Wishbone Ash – The Vintage Years box set

Revered British rockers Wishbone Ash join the ranks of the severely-anthologized with the April 2018 release of the band’s The Vintage Years limited edition box set by Madfish Music. Offering a band history on steroids, the whopping 30-CD collection is limited to 2,500 copies and features all sixteen of the band’s studio albums released from their self-titled 1970 debut through 1991’s Strange Affair, all remastered from the original master tapes for optimal sound quality. Three of these studio discs have long been out-of-print (1987’s Nouveau Calls, 1989’s Here to Hear, and Strange Affair) while many of the band’s other albums frequently pop in and out of availability depending on whatever way the wind blows. Each album will feature bonus material including rare studio outtakes, B-sides, and previously-unreleased tracks.

Wishbone Ash also released three studio albums during the span of decades covered by The Vintage Years – Live Dates (1973), Live Dates 2 (1980), and Live In Tokyo (released exclusively in Japan in 1979) – and all three albums are included here. The box set also includes eight previously-released live albums on eleven CDs, all recorded during the band’s prolific gravy years between 1973 to 1980, including performances from British tours for the albums Wishbone Four (1973), New England (1976), Front Page News (1977), and No Smoke Without Fire (1978), among others.

The Vintage Years box includes a swanky 156-page hardback book written by Classic Rock magazine scribe Dave Ling and featuring personal photos, rare posters and flyers, and collectors’ memorabilia. The set also includes a wealth of goodies for the hardcore Wishbone Ash fan, including a 36-page poster book covering the band’s early years through the Here to Hear LP, four reproduction concert posters from shows in 1973, ’74, ’75, and ’77; a facsimile MCA debut album promo pack; a 7” flexi-disc for the single “Blind Eye,” the first of the band’s 11 Japanese singles series; and individually-signed photos of each band member.

Formed in 1969 by bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton, the classic early Wishbone Ash line-up came together with the addition of guitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner (no relation to Martin). The band found its signature sound – a unique and ambitious mix of progressive rock and British folk fueled by their imaginative and influential twin guitar attack – with their sophomore album, 1971’s Pilgrimage. The band continued to explore new ground and outpace their contemporaries with pioneering albums like Argus (1972) and Wishbone Four. Band members have come and gone and come back again through the years, until Powell was the last man standing, both he and former member Martin Turner struggling for control over the band’s legacy during the ensuing decades.

Wishbone Ash continues to make vital, creative music as witnessed by the band’s most recent album, 2014’s Blue Horizon. All four members of the classic band line-up contributed to the construction of The Vintage Years, Martin Turner explaining in a press release for the box set, “I looked after most of these tape recordings for decades, wondering when they would ever see the light of day and I am very glad that they will at last be available for everyone to hear…It’s almost like having one’s whole musical life in one box. It certainly represents the most comprehensive Wishbone collection that I know of and I hope you enjoy it.”

Powell adds, “It’s truly amazing to look back at the musically fertile ‘70s and ‘80s and wonder at the sheer amount of incredible creative output from our band…I feel blessed to have played my part in it all and I’m truly thankful that it’s set the course for my entire life and all the music that’s followed, as the band continues to live on into the 21st century.” The resulting box set is a comprehensive and exhausting history of one of the more innovative and influential bands in rock ‘n’ roll history. Get more information on The Vintage Years from the Madfish Music website.

Related content:
Martin Turner’s New Live Dates CD review
Andy Powell’s Eyes Wide Open book review

CD Review: Martin Turner's New Live Dates (2016)

For better than a decade now, singer, songwriter, and bass player Martin Turner has made a living reminding people that he was a founding member of legendary British rockers Wishbone Ash which, by the way, are still touring and recording under the aegis of longtime bandleader Andy Powell. Turner really should just let it go – it’s been over 30 years since he left that band, and most of us no longer care why – and concentrate on what he does best, which is sing (and quite well, I might add).

Martin Turner’s New Live Dates: The Complete Set

Turner’s New Live Dates: The Complete Set is a two-disc reissue of the two separate New Live Dates albums from the mid-2000s, which documented the 2005 and 2006 tours of Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash, a name he subsequently lost in a court battle with Powell. No matter which side of the great Wishbone divide you fall on (and make no mistake, Turner has developed a well-deserved cult of personality through the years), there’s a lot of great music among the two-dozen tracks on New Live Dates, which isn’t surprising ‘cause they’re mostly classic old Wishbone Ash songs. Guitarists Ray Hatfield and Keith Buck are a real find, both men talented string-benders that provide ample support (and that gorgeous Wishbone twin-guitar sound) behind Turner’s supple vocals.

“Blind Eye” in particular displays a healthy dose of fiery fretwork that sets off sparks alongside Rob Hewins’ exciting, jazzy drumming. Turner’s “Walking The Reeperbahn” features awe-inspiring and mesmerizing guitars and gorgeous vocal harmonies to rival Crosby, Stills & Nash. The raging instrumental “Outward Bound” displays the band’s impressive musical chemistry (and includes some flamethrower guitarplay). The Wishbone gem “Front Page News” showcases the extent of Turner’s vocal gymnastics as he dances atop scorching guitar licks. Turner’s “Cosmic Jazz” reminds of Bob Welch’s solo work in its delicious melodies, but the wiry, choogling guitars and driving rhythms aspire to higher ground than mere soft-rock heartbreak.

Disc two, with performances drawn from the 2006 tour, includes such firestarters as “Diamond Jack,” which offers up more of Hatfield and Buck’s stunning intertwined guitarplay alongside an inspired Turner vocal performance. The sly, funky “Master of Disguise” is pure throwback joy with a ‘70s vibe and the breathtaking instrumental “F.U.B.B.” is nine-plus-minutes and soaring guitars, throbbing bass lines, and pulse-quickening percussion. “Blowin’ Free,” one of Wishbone’s better-known and well-constructed tunes is acquitted nicely here with lovely vocal harmonies and shimmering guitars, and former Wishbone Ash bandmate Ted Turner drops in for “Flesh and Steel,” contributing some tasty steel guitar to the up-tempo Southern fried instrumental.

The Reverend’s Bottom Line

New Live Dates: The Complete Set is a fine, rockin’ collection of tunes with stellar fretwork and Turner’s undeniable charisma and talent. If you have the original releases from 2006 and ’07, you won’t need this set, but if you’re a fan of classic 1970s-era Wishbone Ash (and what bona fide rocker isn’t?), it would be well worth your time and effort to track down a copy of this inspired set of live performances. Grade: B (Dirty Dog Discs, released April 15, 2016)

Buy the CD from Amazon.com: Martin Turner's New Live Dates