NOTHING IS EASY: LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1970

Jethro Tull was already extremely popular in the UK already at the time of the festival so they played on the last day of the festival, rather late at night and pretty close to the top of the bill, just before Jimi.

Their album "Stand Up" reaching even the first spot of the UK charts. Still, their concerts so far were more in clubs (like in the Cavern in August 66 - Liverpool of course), their Marquee debut in June 67 (as opening act) while their truely debut as Jethro Tull there will take place in February 68.

They will even open there for "The Who" on April 23rd, 1968 ! Tull will play a lot there and Ian will mention this on stage at the start of this DVD. He will tell something like :"This is not quite like the Marquee". I bet you ! But no signs of stress or anything. From no one. Just a bunch of young musicians playing live...

They will play both the Fillmore East & West in early 69, and their first big venue will be The Albert Hall, sharing the bill with "Ten Years After". After September 1969, the Tull shows would be mostly sold out (even the Albert Hall in October) and their fame will only grow till this "Live at The Isle Of Wight" show.

For those of you interested in HISTORY, this document is absolutely necessary. You will discovered a young Ian Anderson (aged 23 at time) and already an incredible showman. It is almost on par with The Who (probably the best there) and Jimi's (but that's an emotional comment) performances in this festival : great.

Actually, he is a born entertainer. Such a great sense of humour (already joking a lot about Martin Barre, which he still does actually), such a charism, such a confidence (even when the band is rehearsing for a bit too long during the start of this DVD).

IMO, the greatest moment of this set is "My God". A new song at the time since "Aqualung" will be released in 1971. Ian is fantastic in his flute solo and the audience really appreciates. But what's more important than the tracks is the feeling you get out this set.

Fantastic energy (have a look at "Dharma" which is over-extended to over than ten minutes but Tull was used to do so), a wild Ian Anderson all the way through and a solid backing band.

Some studio footage and comments from Ian are welcome and will even feature Tony Iommy during "Song For Jeffrey". But he'll only play very little time with Tull and will found Sabath a little later.

Four stars.