Almost as explained in my last live review, this is a similar case... the artist has been here at the Village almost exactly one year ago. And does this say to us? Right! - You can rely on our Village, as almost everybody who had played here in the past is returning on a more or less regular base... And one of these faithful artists is Martin Turner and his version of Wishbone Ash. To get this straight, before any irritations come up, - yes there is another band named Wishbone Ash, and that one is even a little better known as our band here. Both bands are led by one original member, whereby the version led by Andy Powell is the one, which was pulled through over all these years with exchanging band members.

Martin Turner has gone on a sort of hiatus, after he had left Wishbone Ash, came back for a little while again, and then quit again. But somehow he must have got bored, as he now is back again on the front. Whoever owns the rights of the name really is up in the air. One says this, the other that... But the latest situation is, that 3 original members including Martin Turner have sued Andy Powell about the name.  Well, I assume, this will take a little while, as the law works slowly. Meanwhile both parties are busy touring throughout Europe, though Powell's group gets the middle sized venues, while Martin still has to put up with clubs. And while the first mentioned one is more the complicated guitar frickle pro... the other - Martin, is Rock'n'Roll pure. But one thing you shouldn't forget, Martin Turner was and is the voice of Wishbone Ash.  Although his repertoire is going back to the old stuff, the early Wishbone Ash music, he has also contributed. Powell has always included new tunes over the years. - Anyway enough of all these comparisons. Tonight it's Martin Turner again, playing at our Village Club. And the place is well filled. The line up of the Band is still the same. And apart from Martin there is still Guitarist Danny Wilson, Guitarist Ray Hatfield and Dick Wagstaffe on drums. And those are excellent musicians for themselves.

What else to say, exept the evening, split in 2 halfs as usual, is a very entertaining  kind of working off the past. Whether it's smash songs such as 'So Many Things To Say' or 'Rock'n'Roll Widow'  or the ultimate 'The King Will Come', just to name a few to favour the first era of Wishbone Ash, - this is Rock'n'Roll from a long time ago, but it doesn't sound dusty or oldfashioned. Maybe this is up to the rather modern arrangements. However, - Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash go down very well here, just like last year including a high potential of sex appeal winning most of all the female audiance in here :-) And you could name this evening a very well done show Nothing else counts that very moment, as we don't know, whatever will be next year. Meanwhile you can read Martin Turner's memoir, he has just published. And in the best case we all see again next year... 'Till then - good luck.... http://www.wishboneash.co.uk/