From humble beginnings in 1968, English rock group Jethro Tull went on to sell more than 60 million albums and notch up a collection of early ’70s classic hits such as Locomotive Breath and Living in the Past.
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They remain one of the most unique groups in music history, too, with frontman Ian Anderson widely recognised as the man who introduced the flute to rock music.
“Literally six weeks after getting my first note out of the flute, I was playing it on stage at the famous Marquee Club in London,” Anderson recalls today.
“And playing improvised solos! But let’s face it, the flute is not one of the most difficult instruments to play by any stretch of the imagination.”
Now 77, Anderson shows no signs of slowing down.
His group recently released their 24th studio album, Curious Ruminant, which showcases Jethro Tull firing on all cylinders.
The album also features the stunning guitar work of multi-talented guitarist Jack Clark, who recently joined the group.
“Jack is no stranger to the band, as he’s played with us on and off during the last few years,” Anderson says.
“Primarily as a bass player for a couple of years when our bassist, David Goodier, had to have hip-replacement surgery.
“Then, when Joe Parrish, our previous guitar player, decided to hang up his touring hat, Jack took his place.”
Anderson’s signature flute playing will soon be featured on a track by one of his contemporaries, Engelbert Humperdinck.
“He recently asked if I could add some flute and some vocals to a track,” Anderson says.
“He’s recording an album of rock covers.
“It’s something that’s in the works and won’t be released until the end of this year.
“He’s 88, and still out there doing an album of rock music covers!”
Spirituality is a theme running through a lot of Anderson’s songs.
One song, My God, in particular, from the group’s 1971 album Aqualung, has courted much controversy over the years due to Anderson’s irreverent take on the Christian religion.
“That was a song written about my feelings as a schoolboy when I was about 14 years old, questioning the validity of Christianity as we were being taught at school,” he says.
“And it wasn’t in any way meant to be negative in regard to either Christian worship or the idea of the Godhead.
“It was just trying to get to the spiritual essence of the idea rather than be caught up in the rather gaudy, ritualistic gilded cage.”
Jethro Tull have toured Australia numerous times over the years, so any plans to return?
“I don’t have any plans to return, but I don’t have any plans not to return,” he says.
“It’s just that I’m very busy.
“I used to do about 120 concerts a year.
“Then 10 years ago, I decided I wanted to spend more time not only sleeping in my own bed, but to see things around me in the UK and Europe as a historical tourist.
“So, I cut things back to about 60 concerts a year, which is what I’m doing now.”
Jethro Tull’s upcoming live album, Live From Baloise Session, which was recorded in November 2008 at the prestigious Baloise Session in Basel, Switzerland, will be released on June 13.
For more on Jethro Tull, go to jethrotull.com/
Music news
Groundbreaking jazz-fusion guitarist John McLaughlin is set to release his new album, titled Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022, on August 8.
It’s turning into a bit of a soap opera. You may remember a few weeks back, this column mentioned the news that The Who drummer Zak Starkey had been fired by the group, only for the group to later reinstate him.
Well, this week the long-time drummer was let go again, and this time it seems for good, in advance of The Who going out on a farewell tour.
And speaking of firings — after being announced as the new drummer for Foo Fighters two years ago, following the death of Foo drummer Taylor Hawkins — Josh Freese was unceremoniously fired from the group last week by Dave Grohl.
Freese is one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene, having worked with everyone from Guns ’N’ Roses and Sting to The Offspring.
Live review
Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz, Sunday, May 18, Memo Music Hall, St Kilda
It’s been almost 10 years since Hank Marvin, legendary English guitarist from The Shadows, was last in Melbourne.
Last weekend he performed two exclusive Melbourne-only shows at Memo Music Hall in St Kilda with his quartet: Nunzio Mondia on accordion, Gary Taylor on rhythm guitar and Pete Jeavons on upright bass.
Having played the night before to a full house, Marvin returned for a second afternoon show, again playing to a full house that comprised mostly of an audience who’d grown up with Marvin’s music.
The 90-minute set focused heavily on material from the quartet’s two albums: 2013’s Django’s Castle and their most recent, Foolin’ With The Feds.
It saw Marvin stamp his unmistakable signature playing on numbers by Fats Waller — Honeysuckle Rose; Duke Ellington — Caravan and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), and jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt — Swing Guitars and Manoir de Mes Rêves — among others.
He also revisited two Shadows classics, Nivram and Guitar Tango, reimagining them in the Django jazz guitar style.
Hank’s witty banter between songs added a light-hearted touch to proceedings.
A perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.
An inspiring, entertaining and brilliant performance that affirms, without a shadow of a doubt (no pun intended), why Hank Marvin is one of the world’s most influential guitar players. A true legend in every way.
This week’s global music charts
Australia: ARIA Top 50 — At No.1 is Alex Warren with Ordinary
US: Billboard Hot 100 — At No.1 is Kendrick Lamar & SZA with Luther
UK: Official Top 100 — At No.1 is Alex Warren with Ordinary
Fun fact
Pop singer Connie Francis was the first woman in history to hit No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with Everybody’s Somebody's Fool in 1960.
She was also the first woman to have three No.1 hits on the chart.
Joe Matera is a local singer-songwriter, recording artist, guitarist and music journalist providing readers with all the latest music news.
Musical Musings columnist