Wishbone Ash - Living Proof: Live Recordings 1976-1980 (Ltd Vinyl Box Set) - VINYL LP

Vinyl LP pressing. The live at Rockpalast show presented here was recorded at Sporthalle, Cologne, Germany on 1st December 1976 when the band still included the core original line-up of Andy Powell on guitar and vocals, Martin Turner on bass and vocals, Steve Upton on drums and Laurie Wisefield on guitar and vocals. It captures the band at their prime, offering a blistering live performance for over an hour and a half. They look young, lean and hungry and generate an onstage charismatic cool that as well as weirdly predating their punk/new wave detractors also displays the theatrical playfulness of a band who instinctively know they're on form. Andy Powell exudes a cocky confidence hidden behind sunglasses, wielding his trademark Gibson Flying V, resplendent in dark waistcoat with shirt sleeves rolled up ready for the job, while lead vocalist and bassist Martin Turner displays a flamboyance in delivery and his striped shirted and nautical look, neckerchief, single earring and bare feet all add to the effect. Featuring a set made up of four tracks from their breakthrough album Argus, and a selection of back catalogue favourites, and opting for only one track, 'It Started In Heaven', from their then forthcoming album of March 1976, Locked In, it's obvious from the audience's cheer that greets the opening riff to 'The King Will Come' from Argus that they are performing to Wishbone Ash devotees, and testament to the staying power and popularity on the continent of their breakthrough album. Album Tracks 1. Runaway 2. The King Will Come 3. Warrior 4. Lorelei 5. (In All of My Dreams) You Rescue Me 6. Persephone 7. Outward Bound 8. Mother of Pearl 9. It Started in Heaven 10. Time Was 11. Blowin' Free 12. Bad Weather Blues 13. Jail Bait

Eagle's sound sources are a global assemblage, as he scours second-hand shops from China to Dubai for rare records to source his beats. Even Eagle's residence is multicultural - born in the Ukraine but now based in Hong Kong, the producer and renowned scratch DJ draws upon a galaxy of influences to craft his jazzy lo-fi hip hop concoctions. Now he's powered up his MPC and loaded up the vintage wax for another Cold Busted excursion. Records from the Basement Session 2 continues the series started in early 2021, bringing Eagle's sharp-eyed beat constructions back to the masses. InchMelody MakerInch is the first of 15 extraordinary tracks, setting the scene with R&B flourishes, odd synthy effects, and minimal but tight rhythms. There's also InchNights In White Hong Kong,Inch a hypnotic rush of electric piano chords, Asian flutes, a familiar-edged beat, and dollops of drama. InchMagic PlanetInch instantly charms with it's twinkling keys, wistful melodies, and slow-but-steady drum loop, transporting the listener to the title's domain. And InchLet's Begin AgainInch takes on a lounge-flavor as shimmering vibraphone lines and mood-setting strings evoke a pensive journey. These are just a few of the many highlights found on Records from the Basement Session 2. Album Tracks 1. Melody Maker 2. The World Is a Ghetto 3. My Soul Longs for You 4. Keep Diggin 5. Nights in White Hong Kong 6. Depth 7. The Walk 8. Power of Jazz 9. Magic Planet 10. Sunrise 11. Change of Mind 12. Let's Begin Again 13. Bright Moments 14. Beyond the Sun 15. Autumn Leaves

Of course, Wishbone Ash mark 2023 has little in common with the 1973 line-up. Or do they? After all, guitarist/vocalist Andy Powell still keeps a tight hold of the musical reins. In addition, guitarist Mark Abrahams, bassist Bob Skeat and drummer Mike Truscott are first-rate musicians, some of whom may be a lot younger, but ooze the original spirit and philosophy of this outstanding band. Album Tracks 1. The King Will Come 2. Warrior 3. Throw Down the Sword 4. Rock N Roll Widow 5. Ballad of the Beacon 6. Baby What You Want Me to Do 7. The Pilgrim 8. Blowin' Free 9. Jailbait 10. Lady Whiskey 11. Phoenix