WALK INTO LIGHT

Ian Anderson

Prog Folk

2.80 | 155 ratings

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Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

"Jethro" goes solo

Ian Anderson is of course the major part of Jethro Tull (to the extent that many of the unenlightened think his name is Jethro Tull). Here though he actually undertakes one of his rare solo ventures, assisted only by Peter-John Vettese. Vettese contributes various keyboards and backing (or blouse as Anderson refers to them) vocals, with Anderson performing all else. Song writing duties are either shared, or left to Anderson.

The album consists of ten tracks lasting between three and five minutes each. The opening "Fly by night" sets the scene for the entire album, being a slightly understated, commercial affair. Anderson's vocals are of course unique, and his flute inevitably appears at regular intervals. This naturally means a Jethro Tull feel from time to time, such as on the title track and "Toad in the hole". Overall though, the distinction between Tull and Anderson solo is apparent.

There is a general weakness to the album both in terms of production and the quality of the material. It has an air of being a home made effort, the keyboards in particular sounding like they were played on something you can buy from any catalogue shop. They lack any warmth or depth, causing the album as a whole to suffer in a similar way. The songs sound like Tull rejects, with dull lyrics about train travelling, performing live on stage, and a rather corny PCs vs. relationships comparison entitled "User friendly". Only the Barclay James Harvest tingled final track "Different Germany" rises slightly above the mediocrity, noticeably in the melody department.

There's nothing prog about the album to speak of, and nothing much to excite even ardent Tull fans. Even the sleeve is an unimaginative monochrome affair with a picture of smartened up (!) Anderson, and a colour test card band.

One to avoid.

Easy Livin | 2/5 | 2005-2-16

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