Okay, just to take the breath out of any confusion first, I wanna say, that Wishbone Ash is still alive, and Wishbone Ash is back gain... Didn't get me yet??  Well, for everybody who is not that familar with the history of this legendary Classic Rock band, I'll explain a little closer.
Wishbone Ash was founded back in 1969 by Martin Turner and Steve Upton and then Andy Powell and Ted Turner (who is not related to Martin) were recruited. The real take off happened actually in 1970. Wishbone Ash created a technique, which is named as the duet playing guitars technique. They then released one album after the other, but the line up started to undergoing changes already in 1974.

The Eighties went by including releases and changes, just to get back together in the original line up in 1998, at least until 1992. From then, the line up changes did increase and it developed into some interesting constallations, taking care for fresh air from time to time. It's actually been Andy Powell only, who's always been in the same band, though all other members changed and changed all over again. And he's the one who demands the reputation as beeing 'the' Wishbone Ash for himself until this very day. Martin Turner who was in the orginal band before Powell didcated his musical path alos to other projects and solorecordings, only to decide at one point to shoot off with his own version of Wishbone Ash. And he went under the moniker of Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash to avoid any confusion and not to get mixed up.
Mayn fans have asked themselves, why Turner and Powell just can't get together again and play in one band - 'the' classic Wishbone Ash. The reasons are fairly known. But it's for sure, that these two guys don't like each other very much, but obviously both hold the rights for the name.
And so one is touring with Wishbone Ash, and the other as Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash throughout the international landscapes. While one is moving forwards with new albums and different tunes, the other goes for the classic tunes only to heat up the nostalgic flame, playing those songs only, he has written or co-written.  
Well, I myself have seen Wishbone Ash several times live on Stage so far, but it has always been the Powell version. That's why I'm really curious tonight, checking out the other one and not only for coparison reasons. 
Okay, let's get it straight. Both bands are somehow on the same level what's up to the fact, that they each hold only one orginal member of Wishbone Ash, where the advantage, what's up to Germany, lies in the Powell version, simply because they have been more often here and put out albums. But let's see and hear what this here is going to be.....

Okay this for the records and orientation, and now get back to tonight here at the Village in Habach (Bavaria).

And the first realizsation is: this place hasn't seen that many guest for a long time. To describe it clear, it's absolutely crowded
And it is indeed good to see, how big the interest is, in checking out Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. Of course most of the audiance do belong to the generation, who have experienced the glory times back then. But comparisons are here for to make them. So let's take things by surprise, in how far our Wishbone Ash here, are better or worse then the others. 
I've got to mention, that Martin Turner has one advantage and that's the fact, that Martin had always been 'the' voice of Wishbone Ash. - On the other hand, back then there were many people who said, that Wishbone Ash's music doesn't even need a voice. However, and let's face it, a pure instrumental group can be boring at some points as well. So let things as they are and accept the facts.
This band here consists of: Martin Turner (Voc/Bass), Danny Wilson (Git/Voc), Ray Hatfield (Git/Voc) and Dave Wagstaffe (Drums), and as we can hear immidiately, they do play very well together, starting off with 'Stand In Rain', followed by 'The King Will Come' and the great tune 'Frontpage News'. Halleluja - how much do I love this track!!!!


Another highlight is 'Rock'n'Roll Widow, raising up the nostalgic level a 200 percent. After more than one hour that one is smoothed down a little by the usual break in this place here. Part Two is continuing with the story of... with songs such as 
Lady Jay’ and ‚Blowin’ Free’. The encore apparently (due to other concert reports) is always the same, going for the titles 
 ‚Livin’ Prove’ and ‚Jailbait’.


So what does the final impression say? I for my part find both Wishbone Ashs interesting in their individual way, whereby the musical talents might be a little more expressive here and the fun to play. Therefore the other's still enjoy more popularity here in our Country. But let's wait and see how long this will stay that way. I assume, it's up to Martin and his encouragement and enthusiasm to show us his quality more often and more intense in the future. 
But on the other hand I and many other's ask ourselves again and again: why can Turner and Powell just get together again and make 'one' Wishbone Ash again. This would be the ultimate solution to reach even more popularity again and an even wider audiance.  Unfortunately until now, this thing is not gonna happen due to two huge egos. 
But as it's often said: never say never again. And maybe one day..... well forget it for now....

Apart from that this show here is a very interesting experience including great musicianship in an intimate atmosphere with a huge potential of dejavu.... and how shall I say? - a lot of sexappeal :-))))
http://www.wishboneash.co.uk

Off Stage Snapshots - at the Diary