Wishbone Ash - Live 30th Anniversary Concert

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Summary: Classical rock from
Review: Difficult to keep a handle on who Wishbone Ash are as they've had more band member changes than their 30 years of playing good 'ol traditional British Rock. This show, recorded in April 2000 in London was put together by sole surviving founder member and co lead-guitarist Andy Powell, features 12 songs ranging from the early Blowing Free and band theme Phoenix to later acoustic works such as Errors of My Way and Ballad of the Beacon. No chicken-mutilating theatrics or pyrotechnics feature here, just quality, laid back rock from craftsmen musos who care more about harmony and melody than shredding prowess or the latest digital sound processing gizmo.

This DVD is shot in full-frame 4:3 video and is of excellent quality with only minor aliasing detracting from an excellent transfer. The soundtracks too are excellent and feature surround DTS and DD 5.1 tracks with good use of surround and centre channels to setup a realistic sounding soundstage.

Probably won't appeal to Korn freaks or axe-hero worshippers but to those who appreciate quality and musicianship, with a little laid-back nostalgia, it's recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Required viewing for classic rock fans
Review: For Wishbone Ash fans who have yet to see them live, this is a well-produced tribute both to the past and present. It is somewhat amazing that Andy Powell has been able to maintain the Ash sound over 30 years while musicians (typically of high caliber) came and went from the band. The DVD video is crisp and shot in a very straightforward fashion; the lack of glitz is welcome. Generally the sound (Dolby 5.1) is clean and well mixed; however, unfortunately, Claire Hamill's vocals either got lost in the mix or suffer from a malfunctioning microphone or amp. In sum, although the overall performance lacks a little energy, it is a refreshing experience to view and hear classic rock without the MTV baggage that accompanies most music today.

Rating:
Summary: A Bit Disappointed
Review: I love Wishbone... but when it first started playing and I didn't recognize most of the band members except for Andy Powell I was a bit disappointed. Overall though the musicianship was excellent. Looks like I'll have to go back a ways to find the original band.

Rating:
Summary: Class Act
Review: My view on this release is that it was just a great thing for Andy Powell to do. And it is done so well, a great production. The sound is excellent and the video is very well shot and edited. Andy Powell is a class act. He just keeps rolling along. I also have to commend Martin Turner, Ted Turner and Steve Upton for allowing Wishbone Ash to continue. These guys are all very cool. Some people may take issue with the fact that the band only has one original member, so this DVD is not for the purist or the uptight. It's is for the fans who love to see this music kept alive and performed live. It is great to see Laurie Wisefield again. Overall a very enjoyable DVD. Well worth the money.

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Summary: Wishbone Ash Still Sounds Great After 30 Years !
Review: Wishbone Ash continues to go on strong after thirty years of releasing some excellent progressive rock. Lead guitarist/singer Andy Powell, the only original remaining member of Wishbone Ash sounds great and hasn't lost any of his trademark guitar licks. In Wishbone Ash's earlier years bassist Martin Turner handled the lead vocals chores which now Powell does so well. The concert is well filmed and ex-Wishbone Ash guitarist Laurie Wisefield (who replaced Ted Turner on guitar midway into the seventies) makes a guest appearance. The songs range from early Wishbone Ash such as "Pheonix", "Blowin' Free", "The King Will Come", "Ballad Of The Beacon", "FUBB" and "Errors Of My Way" to later tunes in "Strange Affair", "Living Proof", "Real Guitars Have Wings", "No Joke", "Come In From The Rain", and "Hard Times". While it is known that Wishbone Ash has gone through numerous changes throughout it's career, one thing is clear, and that's that this band still sounds terrific and will always have a following of dedicated fans. This concert recorded on the 22nd of April, 2000 at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire celebrate's Wishbone Ash's 30-year career as Britain's number one dual lead guitar band. This dvd is a must for any Wishbone Ash fan new or old. Highly recommended!