Wishbone Ash
Almighty Blues
London And Beyond

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  Wishbone Ash is back in a big way with an incredibly powerful performance on this live SACD Almighty Blues: London and Beyond. It seems like a perfectly suitable title for this album, with a stress on the "Almighty." This band paid their dues long ago, and to see that they are still pumping out vital and invigorating blues-prog-rock makes my heart smile. Those of you that are fortunate enough to have a surround system are in for a real treat!

The sound for a live performance is quite simply, amazing. I felt like I was right there with everyone in the audience watching them play. After hearing this performance, I decided to look into their entire back catalog. I already had Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection set but never sought out any of their previous releases. That is going to change. I received this album at the beginning of the week and I have not stopped listening yet. I am completely enthralled with their rockin' bluesy progressive sound.

My favorite tracks, as well as all the others, not only rock they have a definite Celtic atmosphere swirling about them, particularly "Warrior" and "Come Rain, Come Shine." Whether that is intentional or not it sure makes their sound unique and interesting. I think it's the right combination of Andy Powell's voice (English accent) and their overall sound that gives them that definitive Celtic edge. Powell and Ben Granfelt also perfect the double guitar attack nicely; they are an awesome one-two punch completely in sync with each other. Ray Weston (drums) and Bob Skeat (bass/vocals) are the backbone of the band that the two lead guitar players depend upon to take their music to the next level, and believe me they have no problem doing so.

Oh yes, Wishbone Ash is back, and stronger than ever! Since they are one of the true pioneers of the double guitar attack, it is only appropriate that such a dynamic live show was committed to tape for their longtime fans and all of the newly initiated coming onboard to discover what great blues-rock is all about. Enjoy!

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