Concert Review: Wishbone Ash @ The Linda, 06/13/2023

A modestly sized but enthusiastic crowd was treated to a sumptuous example of twin guitar heroics at The Linda on Tuesday night, courtesy of the veteran UK rock band Wishbone Ash.

Formed in 1969 and released their first album a year later, Wishbone Ash was one of the first bands to use the concept of “dual lead guitar.” Instead of one guy playing rhythm and the other taking all the solos (and the glory), both players would dovetail and swap lead and rhythm parts within the same song. Keith Richards has described it as the “ancient art of weaving.” They pioneered this style before bands like Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. While it’s worth noting that The Allman Brothers may also have a claim to this innovation, Wishbone Ash was undoubtedly one of the best.

Their 1972 album “Argus” stands as a classic example of their talent. If you’re a fan of rock music and guitar playing, and you don’t own “Argus,” stop reading this and go get it in your preferred format. Got it? Okay, good.

According to band folklore, the rhythm section was auditioning guitarists back in ’69 and couldn’t decide between their two favorites, Andy Powell and Ted Turner. So, they hired both, and it turned out to be serendipitous.

Powell, the sole remaining member of the classic lineup, still leads the band. In addition to his guitar duties, he now handles lead vocals since original bassist and lead singer Martin Turner fronts his own separate iteration of the band. While Powell may lack Turner’s vocal range, he does a commendable job. Bass player Bob Skeat assists on harmony vocals, and although the original band’s trademark sound featured three-part harmony, little is lost with the reduction to two singers.

Lead guitarist Mark Abrahams is fantastic, nailing the iconic solos and weaving beautifully with Powell. Drummer Mike Truscott keeps things moving and grooving seamlessly.

The band started the show with the fairly nondescript instrumental “In the Skin,” an unusual choice for an opener. However, they quickly hit their stride with a couple of lively tracks from their latest album, 2020’s “Coat of Arms.” They followed up with three tracks from “Argus,” transporting the audience and reviewers back to the world of joss sticks, flared jeans, and cotton shirts. It was magical.

The band’s tightness was remarkable, especially considering that Powell now resides in Connecticut while the other three musicians, all based in England, had flown over that very day for this, the first show of a mini nine-gig tour. There was no noticeable jet lag or lack of rehearsal time together; the band was on fire. During the extended workout of “The Pilgrim,” the jagged stop-start circular riffing reminded me of the Adrian Belew era of King Crimson. Then I realized that Wishbone Ash recorded that track a full decade earlier than Fripp’s ’80s collective was formed.

For their finale, they embarked on another lengthy jam through “Phoenix” and triumphantly returned to encore with “Jail Bait,” a nod to their bluesier early material.

Although it’s a short tour, ending in Milwaukee at The Summerfest on June 24th, if you missed them at The Linda, do try to catch them elsewhere. It’s classic rock at its finest.