Islington 19th October

[iansadler1]

To start the evening off nicely, some of us were fortunate enough to meet Mark in the pub pre-gig; he was spotted and pounced upon by one of our clan for signing purposes, but that clearly didn’t put him off as he came over and joined us for a while.

We even had a photo taken with him, so this is just to say thanks and to welcome him to the fold.

As for the performance itself, everything fell into place nicely and the band delivered a great show. As a previous reviewer noted, Mark has certainly given the band renewed energy and it was good to see the confidence with which he played his solo and harmony parts. It was as though he’d been with the band for ages; I guess a packed American tour for the previous month or so gets you up to speed pretty quickly !!

As ever, Andy is the master of finesse, sharing lead licks with that oh so subtle fingerpicking style that he uses to such great effect and with great ease. His vocals were also very strong.

Must just question Bob in that where has that Ricki bass been all this time ? It was great to have that growl and real punch at the bottom end. As ever, he delivered exactly what was needed with said bass and accompanying vocals.

Joe really kicks a*se and his timekeeping is sublime. A lot of the time signatures for the songs are (to me at least) quite tricky but he keeps everyone in line wonderfully. Him and Bob (with the Ricki) are a formidable rhythm unit.

For those of us interested in gear, we had a feast of beauties on display, including Gibson & Tokai Goldtops, Fender Strat, Royale V, Case buckeye burl V, new Case Tele model, Yamaha acoustics plus a green guitar with holes in the body (which Mark played and which I didn’t recognise at all). This came into its own on Phoenix. Although it wasn’t used, I’m sure I spotted an antique gold Gibson V as well………………

So as Andy said, the dream lives on and for those who have yet to see the band on this tour, you have a treat in store, so enjoy A couple of song surprises in the set as well but I won't spoil those by revealing them.

Finally, just a word for the support act of Steve Hill. Whilst a lot of his material was very similar, the sounds he was getting out of the kit he used was really good. Usually support acts get the naff end of the deal with the sound not being great but I must say he came across very well. Someone described him as a novelty act playing guitar and percussion together but if you’re talented enough to be able to do so, go for it. Indeed playing snare and bass drum together with both feet looks very tricky to achieve.

[Mallyboy]

Would just echo Ian's comments: the band were on top form in one of my favoured London venues. A good, enthusiastic crowd of all ages rocked with the band. AP in good voice & already at ease with new partner, Mark Abrahams (immense on both King & Phoenix), together with the tightest badass rhythm section of Joe & Bob produced a crisp sound reinforcing those all too sweet harmonies, licks, riffs & solos.

Fantastic new/old t shirt on sale too with one of the classic band logos of the 70s resurrected. Class.

[hullmick]

Sorry to miss this, and the pub meet-up beforehand with y'all. But it seems the good vibes from Dorking carried on to the next night. Bob's bass is something else, when he switches to it. And Mark's solos on FUBB & Pheonix just ace. Been (ahem) lucky to arrange a couple of meetings with Clients in Leeds on 8th Nov, and it's such a long drive back, i've decided to stay over the night as there might be something special at Mark's home gig @ Irish - and how refreshing to ring up venue, reach a person straight off, and buy a ticket by sending a cheque with no booking fee!

All that and Willie Nile to look forward to TWICE before then; Borderline on Friday & Kent venue on Mischief Nite.

Mick

[dayglo]

great review Ian, good to see you.

that MIGHT have been me doing the "I saw him first" when Mark came in, but I have a particular bit of WA memorabilia that the majority of WA members past and present have all signed at some point, so I was not going to miss that opportunity!

the pic is on facebook but if you cant find it just contact me or Alan.

[blixa]

As a previous reviewer noted, Mark has certainly given the band renewed energy.....

Now I will be the first to admit that it has been quiet a while since I came here, so I might be out of tune with the general feeling.

I will also admit that I haven't had the pleasure yet to hear Mark play live, I heard a few tapes from the US tour,but those were not A quality I must admit.

What I am reading in your words is, that in your opinion, Muddy was no longer capable of doing that. Maybe I read too much in too few words, and if that is the case I apolgise.

But.........as good as it is to welcome and admire the new guy I have for the last years never read anything about the fact that Muddy's performance was lacking in any way, certainly not that he was lacking energy.

I can't imagine that that was ever the case. I will admit that, for me, it needed time to see Muddy in Ben's place.

Ben actually was really the one that kicked some ass in the line up when he joined, resulting in the still milestone CD that is called Bona Fide, not only as a player but also as a songwriter.

I still think that along with There's the rub and Just testing these are my three favourite WA albums.

On top of that Ben was such a delight as a person to us fans. I know many of us still miss that part of his time in WA.

So....when Muddy came along he had big shoes to fill. But you know what... he did.

I can't say that I was a big fan of his songwriting, but his stage performance in playing was superbe.

No he was not so much at ease with tha fanbase as Ben was, but his playing was magnificent. Many I time I intentionally choose the left side of the stage to just be able to get every detail of what he was doing, and it was allways great.

So yes, maybe Mark's contribution is great, I haven;t had the pleasure yet.

Sorry Ian, I did not intent to pick on you as a person, if you even feel the slightest regarding that, my sincere apologies, just wanted to point out that it seems to become a habit over here to worship the current line up and forget all the magic that former members once meant to us.

be well

Willem

[dave_c.]

It is just the usual Wishbone Ash Transition .One Maestro Out.! One Maestro in.! Always been that way for me!Mark is right up there with every inspirational choice that Andy has made to replace the outgoing Maestro.! Got it Bang On again.! He Knows Ya Know.! Then again he does know quite a bit about the calibre of musicians he wants to Rock it out With.!

[iansadler1]

Hi Willem,

Good to see your views; exactly what the forum is about

Don't get me wrong, I've loved every incarnation of Wishbone Ash since 1972 regardless. Andy is the master of getting in guitar maestros as has been stated.

Muddy is amongst the best and I bought his new solo album without hesitation as I have with every ex-member. He's by far and away the best slide guitarist that the band have had, including Ted Turner. I just think it's inevitable that as the band gets older, some of the ideas may start to slow down and energy does dissipate. This is not suggesting that anyone doesn't give 100%, it's just that you can get in that 'comfort zone', like a lot of us do in our workplace.

Anyway, as I say, it's our views which are all healthy.

I'm really excited with the current flurry of new releases on the horizon - are you going to indulge in the box set ?

Cheers (and Merry Christmas)

Ian