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Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull

I've been a serious Tull fan since 1970, owning almost all of their music and much of Ian Anderson's solo material.  I've had the privilege of attending 4 of their concerts including a small venue where everyone stood but only about 150 in attendance.

I'm intrigued by the style and subject of the music, not your typical love songs or ballads.  The musicality is also some of the best from what is considered a rock band or some would say, progressive rock band.  This is especially shown in some of the early "theme" albums like "Thick as a Brick" or "Passion Play".

I will have to say my favorites however are the solo albums by Ian Anderson.  The album "Divinities" being my all time favorite.  When I want to test the dynamics of a system, Divinities is one I typically use.  The quality of the recording to me is second to none.  Take a listen to "The Pay of Spain" as an example.

Curious to hear if anyone else shares my enthusiasm for this group/soloist.

Tom

bipestuff
mysteriousmrm's avatar
mysteriousmrm
54 posts
 

In high school, Tull was my favorite band and I still like them. I have never seen them live, unfortunately. I just read that Ian Anderson's favorite early influence was Roy Harper, so I have been listening to Roy's 60s and 70s solo stuff. I'll check out Ian's solo stuff as well. 

desktopguy
454 posts
 

Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson were all around me during my college years and in the early ’70s. I was never a real fan, but heard most of their work during that time.

To the OP, I say this not to detract from Ian Anderson, but more to understand where his flute technique comes from: if you haven’t already, acquaint yourself with the jazz flute of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Anderson admitted that Kirk’s "I Talk With the Spirits" album inspired him to pick up the flute . . . it also obviously inspired him stylistically. 

RRK, like every other jazz player, was inspired by those who came before him. It’s unclear to me whether he actually "invented" the sing/scat-through-the-flute technique, or just took it way higher than others had. Ironicallyl, the flute wasn’t even his "first" (favoritee) instrument--that was the tenor saxophone.

I conclude that both Anderson & RRK contributed heavily to the popularity and influence of the flute in various genres of music in the ’70s. 

bipestuff OP
31 posts
 

@desktopguy 

I had not heard of that relationship before, but makes sense.  Not sure if I had listened to Kirk’s work before but will definitely check it out.  Thanks to you and others for your comments, much appreciated.  Many more fans than I expected.

 

mlapenta
132 posts
 

One of the most under rated bands of all time.  Love the "Songs from the Woods" album

 

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