THIS WAS

OK, This Was the first JT album and it was also my first LP record that I obtained "from abroad" via mail order, so I am emotional about it.

Prog or not, this is the early work of a band which already established main ingredients of their sound, namely the unique flute playing. Album is largely based in blues-rock and British blues scene influence is evident. But, unlikely THE ANIMALS or JOHN MAYALL, JT already pushed further the blues structures, incorporating folk and traditional elements, as well as jazz.

"Serenade to a Cuckoo" is a wonderful marriage between Baroque and jazz with amazing flute. "My Sunday Feeling" is powerful and heavy blues number that rock starts hard, while "Beggar's Farm" is already a Tull classic. Frequently neglected, even among the Tull fans, "This Was" is a powerful debut that, when re-listening today after almost 40 years, shows how strong the ideas and musical innovation were present at the very beginning. Kudos to Anderson, Bunker, Cornick and Abrahams (his single affair with Tull, unfortunately).

PERSONAL RATING: 4,5/5

P.A. RATING: 4/5