Wishbone Ash – New England(1976)

Biography
Wishbone Ash are a British rock band who achieved success in the early and mid-1970s. Formed in Torquay, Devon, in 1969, out of the ashes of trio The Empty Vessels (originally known as The Torinoes, later briefly being renamed Tanglewood in 1969), which had been formed by Wishbone Ash’s founding member Martin Turner (bass & vocals) in 1963 and complemented by Steve Upton (drums and percussion) in 1966. The original Wishbone Ash line-up was completed by guitarists/vocalists Andy Powell and Ted Turner. In 1974, Ted Turner left the band, and was replaced by Laurie Wisefield. The band continued on with strong critical and commercial success until 1980. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wishbone_Ash

Album & Cover
New England is the seventh studio album by rock band Wishbone Ash. It was a success compared to the band’s Locked In album, but still did not chart as high as most of their previous albums. This album would mark the “Americanization” of Wishbone Ash, as the band would relocate from England to the Northeastern United States (New England) for tax purposes. New England contained an even balance of hard rock songs and breezy, soft rock ballads, the latter of which would see further exploration from Wishbone Ash on their next studio album, Front Page News. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_(Wishbone_Ash_album)

This cover design is according to Aubrey Powell, one of Peter Christopherson’s finest. It was composed beautifully, superbly lit and photographed. Even though the cover had sexual overtones, the scene with the man sharpening the stick which could come from a ‘Lord Of The Flies’ scene. It draws the viewer to the scene and wanting to know more about the story..

Cover Location: Venice Beach, LA and Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Photography – P. Christopherson
Label: Atlantic SD18200(US), MCA MCG3523(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell

Tracklist

Credits
Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals – Mark Turner
Drums – Steve Upton
Effects [Mixed Live] – Mark Emery
Guitar, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Andy Powell
Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals – Laurie Wisefield
Percussion – Nelson “Flaco” Padron
Technician [Recording Assistants (Miami)] – Jack Nuber
Technician [Recording Assistants (New England)] – Ross Alexander
Producer – Howard Albert, Ron Albert