by Andy Powell
Just Testing (MCA, 1980)
Living Proof / Haunting Me / Insomnia / Helpless / Pay The Price / New Rising Star / Master Of Disguise / Lifeline
Producer: John Sherry & Wishbone Ash
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk II
First released on CD in 1998 in the UK and Europe, adding both sides of the non-album single ‘Come On’ backed with ‘Fast Johnny’, plus period live recordings of ‘Blowin’ Free’ and ‘Helpless’. The most recent CD edition is a 2010 SHM-CD edition on MCA/Geffen from Japan (without the bonus tracks).
Number The Brave (MCA, 1981)
Loaded / Where Is The Love / Underground / Kicks On The Street / Open Road / Get Ready / Rainstorm / That’s That / Roller Coaster / Number The Brave
Producer: Nigel Gray
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk III
First released on CD in 2001, in Japan. The most recent CD edition is an SHM-CD on MCA/Geffen in Japan, 2010.
Twin Barrels Burning (Metronome, 1982)
Engine Overheat / Can’t Fight Love / Genevieve / Me And My Guitar / Hold On / Streets Of Shame / No More Lonely Nights / Angels Have Mercy / Wind Up
Producers: Ashley Howe; Nigel Gray; Stuart Epps & Wishbone Ash
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk IV
First and only CD release: Castle Communications, UK/Europe, 1993.
Raw To The Bone (Neat, 1984)
Cell Of Fame / People In Motion / Don’t Cry / Love Is Blue / Long Live The Night / Rocket In My Pocket / It’s Only Love / Don’t You Mess / Dreams (Searching For An Answer) / Perfect Timing
Producer: Nigel Gray
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk V
First and only CD release: Castle Communications, UK/Europe, 1993.
Nouveau Calls (IRS, 1987)
Tangible Evidence / Clousseau / Flags Of Convenience / From Soho To Sunset / Arabesque / In The Skin / Something Happening In Room 602 / Johnny Left Home Without It / The Spirit Flies Free / A Rose Is A Rose / Real Guitars Have Wings
Producer: Martin Turner/William Orbit
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I (reunion)
First released on CD by IRS in 1987. Only subsequent CD release: Talking Elephant, UK/Europe, 2003, with bonus track (single B-side): ‘T-Bone Shuffle’.
Here To Hear (IRS, 1989)
Cosmic Jazz / Keeper Of The Light / Mental Radio / Walk On Water / Witness To Wonder / Lost Cause In Paradise / Why Don’t We / In The Case / Hole In My Heart (Part One) / Hole In My Heart (Part Two)
Producer: Martin Turner
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I (reunion)
First released on CD by IRS in 1989. Most recently available on CD from Talking Elephant, 2003, with the following period bonus tracks: ‘Heaven Is’, ‘Bolan’s Monument’, ‘Duffle Shuffle’, and ‘Cosmic Jazz (Karaoke Version)’.
Strange Affair (IRS, 1991)
Strange Affair / Wings Of Desire / Renegade / Dream Train / Some Conversation / Say You Will / Rollin’ / You / Hard Times / Standing In The Rain
Producer: Martin Turner
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk VI
First and only CD release on IRS, 1991. The last Wishbone Ash album to be routinely released on vinyl.
Illuminations (HTD, 1996)
Mountainside / On Your Own / Top Of The World / No Joke / Tales Of The Wise / Another Time / A Thousand Years / The Ring / Comfort Zone / Mystery Man / Wait Out The Storm / The Crack Of Dawn
Producer: Andy Powell & Roger Filgate
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk VIII
A 2CD Deluxe Edition was released in 2014, adding live performances of eight of the album’s tracks plus an audio interview with Andy Powell. (Note: Yes, we’ve jumped straight from Mk VI to Mk VIII—Wishbone Ash Mk VII recorded only the live album Live In Chicago.)
Trance Visionary (Invisible Hands, 1997)
Numerology / Wonderful Stash / Heritage / Interfaze / Powerbright (Black & White Screen) / Remnants of a Paranormal Menagerie / Narcissus Nervosa / Trance Visionary / Flutterby / Banner Headlines / The Loner / Powerbright Volition / Gutterfly / Wronged By Righteousness
Producer: Mike Bennett
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk IX
Psychic Terrorism (Invisible Hands, 1998)
Transliteration / Narcissus Stash / Sleep’s Eternal Slave / Monochrome / Breaking Out / The Son Of Righteousness / Psychic Terrorism / How Many Times? / Bloodline / Back Page Muse / Powerbright Conclusion
Producer: Mike Bennett
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk IX
Bare Bones (Castle, 1999)
Wings Of Desire / Errors Of My Way / Master Of Disguise / You Won’t Take Me Down / Love Abuse / (Won’t You Give Him) One More Chance / Baby Don’t Mind / Living Proof / Hard Times / Strange Affair / Everybody Needs A Friend
Producer: Andy Powell
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk IX
An all-acoustic album featuring reworkings of classic material plus new songs. Reissued in the US as DVD-A by Silverline, 2002. Most recently reissued as a 2CD Deluxe Edition on Talking Elephant, 2014, adding live performances of six of the album’s tracks plus an audio interview with Andy Powell.
Bona Fide (Talking Elephant, 2002)
Almighty Blues / Enigma / Faith, Hope and Love / Ancient Remedy / Changing Tracks / Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda / Bona Fide / Difference In Time / Come Rain, Come Shine / Peace
Producer: Andy Powell
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk X
Slipcased Special Edition released in 2008 adds the following tracks featuring new member Muddy Manninen: ‘Hard On You’ (studio), ‘Almighty Blues’ (live), and ‘Tales Of The Wise’ (live). The 2CD Deluxe Edition released in 2014 adds live performances of six tracks plus an audio interview with Andy.
Clan Destiny (Talking Elephant, 2006)
Eyes Wide Open / Dreams Outta Dust / Healing Ground / Steam Town / Loose Change / Surfing A Slow Wave / Slime Time / Capture The Moment / Your Dog / The Raven / Motherless Child
Producer: Andy Powell
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk XI
Reissued by Eagle, 2011.
The Power Of Eternity (Talking Elephant, 2007)
The Power / Driving A Wedge / In Crisis / Dancing With The Shadows / Happiness / Northern Lights / Your Indulgence / Growing Up / Disappearing / Hope Springs Eternal
Producer: Andy Powell & Wishbone Ash
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk XII
A 2CD Deluxe Edition, released in 2014, added live performances of four of the album’s tracks, studio outtakes/alternative versions of six tracks and an audio interview with Andy Powell.
Elegant Stealth (ZYX/Golden Core, 2011)
Reason To Believe / Warm Tears / Man With No Name / Can’t Go It Alone / Give It Up / Searching For Satellites / Heavy Weather / Mud-slick / Big Issues / Migrant Worker / Invisible Thread / Reason To Believe (remix / hidden track)
Producer: Andy Powell & Tom Greenwood
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk XII
Released in a CD/DVD Story Behind edition in 2012, including bonus audio, the ‘Reason To Believe’ promo video and a documentary on the album. Also released on heavyweight vinyl in 2012.
Blue Horizon (Solid Rockhouse, 2014)
Take It Back / Deep Blues / Strange How Things Come Back Around / Being One / Way Down South / Tally Ho! / Mary Jane / American Century / Blue Horizon / All There Is To Say
Producer: Tom Greenwood, Andy Powell, Joe Crabtree
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk XII
Simultaneously released on heavyweight vinyl.
Live Albums
Live From Memphis (Decca, 1972)
Jail Bait / The Pilgrim / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I
A US radio promotional LP. Although never issued or reissued commercially as a stand-alone album, all three tracks (thirty-three minutes worth) have appeared on various compilations and expanded versions of albums in the CD era. Still common enough for second-hand originals to turn up for £30–40, it would be nit-picking to exclude it here.
Live Date
s (MCA, 1973)
The King Will Come / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword / Rock ‘N Roll Widow / Ballad Of The Beacon / Baby What Do You Want Me To Do / The Pilgrim / Blowin’ Free / Jail Bait / Lady Whiskey / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I
First released on 2CD by MCA in 1992, adding ‘Phoenix’ from the Live From Memphis promotional LP. Released by MCA/Geffen as SHM-CD in Japan, 2010. Most recent CD reissue is an HDCD from Culture Factory/Universal in France, 2013. Also reissued on heavyweight vinyl by MCA, 2013.
Live In Tokyo (MCA Japan, 1979)
F.U.B.B. / The Way Of The World / You See Red / Jail Bait / Blowin’ Free
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk II
A Japan-only release, recorded in 1978. First released on CD in Austria, 2010. Most recently released as an SHM-CD by MCA in Japan, 2013.
Live Dates Volume Two (MCA, 1980)
Doctor / Living Proof / Runaway / Helpless / F.U.B.B. / The Way Of The World / Lorelei / Persephone / You Rescue Me / Time Was / Goodbye Baby Hello Friend / No Easy Road
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk II
Originally released as a limited edition 2LP, then as a single LP (retaining the first six tracks listed above). Recorded on tour in Britain in 1976–80. Not released in USA. The initial bonus disc was later released as a separate LP in Germany titled Live Dates Volume Two—Additional Tapes (1980). First released on 2CD as an SHM-CD by MCA/Geffen in Japan, 2010. Most recently released on 2CD by Culture Factory/Universal in France, 2013.
Hot Ash Live (MCA, 1981)
Blowin’ Free / Living Proof / Goodbye Baby Hello Friend / Bad Weather Blues / Doctor / The Way Of The World / Helpless / No Easy Road
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk II
This is an edited version of Live Dates Volume Two with the addition of two further tracks for the US market. Originally released only in the USA and Italy, then Japan and a couple of other territories the following year. Never available on CD.
Live In Chicago (Virgin/CBH, 1992)
The King Will Come / Strange Affair / Standing In The Rain / Lost Cause In Paradise / Keeper Of The Light / Throw Down The Sword / In The Skin / Why Don’t We? / Hard Times / Blowin’ Free / Living Proof
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk VII
The first Wishbone Ash album to be released solely on CD. Subsequently reissued on CD by various labels under various titles, including The Ash Live In Chicago, Living Proof—Live In Chicago, Keeper Of The Light, and Lost Cause In Paradise. One German reissue, titled The King Will Come, added insult to injury by featuring only Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield on the cover—neither of whom were on the record. Also reissued as one disc of the 2CD set Live Affairs on Music Avenue, Germany, 2006.
Live In Geneva (Hengest, 1995)
The King Will Come / Strange Affair / Throw Down The Sword / In the Skin / Hard Times / Blowin’ Free / Keeper Of The Light / Blind Eye / Runaway / Sometime World / Vas Dis
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk VIII
Recorded in 1994. Reissued on other labels as Live At Geneva and The Very Best Of Wishbone Ash: The Anniversary Album—Live At Geneva. Also reissued as one disc of the 2CD set Live Affairs on Music Avenue, Germany, 2006. Most recent CD reissue on Angel Air, 2012.
Live Dates 3 (Eagle, 2001)
Come In From The Rain / Living Proof / Persephone / Lifeline / Wings Of Desire / Errors Of My Way / Leaf And Stream / Throw Down The Sword / F.U.B.B. / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk IX
Recorded in Paris, 1999.
Almighty Blues—London & Beyond (Classic Rock Productions, 2004)
Almighty Blues / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword / Standing In The Rain / Faith, Hope And Love / Changing Tracks / On Your Own / Come Rain, Come Shine / Ancient Remedy / Time Was / Jail Bait
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk X
Recorded at concerts during the Bona Fide tour of 2002–03 and released as SACD. Several tracks are audio from the concert DVD of the same name. Also appeared on CD on Southworld as Live On Air.
Live In Hamburg (Golden Core, 2007)
Eyes Wide Open / Healing Ground / The King Will Come / The Warrior / Why Don’t We / Dreams Outta Dust / The Raven / Sometime World / Valediction / Sorrel / Capture The Moment / Tales Of The Wise / Almighty Blues / Standing In The Rain / Phoenix / Blind Eye / Ballad Of The Beacon / Blowin’ Free
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII
The audio from the band’s DVD of the same name, released as a 2CD in Germany. A nine-track single vinyl LP, Live In Hamburg, was also released in 2007 by Golden Core.
Argus ‘Then Again’ Live (Talking Elephant, 2008)
Intro / Real Guitars Have Wings / Mountainside / Growing Up / Time Was / Sometime World / Blowin’ Free / The King Will Come / Leaf And Stream / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword / Way Of The World
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII
Recorded live in Washington DC, 2008—the whole of Argus performed live in sequence, with bookends.
40—Live In London (Golden Core, 2009)
Blind Eye / Runaway / Right Or Wrong / Growing Up / Sometime World / Rainstorm / Way Of The World / Everybody Needs A Friend / The King Will Come / Throw Down The Sword / Cell Of Fame / Almighty Blues / Faith, Hope And Love / Engine Overheat / Phoenix / Jail Bait / Blowin’ Free
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII + guests
A German 2CD release, being the audio from the separately released DVD of the same name. A combined 2CD+DVD set was also released while an 8-track single vinyl LP called Live In London also appeared in 2009 by Golden Core sister label ZYX.
Live At The Grand—Road Works Volume 1 (no label, 2010)
You See Red / The Power / Driving A Wedge / In Crisis / Rock N Roll Widow / Can’t Go It Alone / F.U.B.B. / Lady Jay / Lullaby / Jail Bait
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII
Recorded at The Grand, Clitheroe, UK, October 13 2010. A kind of official bootleg/concert souvenir primarily available for sale at the band’s gigs.
Live In Hamburg—Road Works Volume 2 (no label, 2012)
Dreams Outta Dust / Front Page News / In Crisis / The King Will Come / Northern Lights / Disappearing / Reason To Believe / Engine Overheat / Throw Down The Sword / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII
Recorded at Fabrik, Hamburg, February 21 2011. Another official bootleg tour souvenir.
Live In Germany—Road Works Volume 3 (no label, 2013)
Sometime World / Keeper Of The Light / Faith, Hope And Love / Leaf And Stream / Warrior / The Pilgrim / Healing Ground / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash XII
Recorded at various venues in Germany during January and February 2012. A third official bootleg tour souvenir. Yes, there’s a pattern developing.
Live At Ashcon 2014—Road Works Volume 4 (no label, 2015)
The King Will Come / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword / Rock ’n Roll Widow / Ballad Of The Beacon / Baby What You Want Me To Do / The Pilgrim / Blowin’ Free / Jail Bait / Lady Whisky / Phoenix
Recorded at Ashcon, November 2014
Retrospective Releases
BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert (Windsong, 1991)
Blowin’ Free / Time Was / Jail Bait / The Pilgrim / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword / The King Will Come / Phoenix
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I
A 1972 BBC concert, subsequently included in the Argus Deluxe Edition 2CD set.
Live At The BBC (Band Of Joy, 1995)
Blind Eye / Lullaby / Pilgrim / Jail Bait / Blowin’ Free / Throw Down The Sword / Vas Dis / Goodbye Baby Hello Friend / Baby Come In From The Rain
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I & II
A selection of BBC radio session and TV audio from 1971, 1972, and 1977.
Live Timeline (Receiver, 1997)
Lost Cause In Paradise / Standing In The Rain / Strange Affair / The King Will Come / Throw Down The Sword / In The Skin / Why Don’t We / Wings Of Desire / Time Was / Living Proof / Blowin’ Free / Vas Dis / Where Were You Tomorrow
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk VI & I<
br />
Recorded live in Nagoya, Japan, on May 23 1991, plus two tracks from a 1970 BBC session.
Distillation (Repertoire, 1997)
Personnel: Most incarnations of Wishbone Ash, 1970–96
Too many tracks to list. A lovingly crafted 4CD set of classic album tracks, non-album singles, remixes, rarities, previously unreleased live, and studio material with a booklet essay from Chris Welch and track notes from Martin Turner and Andy Powell. No longer in print but worth seeking out.
Live In Bristol (Classic Rock Legends, 2002)
Real Guitars Have Wings / The King Will Come / Cosmic Jazz / Keeper Of The Light / Why Don’t We? / Blowin’ Free / Medley (Blind Eye / Lady Whiskey / Sometime World / Phoenix / Jail Bait)
Personnel: Wishbone Ash Mk I (reunion)
Audio from a 1989 recording for the UK TV series Bedrock.
Tracks (Talking Elephant, 2002)
Warrior / The King Will Come / Persephone / Front Page News / Anger In Harmony / Queen Of Torture / You See Red / Lifeline / Living Proof / Insomnia / Number The Brave / No More Lonely Nights / Tangible Evidence / In The Skin / Keeper Of The Light / Why Don’t We / Standing In The Rain / Throw Down The Sword / Way Of The World / The Ring / Everybody Needs A Friend / Master Of Disguise / Wings Of Desire / Ballad Of The Beacon / Strange Affair / Outward Bound
Personnel: Various
A 2CD compilation of previously unreleased live tracks. Reissued as Live History: Tracks Vol.1 by Happinet/Ward in Japan, 2009.
Tracks 2 (Talking Elephant, 2003)
Time Was / Blowin’ Free / Lorelei / Errors On My Way / F.U.B.B. / Too Much Monkey Business / Bad Weather Blues / Phoenix / Underground / Cosmic Jazz / No Joke / Real Guitars Have Wings / Sometime World / Living Proof (Acoustic Version) / Bona Fide / Mountainside / Faith, Hope And Love / Ancient Remedy (Electric Version) / Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda / Mercury Blues / Ancient Remedy (Acoustic Version) / Leaf And Stream / Almighty Blues / Steppin’ Out
Personnel: Various
A second 2CD compilation of previously unreleased live tracks. Reissued as Live History: Tracks Vol.2 by Happinet/Ward in Japan, 2009.
