Jethro Tull have been prolific in recent years as Ian Anderson has refound his ‘mojo’. This new release has a sound more closely likened to the folk/acoustic material of the middle years than outright rockers, but it is, without doubt, classic Jethro Tull music. Anderson’s signatures are there in his soft and nuanced vocals, flute solos and Elizabethan melodies and his accompanying band do an excellent job behind him.
The writing is a more personal tone than usual from Ian Anderson and he sometimes wears his heart on both sleeves, albeit not in the falsely emotional manner of standard rock and pop. Some of the songs were laid down as instrumental demos and jams, and these have grown into fully fleshed out songs. The same musicians were used on the demo tracks as the final recordings so there is no gap in the styles and songs of the rest of the alum. The lineup on the album is: Ian Anderson – Flute, Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals, Jack Clark – Guitar, Scott Hammond - Drums and percussion, John O’Hara - Orchestral conductor, piano, keyboards and accordion, David Goodier - Bass guitar and double bass plus former keyboardist Andrew Giddings and drummer James Duncan.
As a long term listener and fan of Jethro Tull, I would say that there is material here that is well up to much of the music that the band made in the late ‘70’s and eighties, and the album as a whole is a really enjoyable listen. The rock elements are strong but all is touched by the folk elements that made Tull such a strong melodic force through the years. Anderson is clearly more mature than the Ian Anderson of the ‘Aqualung’ days or ‘Too Old To Rock & Roll’ – less acidic in his nature and more melodic, albeit more sardonic as well. His voice is as good as ever, but the ‘snarl’ has gone. He remains one of the best flautists in rock and that instrument is prevalent throughout.
Of the 9 tracks here, the title track is best described as a song all about inner thought and introspection, turning ideas over and over as a ruminant does with food in their multiple stomachs.
The ’Tipu House’ is subtitled a song of aspiration in adversity. Ian’s lyrics talk about those who have strived and moved forwards from poverty to places of power and greatness.
‘Savannah Of Paddington Green’ is a brilliant song – especially for anyone who knows the real Paddington Green. A song of change and bleak prediction in the face of climate change.
All in all, it is a strong album, eminently listenable and a worthy addition to Tull’s canon.
