Over the years, Wishbone Ash has taken several identities, some necessitated by eventual departures. When the original quartet was shaken by the departure of Ted Turner after the issue of Wishbone Four way back in 1973, young gun, Laurie Wisefield (Home), joined and provided a strong presence over the next decade. Since, Wishbone Ash is in the hands of two of their original members, Martin Turner, and Andy Powell. I won’t make comments on the issues surrounding the two entities. because they’re not needed.
On August 31, 2012, Martin Turner hosted an invitation only garden party that was attended by Ted Turner, Laurie Wisefield, and Steve Upton. As it turned out, Laurie Wisefield , and Ted Turner took to the stage to play a number of Wishbone Ash classics, bringing a a feel of nostalgia back to the fans. And while Steve Upton did not play any drums, his presence at the Garden Party added a measure of classicism to the event.
That 2012 show yielded 17 Wishbone Ash tracks making the event one that fans who could not participate, desirous of the songs that were played there. Not all of these tracks feature the classic era musicians, bu enough of them did to make it all worthwhile to enjoy.
On October 13, the UK label, Cherry Red, in conjunction with Martin Turner, will release the two CD, 17-track Garden Party concert, calling the release, simply, The Garden Party. Check out the track list, and be desirous.
The Garden Party TRACK LIST:
DISC ONE
01. STANDING IN THE RAIN
02. REST IN PEACE
03. HAUNTING ME
04. LADY JAY
05. FIRE SIGN
06. THE PILGRIM
07. WAY OF THE WORLD
08. NO EASY ROAD
DISC TWO
01. DOCTOR
02. BROKEN DOWN HOUSE
03. VALEDICTION
04. THE KING WILL COME
05. PRELUDE
06. IN THE SKIN
07. WHY DON’T WE
08. LIVING PROOF
09. JAILBAIT
This is an excellent CD. It is especially good to hear Ted and Laurie join in on the second CD of the set. The four-guitar version of Jailbait at the end is amazing.