SONGS FROM THE WOOD

Jethro Tull is back with a better album! Yeah, this one shows improvement from the band's previous release "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll, To Young To Die" which was recorded in a hurry after the band released an excellent "Minstrel In The Gallery" album. This album is strong musically and it resembles the music of original Tull with - this time - more of organ work. The line-up is the same with previous album but this time David Palmer contributes more than just playing sax on previous album. This time he plays piano, synthesizer and Portative Organ.

The opening title track starts off with choirs in an excellent harmony followed with stunning acoustic guitar rhythm and organ work. Second track "Jack-In-The- Green" is a good one with Ian Anderson plays all instruments. "Cup Of Wonder" has an excellent combination of flute and acoustic guitar typical of Tull music."Hunting Girl" was my favorite when I was in senior high school as it has a very nice and catchy organ and flute work. The song moves dynamically with flute leading the way with dynamic music that follows. Guitar riffs provide break that brings to the entrance of vocal line. Oh yes, this track is very memorable for me and I remember my friend, Kok Bolex, also loved this song and we usually sung together at the time. We also aired this track regularly at our illegal radio station and popularized the song to our home city of Madiun at East Java, Indonesia. What a great and memorable track! It's funny if you don't enjoy this track - it's so powerful!

"Ring Out, Solstice Bells" is a song to cheer up because it has hand-clapping as part of the song. "Velvet Green" has an excellent composition influenced by classica music. The combined flute and acoustic guitar work is top notch! "Pibroch" is another memorable track which reminds me to my old school days. It starts off with a rocking electric guitar solo in long sustain fashion. What a rocker! The flute sound brings the music into dynamic part combined with tight basslines of John Glasscock. Structurally it's a well-crafted song with catchy melody. You should not miss this track man!

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection with the music that represents true Tull sounds with modern setting especially through the use of organ / synthesizer by John Evans and David Palmer. Recommended! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW