Wishbone Ash Wishbone Four

Lyricists: Martin Turner; Steve Upton.
Personnel: Ted Turner (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, steel guitar, lap steel guitar); Andy Powell (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Martin Turner (vocals, bass guitar); Bud Parkes, Dave Coxhill, Phil Kenzie (horns); Graham Maitland (piano); George Nash, Jr. (keyboards); Steve Upton (drums, percussion).
Recording information: Apple Studios, London, England (02/1973-03/1973); Apple Studios, Savile Row, London, England (02/1973-03/1973); Olympic Studios, London, England (02/1973-03/1973).
Unknown Contributor Role: Hobbit.
Operating on the eminently sensible theory that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, Wishbone Ash doesn't mess with its commercially proven formula here. As before, it purveys a mix of blues, folk, and Yes- style riffs mated to endearingly cosmic lyrics.
The band's prog-rock side, however, is a tad downplayed here, with its folk and rock influences more to the fore. It even takes a detour into faux country on the mostly acoustic "Sing Out the Song." As always, Wishbone's foundation is the powerful tag team of guitarists Andy Powell and Ted Turner, although there are fewer of their trademark harmony licks here than usual, with the notable exception of "Doctor," probably the band's hardest-rocking song ever.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop