BENEFIT

As Ian Anderson wanted the music of Tull had somewhat less blues influenced, the band did prove it through their follow-up album "Stand Up" (1969) which I already reviewed in this site couple of months ago. "Benefit", the band third album released in 1970, confirmed the band departure from blues to their own Jethro Tull Sound combining the heavy use of flute and acoustic guitar as rhythm section which anchored their music into what people mentioned later as progressive folk music. Even though it's hard to deny that there is a bit influence of blues in this album - as was the case with many classic rock music released during late sixties and early seventies. By the time this album was released there was no such term as progressive as a commonly used language by music critics at the time. Just to put things into perspective, by the time this album was released, The Beatles released "Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band" three years in advance (1967), King Crimson was releasing their second album "In The Wake of Poseidon" after the success of debut album "In The Court of The Crimson King" (1969) which most people reckon as the birth of prog rock. Genesis was releasing their second album "Trespass" and Yes "Close To The Edge" was not born yet. Looking at this perspective it's quite clear the "Benefit" has its own standing in their musical style.

The album kicks off with ambient flute work in "With You There To Help Me" followed with floating vocal line and rhythm section. The music style is a blues-rock with hard edged guitar work (melody) by Martin Barre. The flute demonstrates its role during short interlude. It's a warm opening track. Acoustic guitar plays as rhythm section and strengthens the "folk" image of the band's music. But if we observe the music in great detail, I can confirm that structurally and style-wise this track is a prog rock. "Nothing To Say" (please do not confuse with other Tull's track "Nothing's Easy") has a mellower in style but maintaining the floating singing style of Ian which later become his trademark. Very cool and very enjoyable - Martin Barre's soft riffs are stunning. "Alive And Well And Living In" continues the music with a styke that has become Tull's sound as you can find this with even later album of Tull like "Heavy Horses". Next tracks "Son" and "For Michael Collins, Jeffrey And Me" are excellent tracks as well with the latter uses acoustic guitar fills as main rhythm section.

The best favorite track out of this album is probably "To Cry You a Song" which also became a title of tribute album released by Magna Carta (see my review in this site under Various Artists). This song forms its style in heavy rock with soft guitar riffs as main rhythm section with dry singing style by Anderson. It's melodically very strong and it has a good composition with excellent variations of electric guitar work. I can hardly hear flute sound in this track but still this one still represents great Jethro Tull Sound! You can also enjoy the tribute version in To Cry You A Song performed by Glenn Hughes (formerly with Deep Purple). "A Time Foe Everything?" brings the flute back into music but Martin Barre's guitar is still dominating the music.

"Inside" has a different style than its previous tracks whereby flute is now floating, accompanying Ian's singing. It's really cool having this track presented after relatively rocking track. "Play In Time" bring the music into upbeat tempo with aggressive flute playing style and energetic singing augmented with soft guitar riffs - unique to Jethro Tull's music. The intertwining sounds of guitar and flute is stunning. "Sossity: You're A Woman" concludes the album with a mellow nuance with great acoustic guitar fills as main rhythm section accompanying voice line. This drum-less track is really powerful. As usual, flute provides great inserts throughout the song.

Overall, it's an excellent album with tight composition, powerful songwriting and flawless performance. This album has put a strong foundation for the future of Jethro Tull's music. Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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