Jethro Tull has been around a
LONG time....since 1968 under that name! Yet, in spite of thier perseverence on
the contemporary music scene, the group and it's music is next to impossible to
categorize. This was brought home at a recent concert I attended at Wolf Trap
Park for the Performing Arts, just outside of Washington. During thier
almost two hour set, I heard such classics as "Aqualung," music written by Henry
the 8th, and some significant metal! Rock, Folk
Music and Metal....what other group can cover such a range?
I know, many of your are
saying, "Heavy Metal?" Well. In February of 1989, the band won the Grammy Award
for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for "Crest of a Knave."
Martin Barre's heavily
amplified, chord-driven lead guitar playing, which crunches and slashes with the
best of them drives the music, but it's Ian Anderson's vocals, flute, and
acoustic guitar that make Jethro Tull unique. And when it comes to stage
presence and performance, Anderson and his flute are nonstop and all over the
stage lending a true feeling of movement and excitement to the show.
I could go on and on about how
good the show is and how much I enjoyed it, but it's best to experience it for
yourself. They are currently on an extensive tour and here are some of the
dates and cities: