Search - Wishbone Ash :: Illuminations

Illuminations is " illuminating "

Joan B. Montney | Glendale Az USA | 06/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Wishbone Ash album only contains one original member in it's lineup,Andy Powell.After listening to illuminations several times and for several days in a row,it became apparent as to how important Andy Powell is to that classic wishbone sound. And you will hear plenty of it. There is lots of the bands unique trademark harmony guitar work along with superb performances by the bass and drums.Strong musical influences in the likes of Kansas and Yes can also be heard.Illuminations is a 1996 recording that features many songs reminiscent of the early Ash.Yet it is recorded using modern studio/sound techniques.Giving the listener a well balanced full sound.Great progressive Rock with 12 tracks totaling more than 65 minutes.A nice variety of music.Some to stomp your feet to,some to sing along to,some to feel blue to and a few to dance along to.Which is what music should do.My advice to the die hard skeptic is be courageous like the warrior on the Argus cover and " Give this one a try ".Fast fact: Wishbone Ash's first big break resulted from a gig they did with Deep Purple."

Viva Twin Guitars City

Otis Robb | Nashville Tn | 02/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bad to the bone and then some! This definetly is one of the Best Bone releases in quite some time! After the very 'dreary' return of the original lineup that produced nova wava techno pap, (Noueveau Calls)- which was bassist Martin Turner's idea - this ONE kicks axe like the days when LAURIE WISEFIELD manned the SG!!! (GUITARIST Roger Filgate who shares the 6 string duties with original member Andy Powell on this record was a big fan of the Laurie/Andy lineup) Tony Kishman who has appeared in several versions of the 'Beatlemania' production handles most of the lead vocals, (except for 'No Joke') has a dynamic range and delivery throughout. Yes, tinges of 'Argus' - "On Your Own", but this stands up as a very highly original work and WITHOUT the GLOSSY SHEEN that heavily MARRED the previous 3 releases, the original four boners put out before this one. A big shame the 'Illuminations'lineup w/the top notch ROGER FILGATE didnt follow up with another studio release. (Though 'Live in Geneva' proved 'worthy' as a very acceptable substitute) Nevertheless, Mr. Powell is too stubborn to quite at this point in time-what other job skills does he have??!! BTW, the latest lineup (w/Muddy Manning on guitar, Bob Skeat on bass, and Ray Weston on drums) is worth checking out!"

Nice

Brendan | 11/19/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Going for that Argus feel which is nice. I'd been a fan since coming across Argus by chance in 1994 so I was interested in hearing some contempoary Ash when I bought this in 96 or 97. Fans of AOR would like Mountainside. Tales of the wise is a 10 minute epic (with some nice soloing from Andy), Another time is in the classic WA style of yore, the Ring is nice and Crack of dawn is a dreamy acoustic instrumental ( a bit like Throw down the sword). Very nice indeed. Another album which the line-up recorded is Live in Geneva, also recomended."