This has to be one of my most played CDs by the mighty rock/prog/blues band Wishbone Ash.
However, with Wishbone Ash albums, I find it hard to avoid at least some kind of comparison with the magnificent Argus of 1972, which many will cite as being THE definitive Wishbone Ash album... First thing to note, is that 2002's Bona Fide is not another Argus. However, the elements that made Argus so great - the beautiful melodies, the classic guitar harmonies, and the soaring solos - can still be found within Bona Fide.
The opening track, 'Almighty Blues' perhaps gives the wrong impression to start with. You may well think 'it's blues rock, nothing special'. But then we come to the middle of the song, and find over 2 minutes of spectacular 'real Wishbone Ash' instrumental, with climbing guitar harmonies and rockin' solos. Perhaps there is more to this album than first appears!
It's true that tracks like 'Almighty Blues', 'Changing Tracks', and 'Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda' carry a simple 'blues rock' feel, but there's plenty of awesome Wishbone Ash guitar work to be found in there. Also, there are some tracks in this album which shine out as being some of my favourite Wishbone Ash songs - 'Faith, Hope and Love' is an excellent track, with dramatic melodies and lyrics, and a real sense of power and atmosphere helped along by some sweeping organ which brings us back to memories of 'Throw Down The Sword'!
The title track 'Bona Fide' is interestingly entirely instrumental! Although it somehow manages to do a nice job of capturing a general feel of the album. It's got pace, it's got excitement, and it's got great solos with an underlying bluesy rhythm.
'Come Rain, Come Shine' contains references to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which is indeed something new for a band which used to carry messages of pilgrimages, ancient battles and tales of 'ye olden' times. This track also combines some light flute work with some later heavier riffs which really rock, and bring another different feel to the album.
The closing track, 'Peace' is a slow moving, soothing and expressive instrumental - something which is found on many Wishbone Ash albums - and is a really nice way to close. There are so many different moods contained within this one album!
If you get the Special Edition of the album, you'll have three bonus tracks to enjoy . The first, 'Hard On You', is a nice melodic tune which seems to feel a bit more 'pop'-esque than most of their material. There's a live version of Almighty Blues, and there's also an 11-minute live version of 'Tales Of The Wise', which originates from their Illuminations album, and is indeed a great masterpiece - the bonus tracks are worth it, providing you don't have to pay too much extra. Having seen them play live earlier this year on their 'Power Of Eternity' tour, I can verify that they are a fantastic live band, and any live tracks are always welcome!
All in all, this is a superb album, and even if it doesn't match the timeless brilliance of Argus, it still contains many musical gems. If you're a Wishbone Ash fan, or you just appreciate excellent rock music, whether it be blues or progressive, this should be a great addition to your collection! And that is the Bona Fide truth!
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A music review where I have actually heard of the band! I have Argus and it is a brilliant album so I will have to have a listen to this. A good 1st review and welcome to ciao
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