Jethro Tull - The Reading Hexagon, England

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   Jethro Tull     

Friday 12th March 2010 - The Reading Hexagon Theatre, England

This was my first live Tull experience, and they didn't dissapoint. After a few minor car dramas, negotiating Readings 'challegning' one way system, we may made it to the Hexagon in good time for a beer, and to catch support act Saori Jo. This comprised of singer/pianist Saori Jo and her Spanish accompaniest Miguel on guitar. Before they played, Anderson came on stage, politely said good evening, and announced that numerous members of Tull would accompany Saori during her set. I thouroughly enjoyed their emotional performance which blended European folk, with blues and maybe even a touch of jazz here and there. Jo's vocal performance was superb, and at times I thought was reminiscent of Tori Amos. 

After a short break Tull took to the stage, and opened with an acoustic number which I didn't recognise. This was followed by 'The Water Carrier' Tull played an eclectic and varied set, picking tracks from most of their era's. I would have liked to have heard something from Broadsword, and maybe 'Thick as a brick' but generally the set was excellent, and included 'Songs from the Wood' 'Budapest' 'Locomotive Breath' 'Too old to rock 'n' roll too young to die' 'Aqualung' 'Life's a long song' and an excellent song called 'A changing of the horses' which they had penned whilst touring india, and I believe co-wrote with the daughter of Ravi Shanker. It was a song of beautiful twists and turns, as you would expect from the best Tull tracks, with a good blend of dramatic instrumental passages, and strong guitar and flute melodies. They also played 'Fat Man' from the 'Stand Up' album.

The current Tull line up is as follows:

I. Anderson - Vocals/Flute/Mandolin

Martin Barre - Guitar

David Goodier - Bass

John O'Hara - Piano, organ and accordian

Doanne Perry - Percussion

This current manifestation of the band is every bit as tight as previous line ups. They are skillful, well rehearsed musicians, who negotiate the sudden twists in Tull music with ease. Andersons voice was a little weak at times, but his flute playing was brilliant. 'Songs from the wood' which I acknowledge is a tricky song to play and sing, did sound a little rough around the edges, and Perry simplified the drum part slightly. Also missing were the vocal harmonies that really bring that song to life. But overall, this will be remembered as one of the best gigs I have ever attended. I came away with warm feeling inside, delighted that I had witnessed another of the 'big' prog bands from the golden era of my favourite music. Another thing that struck me about this performance was the sound quality. Without a doubt this was the best live sound I had ever heard. Every note was clearly audible, as was every beat and click of the hi-hats. Martin Barres' lead guitar sound soared with crystal clarity above the piano, bass and percussion, and intertwined beautifully with Andersons flute passages. Clearly the sound was mixed brilliantly, but also, and perhaps more crucially, it wasn't too loud!!! I may sound like an old git here, but if a band has gone to the bother or writing complex music, with dynamics that need to stand out and work with the rest of the arragements, then presenting it with a clear live sound must be a no brainer! Some bands should take note.

I had a fantastic night.            

Edited by Blacksword - March 13 2010 at 07:04

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