Elegant Stealth

The story of Wishbone Ash is a long and winding one, covering some four and a bit decades. Currently there are two versions of The Ash treading the boards, what with the band's original bassist/singer Martin Turner also going out under the WA banner since 2004. Elegant Stealth however is album number 23 from the version of the band who can rightly trace their history back to 1970, being led by the band's only constant - guitarist and vocalist Andy Powell. Yes, that does make him the only long term member of this band, however guitarist Muddy Maninnen, bassist Bob Skeat and drummer Joseph Crabtree along with Powell have produced in Elegant Stealth, an album not only worthy of the Wishbone Ash heritage, but of their future as well.

“Stealth” is the aptly-titled debut album from Tokyo-based composer/producer Takao. Gliding in under the radar with thirteen slyly sweet and subtle miniatures, these pieces are refreshing light-explosions of gentle harmony and modestly grand melodies. Fans of New Age and tonal minimalism will enjoy this music, but its brevity reveals a pop-influenced aesthetic as well, and the level of care and detail in the arrangements and recording evinces a nuanced, surprisingly mature sensibility. There’s a blossoming brightness and elegant simplicity that even calls to mind gentle ghosts of Satie and Debussy. Available as digital download, CD and vinyl LP.

The companion release to the quiet-moments compilation TENDER, Wishbone Ash collection TOUGH represents the more hard-rocking side of this stalwart British band. Wishbone Ash made their name in the 1970s with their dueling guitars and epic tunes, but TOUGH features a number of latter-day selections from the long-lived band, proving that as the decades went on, they managed to retain that hard-rock bite that had always endeared them to their legions of fans.

British rockers Wishbone Ash gained fame in the 1970s for their twin-guitar attack and captivating blend of hard rock and progressive stylings. TENDER is a collection of tunes that showcase the softer side of the band's musical personality, including a number of latter-day tracks. Acoustic-tinged balladry and dynamics that veer towards the low end of the spectrum are the order of the day here, but if you want the harder stuff, check out this disc's companion release, entitled (what else?) TOUGH.