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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Jethro Tull - The Reading Hexagon, England
    Posted: March 13 2010 at 07:03
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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 13 2010 at 07:10
Thanks for the review, Andy, and also for the encouraging picture you paint. JT will be coming here in June (it would be the fourth time for me, and the first for Micky), and I was wondering if they were still worth seeing live. The last time I saw them (Rome, 2006), I was somewhat underwhelmed, and decided to skip them when they came next, in 2008. Now I believe we'll definitely goSmile!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 13 2010 at 11:54
Hi Raff. Having not seen them before, I cant really compare to past performences, but I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. It wasn't the most rock 'n' roll gig I'd ever been too. Just excellent music, played very well.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 13 2010 at 12:21
I saw the Oxford gig. As you mentioned, Saori Jo was excellent; set list I remember was pretty similar to yours with a fair bit of range, though there were three or four songs off Stand Up (Bouree... in fact, all of those... as a highlight, I think), Aqualung/Locomotive Breath to finish proceedings and another new one - Water-Carrier. Anderson was a consummate showman, vulnerable voice compensated for by the quality of his flutework. The two newer pieces were the ones that, while nice, didn't really do much for me, and I agree that Songs From The Wood didn't really match up to the album take.

To be fair, my friend who wasn't familiar with Tull liked the two new pieces more than a lot of the classic stuff.


Edited by TGM: Orb - March 13 2010 at 12:22
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 13 2010 at 14:42
one of the most satisfying live acts--  see them while you can, whenever you can, as they won't be around forever.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2010 at 07:46
Rats - I heard they were playing there (10 mins walk from my house!), but didn't find out when...
 
Last time I saw Tull was at the Hexagon in the 1990s, and they were excellent then - good review, Andy - you really made me annoyed at missing it!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2010 at 07:55
Thanks! It did occur to me on the night, that you may be there....obviously not.

Oh well, maybe next time. They're still well worth seeing.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2010 at 14:49
I saw them them on the first night of the tour in Northampton and even though they were musically excellent, I was concerned about Ian Andersons vocals. He did have some difficulties at times. Maybe he was having a bad a night or was it a sign of advancing age?
Still, it did put me mind of other bands who are reaching their sell by date or (dare I say it) passed it! Emerson, Lake & Palmer this summer should be interesting.  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 23 2010 at 08:48
He was struggling, not just with the higher notes, but with holding any notes for any length of time. The most patchy performance was 'Songs from the Wood'

Tull are clearly past their best. You only have to watch the Live at Madison Sq Gardens DVD, to see that, but I think that to generally sound as good as they do, after 40 years or so, is quite an achievement. I think Martin Barres lead guitar work was still excellent.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 11:00
Just been to see them at Perth the other night.   That's a long tour they're nearing the end of and I also felt Ian Anderson was struggling with the voice on occasion
 
The support act was interesting but maybe a bit long - enjoyed the song where JTull members joined in.  As for themain set, i thought it took time to get going and gell.     As a longstanding fan, I actually enjoyed the new world music material (E. Europe, indian) better than some of the older stuff - quite compelling
 
However they did their stride toward the end with long takes of Budapest, Aqualung then Locomotive Breath to finish on a high.
 
it was a privilege to see this lineup in action. Real professional showman Andersn and ultimately didn;t disappoint - though that's not to overlook some shortcomings.
 
Average age of audience mid 50s?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 11:06
^^^ Oh yes, I felt very young at 41!!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 12:36

Just add this aside to my earlier thoughts on the Jethro Tull gig, Glasgow (30/3/10).

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 12:45
Ah yes the support!  Was overlong and a bit over amplified when I was Tull in Northampton. One or two members of the audience got a little impatient, shouting "get off " at one point. I did'nt, far too polite!   
I too enjoyed the newer materia,l though the band really hit their stride towards the end with Budapest, Aqualung and Locomotive Breath. Martin Barre was on great form and the banter between Ian Anderson,  other band members and the audience was funny. It was just a pity about the vocalist's voice at times.
One point, did anyone who saw them later on in the tour see any programmes for sale? I was told quite curtly at the sales stand that there wasn't any. This is sad really because Tull programmes have always been a good read.   
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 12:53
Hello, me again. Average audience - age 50 to 55. Unfortunately, I fall into that bracket. Mostly ageing male hippies, again like me. Some took their "chicks" along. Mine was quite bored at times, kept asking which one was Jethro Tull! She needs some serious education, man!    
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 13:41
Originally posted by dick-dicky dick-dicky wrote:

Hello, me again. Average audience - age 50 to 55. Unfortunately, I fall into that bracket. Mostly ageing male hippies, again like me. Some took their "chicks" along. Mine was quite bored at times, kept asking which one was Jethro Tull! She needs some serious education, man!    


I had to explain that to a woman in her early 60's, at work, the day of the gig. I said 'I'm going to see Jethro Tull tonight' to whcih she replied 'Oh yes, I remember him; the guy with the flute? He was quite good wasn't he'

I said 'No' HE was a sixteenth century farmer who invented the seed drill, THEY are quite good!'

Edited by Blacksword - March 31 2010 at 13:45
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 15:26
Oh Blacksword, what can I say? There is alot of ignorance about. It's enough to make you weep!!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2010 at 16:15
Originally posted by dick-dicky dick-dicky wrote:

Oh Blacksword, what can I say? There is alot of ignorance about. It's enough to make you weep!!
 
There is indeed - Jethro Tull was actually born in the 17th century. Wink
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2010 at 02:47
^^^ How did I ever scrape through that History O level!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2010 at 04:49
Originally posted by Blacksword Blacksword wrote:

^^^ How did I ever scrape through that History O level!
 
The mind boggles, as you are quite clearly... thick as a brick ! LOL
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2010 at 06:02
You wise men dont know how it feels..!!!!
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