Recorded during concerts in the UK in June 1973 (Rolling Stones Mobile) offers the classic album that come from the following albums:
"The King Will Come" (7 min.), "Warrior", "Throw Down The Sword" (with a beautiful guitar solo (6 min.) And "Blowin 'Free" by Argus
"Ballad Of The Beacon" and "Rock'n Roll Widow" by Four
"The Pilgrim" and "Jailbait" of Pilgrimage
"Lady Whiskey" and "Phoenix" by Wishbone Ash
"Baby, What You Want Me To Do", an old blues tracks, was released on any Wishbone Ash album and does not really fit on the album; the other rock bands did back in the early 70's was better and Wishbone Ash, and wanted to be a blues band, too.
However, the absolute highlight of a Wishbone Ash concert at that time was the final number "Phoenix" (17 min.), Which showed the perfect interplay of two lead guitars with the rest of the band.
Wishbone Ash knew at that time, to unite on their albums songs in differentiated musical styles. Many of her songs are so good and perfect that one which even 30 years later still like to listen.
The album had unfortunately when it first appeared in 1973 a slight flaw: the - unlike other live recordings this time - a little dull recording quality without concise treble and bass, which at 16-track recordings from this period - in comparison as the outstanding recording quality Deep Purple's "Made in Japan" - is actually incomprehensible.
Despite everything, you come to "Live Dates" not around when you're on good rock music, because the band had something to offer to the album already.
The sat down late 70s continued with "Live Dates 2", but Ted Turner was replaced by the really good Laurie Wisefield on second guitar, but also led to a new influence in terms of the band's songs. But "Live Dates 2" was still very good, but is not apparently available today. If they are found somewhere, I can just - as with "Live Dates" - a purchase recommended (Supplement 2011: at the time when Japan SHM-CD Live Dates Volume II [SHM-CD] available).
From musically the album deserves five *****, because of the somewhat average recording quality which could be technically determined today significantly improved, only four ****. Nevertheless, of course, a classic of the 70s!
