveau Calls" and "Here to Hear". I was restored. I had seem them numerous times in concert, in Chicago, Peoria, Bloomington and in LA/Orange County. I have purchased, faithfully, many releases. Enough history.

As I said, it was originally going to be scathing. Why was it going to be scathing and what made me change my mind?! Well, at first listen, I was appalled by the voice, Andy Powell's voice. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Andy Powell, I LOVE Andy Powell. I always felt him to be one of the top 10 great guitarists; for me he is the numero uno...and still is. I respect his desire to maintain WBA. It was just his voice, no knock to the voice, its good but it ain't Martin Turner singing those songs. Here's the problem: I'm an original fan so its hard to break long time conventions. Like Mom with a new hubby...he ain't my dad. Andy, this is not a knock on you. You're the greatest. Now, what changed my mind? A ride in the car with this CD in the player; me and WBA. And, like the Grinch's heart and Scrooge's hardness, I changed. In several replays, I became forever hooked to this disc.

11 songs on this disc, some early material , some newer. Starting with the older material, the songs that are deeply ingrained and we start with "Errors of My Ways". This song actually came off very good the first time I heard it, largely because it involves much of the band to share singing. It worked beautifully. No problem there. It was "Everybody Needs A Friend" that first made me pause. I loved this song during my High School years, so much so, that I used it in a church youth group discussion. While the music is faithfully reproduced, it was Andy's vocals that threw me. But as I listened, I grew to love this version, in all its stripped down, unplugged glory. It really shines although I would have loved to hear Martin do this one in this type setting. The other songs, scattered throughout the career of WBA, are acceptable. "Strange Affair" from the CD that last featured Martin Turner as the vocalist. "Wings of Desire", "Living Proof", and "Master of Disguise" deliver well. The rest are from other, later and, therefore, stand well. They stand well because they do not have the stigma attached to them of the earlier incarnations of WBA.

All said and all told, I do recommend this CD to WBA fans, especially the early adopters. BUT, you will have to spin it a few times to become endeared. But once you do, you'll listen to it many times, as I found myself to do.

Thanks Andy, for keeping it alive. What more can a fan ask for but that the spirit stays alive. Wishbone Ash Rules!!

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