Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash - Hertford Corn Exchange, London (UK) - 31 March 2019

Billed as Wishbone 50 Gold tour, in celebration of the formation of the original Wishbone Ash, the evening's music would be a full performance of the 1976 Wishbone Ash release 'New England'.

Playing any album in its entirety is always testing to an audience. It was quite obvious that a large percentage of the audience in attendance were familiar with the aforementioned release. Kitted out in casual baggy pants and armed with his trusty Gibson Thunderbird bass, this one in bright red, Martin introduced the album and began the show.

Not being familiar with the whole album myself, 'Mother Of Pearl' and 'Lonely Island' stood out for the splendid vocal harmonies, and drummer Tim Brown and guitarist Danny Wilson blended in effortlessly with Martins voice. Guitarist Misha Nikolic, when twinned with Danny Wilson, replicated the classic double guitar sound that became a signature to the Wishbone Ash sound.

The deep cut of 'Rock 'n' Roll Widow' was certainly well received, Martin's fluid bass playing really driving the song. His name really should come up more often in "great bass players that have influenced other musos" conversations!

Of course, the audience was awaiting tracks from the classic 'Argus' release, and the band did not disappoint. 'Warrior', 'Throw Down The Sword' and 'Blowing Free' sound as fresh now as they did when released in 1972. Overall, for a Sunday night local gig, it was well attended and pretty lively.

Review by Ray Paul