Wishbone Ash – Elegant Stealth
ZYX Records
www.wishboneash.com
Rating: B+
Andy Powell is back with a new album from his band
Wishbone Ash. With Elegant Stealth, Wishbone Ash
listened to their fans, which are used to hearing
extended soloing from the band in a live setting. They
have been telling Ash to do this on a batch of new songs
in the studio for some time. Finally, Andy listened and
the result is one of the best albums in Wishbone Ash’s
42 year career.
The album opens with two songs that are dripping with
tons of the band’s trademark twin guitar leads. “Reason
to Believe” and “Warm Tears” both show Ash’s ability to
deliver big time with complex harmonic solos. “Searching
for Satellites” and “Heavy Weather” prove that rock
bands can be influenced by other genres, namely guitar
oriented jazz/rock.
While Wishbone Ash may slide under the radar when
people discuss classic bands these days, this album may
do a lot to change that. The band has a huge audience
around the world but in the USA they remain a cult band.
Hopefully, people in the States will take note of this
wonderful album and give them the respect they deserve,
now so more than ever.
By Jeb Wright
