AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Wishbone Ash

Artist:Wishbone Ash

Song:Blowin' Free

Album:The Best of Wishbone Ash

The 70s band Wishbone Ash had success mostly in their native England. Their music is a mix of hard rock and progressive rock with two lead guitarists similar to The Yardbirds. Wishbone Ash never had a hit single so they are a second tier band. Wishbone Ash is from Torquay, Devon, England. Lead singer and bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton formed the band The Empty Vessels in 1966. The third member was Turner's brother Glenn Turner on guitar. After a couple of name changes, Glenn Turner left and guitarists auditioned. They couldn't decide between Andy Powell and Ted Turner so both were hired and the band name was changed again to Wishbone Ash. They opened for Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore introduced them to Deep Purple's producer Derek Lawrence and he helped them get a record deal with Decca. Their debut album Wishbone Ash was released in 1970. Blowin' Free is from the 1972 album Argus. This was Wishbone Ash's third album. The album had a medieval theme. The album was certified Gold in England so Argus was their most successful album commercially. For the 1973 album Wishbone Ash, the band self produced. Ted Turner left the band because they moved to the US. Laurie Wisefield replaced him. After experimenting with soft rock, they returned to England and a hard rock sound with the 1978 album No Smoke Without Fire. This also marked a return to producer Derek Lawrence. MCA was pressuring them to make more commercial music. The plan was to replace Martin Turner as lead singer and just have him play bass. Turner left and was replaced by John Wetton of King Crimson. He didn't stay long and went on to form Asia. After other personnel changes followed, Wishbone Ash left MCA for I.R.S. This budget comp covers the MCA years. By the early 90s, Andy Powell was the only original member of Wishbone Ash. He still leads them today. In 2004, Martin Turner started touring as Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash. Andy Powell successfully sued Turner and the band is now called Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash. One thing is for sure. For a second tier band, Wishbone Ash has been around for a long time. Here's Wishbone Ash performing Blowin' Free on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert 1973.