Andy Powell

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For the Welsh rugby international rugby player see Andy Powell (rugby player)

Andy Powell (born February 19, 1950 in Stepney, East London) is an English guitarist and one of the founding members of rock band Wishbone Ash. Powell is the only remaining original member of the band which he manages and runs from his base in Connecticut, United States. [1]

Powell and his original co-guitarist Ted Turner were one of the original exponents of 'Twin Lead Guitar'.^{[citation needed]} They have been cited as an influence on a number of "twin guitar" bands including: Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Big Country.^{[citation needed]} Powell's main guitar is a 1967 Gibson Flying V.

Lead guitar soloist on the classical-folk rock group Renaissance's:' Ashes are Burning' track (from the album with the same title)^[1]

[edit] External links

2005 Andy Powell Interview with Brian D. Holland of Modern Guitars Magazine
Wishbone Ash
2006 Rock N Roll Universe Interview

Being unable to afford an electric guitar of his own, Andy borrowed instruments until he decided to make one for himself. It turned out to be the first of several self-crafted guitars, and during the first Wishbone dates he could be seen playing a Les Paul-styled axe he'd made himself. (Martin Turner later dubbed this the Les Powell!) These days he is synonymous with the Gibson Flying V, and has probably done more to influence its use than any other player.

From early rock and roll, Andy moved on to soul and R&B. He played in bands around the London area with names like the Sugar Band and the Dekois. He cites his work with their horn arrangements as a factor in the development of Wishbone's famous twin lead guitar lines.

In 1969 Andy answered an ad in Melody Maker magazine, and found that Martin Turner and Steve Upton were looking for a guitar player. In fact, they ended up with two; being unable to decide between Andy and another applicant named Ted Turner, they took both. The new band, named Wishbone Ash and managed by Miles Copeland, was on its way. They released their first album, "Wishbone Ash," in 1970.

Wishbone's third album, "Argus" (1972), was named "The Best British Album of the Year" by Melody Maker, and Andy himself appeared in the guitar polls of many 1970s British music papers. Throughout the years, he has been featured in notable publications, including Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar and Guitarist, and has appeared at the Guitar Institute in Los Angeles. He has worked on sessions for George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Kashif, Stewart Copeland and Renaissance, among others. His instrumental compositions have been used as themes for radio and TV (including the US's “Today Show”) and for the World Soccer Cup.

In 1988, Andy and Ted Turner joined Miles Copeland’s “Night of the Guitar” tour, which featured other guitar legends like Randy California, Jan Akkerman, Peter Haycock, Steve Howe, Steve Hunter, Robbie Krieger, Leslie West and Alvin Lee.

By 1995, Andy was the only original member of Wishbone Ash. His commitment to maintaining the band’s legacy has been evident in performance of new and classic songs on frequent tours of Europe, the UK and the US. He is at once a caretaker of the past and a commentator on the present scene: driving a musical machine that is always moving forward.

Andy added “author” to his long list of achievements in 1996 when he published the "Collector's Guide to Wishbone Ash," a definitive history of the band. The book is available through the UK Fan Club. Visit www.wishboneash.com for details.

After 35 years in Wishbone Ash, there is a lot to celebrate: a musical resume that includes more than 30 albums and several video performances, and the appreciation of thousands of fans.

Through navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, Andy's insight and persistence have inspired his peers as well as professionals in other fields. In April 2004, he was featured in Aspect, a publication geared to health-care marketing professionals. “What can we…'c9 learn from Andy Powell?” asked Allen Stegall, president of the group that publishes Aspect. “Perhaps the main lesson is that perseverance and tenacity are essential ingredients to the long-term success of any endeavor.”

Andy Powell Still tours under the name Wishbone ash.

Has appeared on recordings of both Ringo Starr and George Harrison. The other original guitarist of Wishbone Ash ( Ted Turner ) has appeared on John Lennons album; Imagine.