WISHBONE ASH Pilgrimage Album Cover Photos & Detailed Description 12" LP Vinyl Record #vinylrecords

"Pilgrimage" Album Description:

In the burgeoning rock scene of 1971, British band Wishbone Ash released their second studio album, "Pilgrimage." Building upon the foundation laid by their self-titled debut, the album marked a significant step in their musical journey, showcasing their evolving sound and artistic vision.

A Shifting Musical Landscape

The early 1970s was a time of great experimentation and innovation in rock music. Bands were venturing beyond traditional boundaries, incorporating diverse influences, and exploring new sonic textures. Wishbone Ash, with their signature twin-lead guitar harmonies and a blend of folk, rock, and progressive elements, were at the forefront of this musical exploration. "Pilgrimage" stands as a testament to their adventurous spirit and willingness to push artistic boundaries.

Musical Exploration and Highlights

"Pilgrimage" marked a departure from the blues-rock leanings of their debut, delving deeper into folk and acoustic influences. The album showcased the band's versatility and songwriting prowess, with tracks ranging from the ethereal "Vas Dis" to the hard-rocking "Jail Bait." The twin-lead guitar interplay remained a hallmark of their sound, but "Pilgrimage" also highlighted the band's ability to craft intricate acoustic arrangements and explore more introspective lyrical themes.

Band Members and Frontman

Wishbone Ash's lineup during the "Pilgrimage" era consisted of Andy Powell (guitar/vocals), Ted Turner (guitar/vocals), Martin Turner (bass/vocals), and Steve Upton (drums). Each member brought their own distinct musical personality to the band, contributing to the rich tapestry of their sound. Andy Powell, as the frontman and primary songwriter, played a crucial role in shaping the band's artistic direction.

Music Genre:

Prog Rock, Classic Rock, Blues Rock

Album
Production information:

The album: "WISHBONE ASH Pilgrimage" was produced by: Derek Lawrence

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Martin Birch

This album was recorded at: De Lane Lea Studios, London, May 1971 and Live at De Montfort Hall

Album cover photography: Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

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The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Record Label Information:

MCA Records 201 570-241

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1971 Germany