ROOTS TO BRANCHES

Jethro Tull's music has matured on this album. Ian Anderson has finally found a style that matches his weakened voice. And I mean that in the best way possible. Blending the eastern orchestration of his fantastic Divinities solo album, with the rock stylings of Tull, Anderson has come up with his finest album in quite a long time. And guest bassist Steve Bailey gives much of the album a jazzy feeling that has never been on any Tull release.

Highlights? Well there are so many. But I'll have to pick a few. The title track, Roots To Branches sets the tone, with it's exotic rhythms, powered by Andy Giddings' lush keyboard work. Out Of The Noise is an upbeat rocker, that allows Anderson to sing and play some very lively stuff, without sounding strained. The Valley and Wounded, Old And Treacherous have some of the best lyrics Anderson has written in decades.

Really, there is not a bad song on the album.