MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY

This review applies to Digitally Re-mastered with Bonus Track version, 2002. This is the third version that I have in my collection. The first one was a cassette version distributed by Perina Aquarius dated back mid seventies. I remember vividly that I numbered this collection with 82 in my rock collection. I knew the cassette roughly 3 weeks before purchase date - displayed at local shop at Jl. Bogowonto, Madiun - as I had to save my pocket monies from my mom in order to get it for my collection. You can imagine how happy I was, being able to finally purchase the cassette three weeks later. Once I got it from the shop I run my bicycle like crazy for going home and played it at my Phillips cassette player. The second version was CD format that I purchased in November 1996. And last year I purchased the re-mastered version which has better booklet with brownies nuance. All lyrics are printed plus original vinyl inner bag - reprinted with CD size. Very beautiful booklet.

This album is one of the finest works by Jethro Tull where the band composed the music with the support of orchestra, arranged by David Palmer. My chief reason of having this album at first time was due to my satisfaction with War Child, Aqualung and Thick As A Brick. When I played it at the first time I was amazed with the beautiful composition of title track Minstrel In The Gallery which combined acoustic guitar work and hard rock music but not in a straight forward structure. It's a very energetic track. The album sounded more accessible for my ears compared to Thick As A Brick.

But what truly amazed me was the epic "Baker Street Muse" at 6th track which comprises four parts. For me, this track is like the answer to Genesis' Supper's Ready, or Yes' Gates of Delirium or even the band's previous epic Thick AS A Brick! It blew me away at first play and it's still my favorite until now. Not that this epic has many catchy and killing melodies, but the overall structure is truly brilliant. It combines an acoustic guitar virtuosity through some passages that form a coherent flow of music. It's also a very emotional in mood as it has varieties of style with pure vocal and acoustic guitar as well as with drums and other instruments. The music brings us to many emotive stages. I especially love the intro where the acoustic guitar enters in a very clean sound with great sonic quality (remember: this was recorded in 1975!). The lyrics starts calmly but with very strong accentuation: "Windy bus-stop. Click. Shop - window. Heel." Oh my GOD . the melody is so nice! "Shady gentleman. Fly-button. Feel.". and so on. The first lyrical verse end up beautifully with "Symphony match-seller ." (what a great singing ian!) .. continued with "You can call me on another line". Uuhhh .. It's so nice and so uplifting, mood-wise. I don't really care what the lyrics is talking about, but the combination with the music has made me stunned ... I admire you, Mr. Ian Anderson! Top notch! The orchestra is also excellent. When the music enters the chorus with "Didn't make her - with my Baker Street Ruse" and the full music (with drums) follow in dynamic way. Uh man . I cannot bear it anymore. This part has made me truly stunned and totally paralyzed listening to the great musical harmony of the music. OK OK, I'd better stop it, it's gonna be too long if I write all what I feel about this wonderfully crafted track!

The other tracks are also excellent; there is no such thing as mediocre track in this album. The above two tracks are really stand-out that's why I need to elaborate in further detail. If you love acoustic guitar and piano composition with orchestra, you will definitely love this album. Are you familiar with Traffic's John Barleycorn Must Die? Or Scarborough Fair rearranged and performed by the Dutch classic rock band: Brainbox? Crosby, Still Nash and Young? The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel? Well, sorry .. I'm not saying that all that I mention are in close proximity, musically, with Minstrel in The Gallery album. But, if you love that acoustic-based songs, that's a good start for liking this album! The only difference is the structure - it's a bit complex. Overall rating is 4 ½ out of 5 stars. Notes on bonus track: I'm really disappointed with the last two tracks Minstrel In The Gallery (Live) and Cold Wind To Valhalla (Live) where both of them were intentionally faded-out. Very disappointing. But the original album is really excellent. Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' .!

Progressively yours,

GW

"Symphony word-player, I'll be your headline. If you catch me another time." - "Baker Street Muse" Jethro Tull.