WISHBONE ASH NEVER WENT AWAY, AND THEY STILL ROCK!
R. C. Steingraber | San Jose, California, USA | 05/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a welcome live release from the most recent lineup of the GREAT English classic-rock band and twin-guitar pioneers, Wishbone Ash. Guitarist-vocalist Andy Powell is the lone original member left, and, as always, his Flying V roars! Recently departed guitarist-vocalist, Mark Birch complements Andy quite nicely. Bob Skeat on bass & backing vocals comes the closest to the sound and spirit of founding member Martin Turner's earth-shaking bass playing. Ray Weston's drumming is a nice mix of finesse and power, flashy, but unobtrusive. In my opinion, this does not quite measure up to the Mark I or Mark II live performances. The vocals, although competent, do not compare to Martin Turner's brilliant lead vocals in the old days. But instrumentally, these guys cook. Andy & Mark's leads and harmonies are inspired, and this band is very tight!!! The sound is superb: well balanced, clean & punchy. This is absolutely one of the best set-lists you could ask for. Every song is a winner, and there are a lot of the long jams that are the Ash's claim-to fame. Highlights? There are over 70 minutes of highlights: "LivingProof", "Persephone", "Lifeline", "Errors of my Way", "F.U.B.B."(brilliant!!!), and a hot version of the venerable closer, "Phoenix". If you E-V-E-R liked Wishbone Ash, by all means get this CD as soon as possible. If you are unfamiliar with the band and crave guitar-oriented classic rock, this album would be a good introduction. However, I would probably recommend starting out with "Argus", "Live Dates I", or "There's the Rub". Regardless, this 1999 live CD is a winner!"
Pretty darn good
D. Prozzo | Stockbridge, GA USA | 08/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I really like this CD because it's mixed so well that it sounds as close to a live performance as you can get. For the best song selection and performances on a live CD that is still available, I really like 'Live In Chicago'. Both Andy Powell and Ted Turner are on this CD. 'Live In Chicago' is a gem that all WA fans should get before it is completely unobtainable...I can guarantee you that very few will be sold used."
Wishbone Ash - Live On Stage Where These Road Dogs Thrive
Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 07/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wishbone Ash is one of those bands that thrive in a live environment and this album shows that they have not lost a beat over the years. The 2001 version of the band featured original member Andy Powell, longtime bassist Bob Skeat, guitar phenom Mark Birch and drummer Ray Weston. This is the 3rd in the "Live Dates" series with the first being released back in the 70's. The set list is great, spanning the band's whole career, and there are plenty of guitar jams which is the trademark of Ash. The album closes with a 13 plus minute version of the classic "Phoenix" which harkens back to the band's very first album back in 1972. When if first discovered Wishbone Ash a few years ago this was the album I started with and it hooked me on with the first listen."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1