Update from studio
MAY 27 2015
Misha Nikolic spent yesterday in the studio with Martin Turner, recording additional guitar parts for the forthcoming "Written in the Stars" album.
New guitarist confirmed - welcome Misha Nikolic
MAY 23 2015
We are pleased to announce that Martin Turner and band have appointed Misha Nikolic as their new guitarist, replacing Ray Hatfield who recently announced his departure.
Originally from Serbia, Misha spent his early musical years studying classical guitar and playing Eastern European folk music. He started performing live aged 13 and through this experience he gained confidence and the feel for music interpretation. During this time he became heavily influenced by British and American rock and blues artists, which provided the missing link to his musical journey. Known to his peers and mentors as a “music chameleon” he effortlessly blends these diverse styles into his own unique sound. As well as being an accomplished and versatile guitarist, Misha also has a wealth of experience in all areas of performance, composition, production, music technology and world music. Misha also currently teaches at the world renowned The Institute.
“We’ve had a busy few weeks behind the scenes,” says Martin Turner, “The level of interest in the vacant position has been great and the playing standard from applicants consistently high. A highly versatile player and “creative” type, I believe Misha possesses the musical and personal qualities required to take us into the next phase of our development. I am looking forward to working with Misha in the studio this coming week, integrating his playing into some of the tracks on the forthcoming “Written in the Stars” album. As with all additions to the “Wishbone” family, Misha will bring something new and exciting to the party. There has been a great musical and personal rapport at our rehearsals to date and I look forward to collaborating with Misha on future new material as well as introducing his interpretations of the classic Wishbone Ash material to our audiences later in the year.”
Misha has expressed great excitement about working with Martin and band: “I am very pleased to be joining the band and making music with Martin, Tim and Dan. I met Tim in the early 90’s when we were studying at guitar institute / drum tech and this is the opportunity to continue our great musical rapport. I am looking forward to recording and touring with the band, meeting fans and fully contributing creatively to the bands musical efforts.”
Further biographical information on Misha can be found here.
Ray Hatfield will play his final show with the band in Dagenham on 30 May 2015. As with all past band members, the door remains open for future guest appearances and collaboration. All subsequent shows will be performed by Misha Nikolic.
Ray Hatfield
MAY 12 2015
Official statements from Martin Turner and Ray Hatfield:
It is with regret that I have to announce that Ray Hatfield will be leaving my band following the completion of our present Spring tour.
This is a personal decision of Ray’s, which I know comes after much consideration and soul searching.
Ray has been an integral part of the band since my return to the stage in 2005 and I will remain respectful of his musical and personal contributions during our ten years of working together, culminating with his contributions to the forthcoming “Written in the Stars” album. I will miss his musicality, his creativity and his humour.
I wish Ray every success and happiness for the future. We part as friends and, as with previous departing members, doors remain open for future appearances or collaboration.
Looking forwards, Danny, Tim and I remain committed to releasing and promoting the “Written in the Stars” album and should soon be in a position to bring some positive news regarding a new line-up as well as some exciting plans for later in 2015. We are already meeting with a few potential guitar players, but I will just add that if anyone out there feels that they are the man for the job please contact us asap through this site.
Past changes have proven to be rejuvenating for my band, with an influx of new ideas and fresh playing styles and I am sure this one will be equally rewarding for both ourselves and our audience.
Thanking you all for your continued support, we'll be in action again soon,
Martin Turner
I have had many truly memorable moments, met some fantastic people and had the chance to play guitar in some wonderful places over the last ten years but feel it's time for a change and am looking for some new musical challenges.
I am very grateful to everyone, past and present who has made my time with the band possible and wish them all the best for the future.
Ray Hatfield
Written in the Stars album update
FEB 20 2015
Recording for Martin Turner's new studio album of original material "Written in the Stars" is now complete and is part way through the mixing stage. The album is set for a Spring 2015 release.
The artwork for the album is revealed on this new tour poster, which will be available at the merch stand on the upcoming Classic Legends tour, together with new t-shirts.
Martin Turner in Guitar and Bass Magazine
JAN 13 2015
The January issue of Guitar and Bass magazine features an interview with Martin Turner.
Available from all usual stockists or online.
New Years Greetings
JAN 1 2015
We would like to wish everyone a very happy new year. Martin Turner has posted a personal message on his Blog page, where he looks back on the past year and reveals plans for 2015.
Seasons Greetings
DEC 24 2014
Martin Turner, his band and management / behind the scenes team would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the love and support you have shown during the past year. Some very exciting news about future plans coming very soon. Exciting times ahead, so stay tuned! Until then, we would like to wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and New Year. See you in 2015.
Live Dates 2015
OCT 23 2014
Many new live dates for 2015 have been added to the live dates page, including 19-date "Classic Legends of Rock and Folk" theatre tour featuring Carl Palmer, Martin Turner and Strawbs. A busy year ahead...
Garden Party - now available in CD and Digital formats
OCT 10 2014
We are pleased to announce officially that The Garden Party – A Celebration of Wishbone Ash Music has today arrived back from the presses. See previous news item for track list, etc.
The CD may be ordered from Cherry Red or Amazon
The CD will also be available at Martin Turner concerts.
The album is also available in digital download format from iTunes or Amazon
Written in the Stars - Live Dates 2014/15
SEP 5 2014
Martin Turner and band shortly commence the next leg of their "Written in the Stars - Live Dates 2014" tour. Shows in the UK have been booked for sometime. We are pleased to confirm that dates in Germany have now been added to our live dates page. Touring will continue into 2015 with further shows to be announced.
Garden Party CD - Release date confirmed
AUG 28 2014
We are pleased to announce officially that The Garden Party – A Celebration of Wishbone Ash Music will be released as a 2CD set through Cherry Red on 13 October 2014.
This much anticipated release documents a special invitation-only concert performed by Martin and band and features guest appearances from classic Wishbone Ash members Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield.
TRACK LIST:
DISC ONE
1. STANDING IN THE RAIN
2. REST IN PEACE
3. HAUNTING ME
4. LADY JAY
5. FIRE SIGN
6. THE PILGRIM
7. WAY OF THE WORLD
8. NO EASY ROAD
DISC TWO
1. DOCTOR
2. BROKEN DOWN HOUSE
3. VALEDICTION
4. THE KING WILL COME
5. PRELUDE
6. IN THE SKIN
7. WHY DON'T WE
8. LIVING PROOF
9. JAILBAIT
The CD may be ordered in advance from:
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4844
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00MW67L0M/
and will also be available at concerts and through our official site.
Mart's Blog
AUG 20 2014
In relation to the recent court case, I am disappointed in Andy Powell's recent blog posting and its misrepresentations, as well as the ensuing comments from those representing him that have appeared on my Facebook page. I have responded fully in respect of the comments made as the first entry in my new blog - a new feature at the site that, following requests from fans for more input from myself, will be a place for the airing of occasional random thoughts and views, not all necessarily related directly to music, in the spirit of my postings of old on the original fan forum. Watch this space..
As stated previously, I respect the judgment, and we are moving on. Again I politely ask supporters of both sides to refrain from posting rancour on social media sites, as this does not serve either party well.
Peace and Love,
Martin
Studio update
JULY 4 2014
Highly creative times enjoyed in the studio this week. Four tunes laid down - three songs and one instrumental piece. The experience was highly stimulating for all and everyone is looking forward to maintaining the momentum and starting working on a further batch of tracks very soon.
Productive time in studio
JULY 2 2014
Recording sessions going very well - backing tracks for four tunes having been laid down, with overdubs already underway. Two more days to go on this initial period of recording, with more sessions planned to follow across the Summer. There is a highly positive and quite infectious spirit of creativity within the band right now which bodes well for a productive future. A very exciting time for Martin Turner, his band, team and fans...
Martin Turner personal appearance
JUNE 20 2014
Martin Turner will be making a special personal appearance at Hull Record Fair on July 26 2014 to sign copies of his acclaimed autobiography "No Easy Road". Don't miss this opportunity to meet and greet with Wishbone Ash's founding original member.
http://www.gjm-promotions.co.uk/page12.htm
Studio plans ahead
JUNE 18 2014
We hope all MT fans are enjoying the Summer so far. Since the end of the Spring tour, Martin has been enjoying a much deserved holiday ahead of a busy Summer period of rehearsal and recording sessions.
Martin, Ray, Danny and Tim will reconvene next week to continue rehearsal work already started on new songs, ahead of recording sessions booked for July. Stay tuned for updates...
Last Night
MAY 23 2014
Last show of the Spring 2014 leg of the Written in the Stars tour tonight - shows are now being announced for the Autumn leg - see Live Dates page for dates confirmed so far.
As the first legs reaches it's conclusion, we would like to ask you - what have you enjoyed most about the Written in the Stars tour to date? Was it the rarely played songs added to the set list? The new material aired on tour for the first time? The new line-up of the band, introducing Tim Brown on drums? Post on our Facebook page with your feedback and memories, please....
Thanks
MAY 1 2014
Martin Turner and band would again like to thank everyone for the positive feedback currently being received during the "Written in the Stars" tour - from the favourable comments about the new line-up featuring Tim Brown on drums, through to the support for the decision to include new music for the first time. Just a handful of shows left of the Spring leg now....