"Hot Ash Live" is a live album by the British rock band Wishbone Ash. It was recorded during the band's "Here to Hear" tour in 2020 and features live performances of songs from throughout the band's career. The album is available as a digital download and was re-released in 2021. It showcases the band's musicianship and energy during their live performance.
In the vibrant tapestry of rock history, Wishbone Ash stands as a unique thread, weaving intricate melodies and harmonies. One of their notable contributions to the musical world is the iconic live album "Hot Ash Live," a 12" vinyl LP released in 1981 in the United States. Let's embark on a journey through the creation of this masterpiece, exploring its historical context and the fascinating behind-the-scenes details.
The Genesis:
"Wishbone Ash" emerged from the British rock scene in the early 1970s, gaining recognition for their twin-guitar approach and progressive sound. By the time the band reached the 1980s, they had already etched their name in the world of rock history. "Hot Ash Live" was conceived during a pivotal moment in the band's journey, capturing their energy in a live setting.
The Concert:
The album emanates from a series of electrifying live performances, showcasing Wishbone Ash at the height of their prowess. The band's ability to blend folk, blues, and hard rock genres resonated profoundly with their audience. Recorded with precision and expertise, each track on "Hot Ash Live" immortalizes the raw dynamism of their stage presence.
The Production:
Behind the scenes, the production of "Hot Ash Live" was a meticulous process. From selecting the performances to refining the audio quality, every step aimed to encapsulate the essence of Wishbone Ash's live magic. The studio work involved in mixing and mastering contributed to the album's sonic brilliance, allowing fans to relive the concert experience at home.
Music Genre: British Blues Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "WISHBONE ASH - Hot Ash Live" was produced by: Wishbone Ash, John Sherry, Leon Tsilis |
Record Label Information: MCA Records MCA-5283 |
| Packaging: This album "WISHBONE ASH - Hot Ash Live" has an album cover designed for 3d Glasses |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in USA |
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Hot Ash Live" Record Label Details: Rainbow colours MCA Records MCA-5283 , MCA 2817 ℗ 1981 MCA Records Inc, Sound Copyright
Wishbone Ash is a British rock band formed in 1969, which gained popularity in the early 1970s as pioneers of the twin-lead guitar sound that has since become a signature of classic rock. The band's original lineup consisted of Martin Turner on bass guitar and lead vocals, Steve Upton on drums, Ted Turner on lead guitar and vocals, and Andy Powell on lead guitar and vocals. Over the years, the band has seen numerous lineup changes, but Powell has remained a constant member throughout, making him the band's longest-serving member.
Wishbone Ash's sound is characterized by their use of harmony and melody, and their twin-lead guitar sound. Their music has been described as a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and folk rock, which was influenced by bands such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin.
The band's debut album, "Wishbone Ash," was released in 1970 and received critical acclaim. The album featured songs such as "Blind Eye" and "Phoenix," which showcased the band's unique sound and style. The album also marked the beginning of the band's trademark twin-lead guitar sound, which was developed by Andy Powell and Ted Turner.
In 1971, Wishbone Ash released their second album, "Pilgrimage," which featured the songs "Jail Bait" and "The Pilgrim." The album also saw the introduction of Martin Turner's distinctive bass sound, which added to the band's unique style.
The band's third album, "Argus," released in 1972, is considered their breakthrough album and remains their most popular release. The album featured the hit single "Blowin' Free" and other fan favorites such as "Warrior," "Throw Down the Sword," and "The King Will Come." "Argus" is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and it cemented Wishbone Ash's place in rock history.
After the success of "Argus," the band released a string of successful albums, including "Wishbone Four" (1973), "There's the Rub" (1974), and "New England" (1976). These albums continued to showcase the band's unique twin-lead guitar sound and their ability to write memorable melodies and harmonies.
Despite the band's success, they experienced several lineup changes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, Powell remained a constant member, and the band continued to release new music and tour.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Wishbone Ash continued to release new music and tour, with Powell and Turner being the only original members remaining in the band. They released albums such as "Strange Affair" (1991), "Bare Bones" (1999), and "Elegant Stealth" (2011). The band's music continued to showcase their unique sound and style, which has influenced many other rock bands over the years.
Wishbone Ash's legacy can be seen in their influence on other rock bands, particularly in their use of twin-lead guitars. Bands such as Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have all cited Wishbone Ash as an influence on their music.