DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

WISHBONE ASH / THE POWER OF ETERNITY

"The Power Of Eternity", released only a few weeks ago (by Talking Elephant in the UK and Europe, Sanctuary Records in the US), is Wishbone Ash’s most recent album with the current line up. Joe Crabtree is their new drummer, Muddy Manninen is the other half of the lead guitars, Bob Skeat is the bassist, and Andy Powell, the one and only remaining original member over the past 38 years, with his unmistakable guitar sound and vocals is THEE man.

For those of you who are not very familiar with the changes the band went through over the years, I would recommend you visit their official website (www.wishboneash.com) and check their family tree. Bob Skeat joined the band in the late 90’s. Wishbone Ash fans are well aware that the band’s bass lines for the most part are anything but ordinary, and by this I mean besides the unique twin lead guitar sound, bass often appears to be the second lead element that plays harmonies. Bob has a funk rock style which gives the Ash tunes a dynamic sound. Muddy Manninen, is a blues/rock guitarist. He joined the band in 2004. On stage and in the studio, he and Andy create a good chemistry. He brings a more bluesy sound to the band, especially when performing live. This creates a nostalgic touch. And with this I certainly do not compare him to Ted Turner since they are very different. It is mostly the sound of his guitar that is nostalgic. (You will know what I mean when you read the part about the song "Northern Lights").

The newest member of the band, Joe Crabtree is a multi instrumentalist on top of being a physicist. He plays guitar and bass as well as drums; teaches at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, U.K. and has experience in a lot of different genres from jazz to progressive rock.

The Power Of Eternity will first catch your attention with its album cover. I can give you some hints here, but Andy Powell tells it all on the lyrics sheet: the “Eco Man” brings the message of love to the planet, the orange background symbolizes the global warming and the wind mills symbolize the crucifixion on Calvary Hill. But of course there is much more to it between the lines.

There are 10 brand new songs on this CD. The first song is written by Ian Harris and Muddy Manninen. The name Ian Harris is no stranger to the fans as he did a few of the band’s album artwork one being the “Twin Barrels Burning”. The painting of the Eternity’s cover is made by him too. On the first song titled “The Power”, Muddy seamlessly blends blues and rock.

"Driving a Wedge" is along the lines of blues/rock again. The guitar and vocal lines are the same which is something that should only be tried by experienced musicians since there is a fine line between sounding amateur and professional (and do I need to mention that Wishbone is not in the first category?). When the bass joins the guitar with harmonies on the second part, another signature mark of the band is making "Driving a Wedge" a quality song to listen to.

“In Crisis” is the third song on the CD written by both Muddy and Andy. This song talks about individual challenges we face everyday in order to survive, and how indifferent every day life makes people toward each other and themselves to the point where they need to see a flashing sign on top of a bridge that says they can call a number to get “help to ease their troubled mind”. It is one of those driving songs, but if you are feeling emotionally unstable I would not recommend you listen to this song and drive through a bridge, you just never know whether you will see a sign or not, so play it safe.

"Dancing with The Shadows" will show you Muddy’s seamless fusion of different genres. This is both a blues and a waltz tune which, if you try to visualize the scene described in the lyrics, will feel a little creepy. Like dancing with weird creatures in the dark if you know what I mean....

"Happiness" happens to be one of the least favorite songs of mine on the CD. But I do like the bass lines which again appear to be more than a rhythm section element. At the end of the song vocals and instruments slowly fade out leaving the space to the acoustic guitar, and that also fades out shortly after in a folk-like athmosphere.

The second “driving” song on the album is "Northern Lights", an instrumental tune written again by Muddy on which Miri Miettinen plays percussions. Muddy’s guitar sounds a lot like Peter Green’s, just like on “The Man Of The World” (the instrumental version) I should say: soft, 60’s style blues, a sad sound. You don’t hear very many people play like this anymore.

The second half of the album which starts with the "Northern Lights", is more down tempo, and this next song is one of those. "Your Indulgence" is written by Andy Powell. We hear organs on this one: Hammond B3. This song is a ballad on which ex Ash drummer Ray Weston plays drums.

But don’t get too relaxed, because this next guitar lick will make you jump on your seat and go “whoa”. Perfectly harmonizing twin lead guitars with a lick like this as if it is coming from the 70’s Wishbone Ash albums will definitely catch your attention. The song is called "Growing Up". I think the best part of the lyrics is “I sometimes feel growing up means losing friends”. When you go back to the familiar places, see the familiar faces, and remember the memories shared years ago, you sadly find out the magic is not there anymore.

The down tempo comes back with "Disappearing" which is written by Andy’s son Aynsley Powell (who is a member of the band Tiger City). Andy later wrote the lyrics to it. Aynsley plays rhythm guitar on the song. Disappearing has a jazzy feel with soft slow rhythm, but when you read the lyrics, they are not as peaceful. In fact this song and “In Crisis” are pretty bizarre in this sense when you look at their lyrics and their melodies separately / or together. “Disappearing” gives you the feeling of a politely said “excuse me while you’re doing whatever you're doing, but I’m outta here, see ya later”, while “In Crisis” puts you in a spinning cycle (like the washer’s) where you move with the rest of the load.

"Hope Springs Eternal" is the last song on the CD. Bob’s bass has a sharp funk/rock sound. A good one to end the album with a title like this. After all, we all need to keep our hopes high.

In a time when most bands from the 70's still rely on their Best Of's, The Very Best Of's and The Very Very Best Of's over and over again, seeing Wishbone Ash still active in the business, create new songs and reach their fans all over the world every year is something we all need to appreciate. Powell's life long dedication to his band and music keeps this flame burning. The Power Of Eternity is an album created by a band that has great chemistry. Their energy will surely reach the hardcore fans as well as the new listeners.

Hande BURDG