Well River Cat, everything that you have written above I can only agree with as we share the same passion for the music of Free and since their demise, Paul Rodgers.
But rather than just repeat what you've said I would then sing the praises of my favourite band. What? Free are not my favourite?
Well, they probably would be if the were still going but I've decided to concentrate my response on a still active love of mine.
Wishbone Ash. I came to the conclusion they are my favourite band during their performance on the 15th of this month in Hamburg. Strange that are after 40 years since I first saw them live and countless others performamnces I have only just reached this conclusion.
It came just as Andy Powell hit the first notes of the final solo in 'Sometime World'. I was transported back to another time when I originally heard the song and the words meant something very real to me. Tears almost sprang in my eyes..........and , to use an Ash Album title, "There's the Rub".
The music HAS to move you.WA came into my life through their self-titled album. 6 songs (only two on side 2!), but who could know, as a debut album, it would lay down a marker for a 40 year career. Played today this album is as fresh and as meaningful as back then, just proving that high quality rock music will never age.
Pioneers of the twin lead guitar phrasing with a melodious twist this first album was filled with all the necessary elements for a successful band of the day. The song 'Phoenix' - Ash's own 'Stairway to Heaven' is still their set closer today, and a magnificent beast it is too.
To answer your questions:
Yes they are great songwriters (or were) as a group. The whole band wrote toegther and as individuals. The debut album with the aforementioned 'Phoenix', 'Lady Whiskey', and 'Errors of my Ways" are absolute highlights.
'Argus' their generally acknowledged career high third album was a 7 track 'Meisterwerk' of which 6 tracks still feature in their live set today because of their popularity and quality.
Funny you shoud mention the bass line. Interestingly in what is a guitar driven band the bass is in fact the third lead instrument. Bob Skeat, bassist in the current, what I call definitive, Andy Powell led version of the band, will tell you personally when asked how great it is to play in the band as he asked to often follow or lead the melody of the songs and not just provide the underlying bass rhythm element. From the very beginning of the band every instrument was exploited to provide the bans unique sound. Steve Uptons drumming and cymbal work on the magnificent double live album 'Live Dates' bears witness to a craftsman at the top of his game.
For innovation, well as previsouly said they are generally regarded as the pioneers of the twin lead sound. Todays version featuring the evergreen Andy Powell, and Fantastic Finn, Muddy Manninen is about the best there has ever been I would say. Muddy is a great slide player and is so good that he brings the best out of Andy.
As to what to recommend. When a band has recorded over 30 albums it is a difficult pick. Most would steer you to the first 3 albums and the live 'Live Dates', but that would be too simplistic and miss out on masses of other great music.
To be honest I find the current line up one of the best and I would recommend their live DVD recorde at the Fabrik in Hamburg in 2008 I think it was. I am there in the audience. The set list contains the very best from over 35 years of making albums. The Fabrik is an intimate venue of no more than 1200 or so. The days of arena tours long gone.
If you can't stretch to that and you would like to sample Ash their are plenty of compilations at rock bottom prices, but if anyone wants one I will happily put together one. Just message me.
I would happily do the same for Free and Paul Rodgers and The Outlaws too!
So that is it. The music has to MEAN something. It has to speak to your soul. Wishbone Ash came along for me at the right time in the right place and they are still there for me and recording new music today. As we say in Germany.....
"Besser gehts nicht"
Rock on............
No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
