Wishbone Ash's second release, Pilgrimage, unveiled their creative genius after a debut that presented them as a hardpsychy blues-based rock outfit. The opening track, "Vas Dis," with its running complex bassline, slicing rhythm guitar, and scat voice singing gibberish along with the piercing guitar leads which drive the song...perhaps their answer to "Hocus Pocus" by Focus (or vice versa as both were released in 1971). "No Water in the Well" is one of the great rock twin guitar jams of the early '70s as it accentuates the dual lead guitar acumen of Andy Powell and Ted Turner. "Jail Bait" has gone on to become a Wishbone Ash staple as well as possessing one of the more memorable guitar riffs of '70s rock & roll. A conscientious effort seemed to be in place for this band to write and perform material better suited to their gentler vocal tendencies. Where Wishbone Ash essentially went full tilt throughout, Pilgrimage is a moodier affair that includes beautiful, flowing melodies like the brief "Alone" and "Lullaby" along with the chilling "Valediction," which should have been an Ash classic but is rarely featured on live and hits collections. Even though this band toned it down a bit for this album, their impressive guitar playing was heightened due to the variance in their songwriting. Next to Argus this is the Wishbone Ash album to judge all other Ash albums by.

                                               Vas Dis (4:41)

                                             The Pilgrim (8:30)

                                             Jail Bait (4:41)

                                             Alone (2:20)

                                           Lullaby (2:59)

                                        Valediction (6:17)

                            Where Were You Tomorrow (10:23)