Wishbone Ash - Bona Fide
2002/ 46:15 Minutes / 10 Tracks / Studio / Import
Release Date: April 15, 2002 - Talking Elephant
Produced by: Andy Powell
Website: www.wishboneash.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on February 20, 2002

I have to say that I'm more than impressed...more than impressed. I'm stunned. This version of Wishbone Ash has captured the essence of WBA and have produced a classic. In time, this CD will be remembered as one of the stellar performances of the band. So...how does one go about reviewing this CD without stumbling over the past? By giving due praise to this particular unit for creating a fantastic collection of tunes that fully embody the styles as set in stone by earlier incarnations and yet building a strong new set of rules that will always apply.

But this is not enough. Wishbone Ash's very able assembly of Andy, Ben, Bob and Ray squeeze perfection from the 10 tunes on this album. Written in very familiar WBA style and delivered in ecstatic fashion, each and every song delights. There is the inimitable twin leads, expertly played; vocals that harmonize; and ingeniously crafted songs. To hear the great guitar lines in "Enigma", leads and all, is to know a what a great song should be. The same is said with "Faith, Hope and Love". Hell, I could go on and on....and on. These songs are great...all of them. "Come Rain, Come Shine" starts off with sound bites stemming from the 09/11 disaster and is written leaving a patriotic taste in your heart.

Now, how do I make this sound like a review and not like a paid advertisement? The fact is, its pretty much impossible, except I can assure you this is not an advertisement. I'm just absolutely blown away. This CD can very easily sit next to their classics, its that good. In the past, I have disliked some Wishbone Ash recordings. I have lost faith. I have been disappointed. But I have to tell you, this CD is the real thing, the legacy reincarnated.

Listen to "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" and you'll be a believer once again. Enjoy the musicality of the instrumental "Peace" and you'll be in WBA heaven. Granfelt has written a song (Peace) that will resonate in my soul for ages. I'm serious, there is not one bad song here. The vocal harmonies are top notch, the songs, lyrically sound and the music is true Ash. Granfelt and Powell compliment each other as well as Powell did with Turner or Wisefield. The bass lines of Skeat are easily some of the best and Weston's drumming match any thing produced in WBA's history. I want to see this band live and hear their, I'm sure now, very able renditions of the old classics.

The package includes a great 14 page booklet that has photos, lyrics and liner notes. This is always important in any release and Wishbone Ash knows this. The cover artwork is an original piece called 'Illumination' and was painted by Lawrence Powell, Andy's son. The photos and CD layout by Andy's other son, Richard Powell.

This band, this present incarnation, is the real deal. They are Wishbone Ash. Andy, you've got a champion band here. Keep cranking out material like this and no one will ever doubt Wishbone Ash went anywhere.

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