The thing about Wishbone Ash, in whatever configuration of players that may take the stage, is that they never cease to amaze me. Just when you think you've heard the best live album the band ever recorded, "Live In Chicago", they come along with "Live In Geneva" and literally blow the previous one away.

I must say that I was a little skeptical about this release. After all, the band consisting of Andy Powell, Roger Filgate, Tony Kishman and Mike Sturgis had only worked together as a unit for about 4 weeks before this recording was made. Was this really enough time to prepare properly for a live recording that eventually the whole world of Wishbone Ash fans would hear and judge? After all, a lot of musical history precedes this release and a lot of questions remained unanswered. Could Roger fill the void that Ted left, would Tony be able to step up to the plate and deliver the vocal and bass power missing since Martin's departure, and would Mike's drumming style work within the context of Wishbone Ash?

Well my friends, I'm here to tell you that "Live In Geneva" answers all those questions with an exclamation mark. This album may very well be "THE CROWN JEWEL" of all the live Wishbone Ash albums.

The album starts with "The King Will Come". With it comes the sudden realization that it's sink or swim time for Roger, as he's the main soloist on the tune. Let's throw the Christian to the lions and see what happens. What happens is that Roger takes command like he was born to play these parts, replacing whatever thoughts you may have had about Ted or Laurie in the same role. The other thing that immediately demands your attention are Tony's vocals. Never have I, or any Wishbone fan, heard this song sung this well. Mike's solid, in the pocket drumming and Andy's unmistakable rhythm guitar drive this song like never before. Oh, did I forget to mention the most important aspect of the band, the harmony guitars? Let's just say they're "tight as a nut" and leave it at that. I'm hooked! Let the games begin!!

Next up, the third and best incarnation of "Strange Affair". Driving bass, solid drums and clean rhythm guitars kick this one off. Then out of nowhere, Tony's vocal blows you away. Just when you've started thinking it can't get any better than this, in come the harmony guitars and a short lead on lap steel by Roger. I don't know if it's my imagination, but it seems to me that Andy's lead on the song this time out is more convincing and urgent than previous versions. All in all a definite keeper!

Andy, where was this band when I was with MCA? If you guys had delivered product like this to me back in the 70's, radio stations would have been begging us for Wishbone Ash albums to play instead of us begging them to play them.

Now that I got that out of my system, track 3 is "Throw Down The Sword". Next to "Blowin' Free" I'd say that this is the closest to a signature song the band does live. The ominous twin lead guitars open the track, leading into the truly incredible vocals of Tony Kishman. Even the harmony vocals reach new heights, like nothing heard on any Ash album before. Andy's distinctive solo never sounded better or more precise.

The next track the band attacks is Martin Turner's "In The Skin", originally from the "Nouveau Calls" LP. Roger handles the lap steel lead on this one as well or better than Ted did, without all the self-indulgence found on the "Live In Chicago" take. Mr. Filgate definitely earns your respect with this one. I should mention that Andy does a very nice job of setting Roger up with some very tasty playing of his own.

Andy Powell's "Hard Times" never sounded so good or alive. This band pushes it to the limit in all four gears. The guitar harmonies and duels between Andy & Roger are worth the price of admission. They seem to push each other to new heights. I just wish this one could have been another 16 bars longer.

Well, I guess no live album could be complete without "Blowin' Free". Nothing really new here except for the vocals of Tony Kishman. And what fine vocals they are! Tony where have you been? The other thing you'll notice is the steady, driving beat that Mike adds to the song. The man's a human metronome. Did I mention the fantastic lead work between Andy & Roger? By now you should have guessed that to be the case.

"Keeper Of The Light", to be honest, has never been on of my favorite songs, but I will give it to the band for making it a little more interesting than past versions. Roger's grittier guitar and Tony's powerful vocals make it a better tune, but I can think of a lot better songs for them to be doing live. Hey, how about "Way Of The World" or "Living Proof" or maybe even "Life Line"?

Now the real fun begins. Next comes a medley, put together and performed flawlessly. The medley starts off with "Blind Eye" and blows through "Lady Whiskey", "Jail Bait", "Phoenix" & "The Pilgrim". What a ride!!! You've never heard them done quite like this before. Everything's here including the kitchen sink. Play this track loud for maximum effect.

After the high energy medley comes "Runaway". Now we're talking classic Wishbone Ash. The main thing you're going to notice, and I hate to keep harping on it, is the quality of the vocals. Tony takes this so-so song and breathes new life into it. I've always liked the instrumental side to this track, but after hearing this version I'm totally sold on the entire song.

Favorite song time!! "Sometime World", beautifully and skillfully done. Some things get better with age, and this is one of them. Tony, Roger, & Mike's influences can be heard throughout the song. Andy is the conductor, driving this train down the tracks with renewed vitality. When I hear this one I still get goose bumps.

Now for the piece de resistance. For the first time, a live recording of "Vas Dis". What a way to end a set! Blazing guitar work from Andy, scat singing from Tony, and a mini- drum solo from Mike. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! This is one song you're going to have to hear first hand. Any review would be an injustice.

Well, there you have it, "Live In Geneva". The only bad thing about this recording is that it leaves you wanting more. Maybe that's the intention. After all none of the new material the band has worked up appears on this release. Could this be a prelude to whet our appetites? If it is, then Andy and company have made their point.

Long live WISHBONE ASH!!