Jethro Tull was amazing, in the exact literal meaning of the word, back in the day. There was the landscape of pop music, dominated by blues derivatives with a little big band music still around; enjoyable enough within its limits, but definitely limited. And then Tull came along, and everyone had exactly the same reaction, whether they loved it or hated it: "Where the *bleep* did _that_ come from?"
I love how he plays the flute like he wants to. Not to impress the first chair flutist at the London Philharmonic, but simply to express what he wants for the song and the audience.
It really is admiring. I definitely started with classical aspirations, so the feeling like I needed to impress other classical players was definitely there. But now, I'm doing my own thing and it is so freeing. I And Ian definitely shows that you don't have to be a boring classical player to enjoy the flute!
@@KatieShesko Indeed it is admirable. I also think that you MUSTN'T be a boring player if you want to enjoy any instrument. And the same goes with all walks of life, really. Thanks for your reaction. You are sweet and genuine. And the moment when you got "caught" unawares during the video, your reaction was really cute!! Cheers and take care.
@@KatieShesko other flute bands, Focus(Thijs van Leer), Genesis(Peter Gabriel), Marshall Tucker band(3, yes THREE different flute players), and many others.
@@KatieShesko olá, sou brasileiro, por favor, adicione o recurso de legendas do youtube para outras línguas. Aqui na América Latina falamos português e espanhol, para quem estuda música é importante saber sua opinião. Grato,
No need to throw shade on the first chair flutist because they spent years and countless hours training and practicing and developing a beautiful sound so they could perform others' compositions faithfully and competently. They're not pop stars repeating the same songs for the next 60 years. You can't have a Philharmonic w/out highly trained and disciplined players doing things precisely and selflessly. Give the first chair flutist credit for putting in all that work and earning that esteemed position.
Ian created a character. He gave that character affectations. The “one foot” stance happened first when he played harmonica. Just came naturally, apparently. He likes to play the court jester. The simpleton wise man.
@wyomarine and, yes, quite a lot of psychology, sociology, comparative religions, art history and design double majors, social psychology of social problems, philosophy of psychology, aging and the aged, creativity in the aged, etc. Wrote and designed for an art mag in college, have watched hundreds of hours of interviews and the same with live performances of Tull and many other bands, I’ve even talked to more than one psychologist specifically about Ian. So, I’m sorry if Ian acted in a certain way on a certain day that gave you a rash. That’s how it goes. The list is pretty long of musicians who rub people the wrong way. I love Zappa - and actually so does Ian - so man, Frank doesn't really endear himself to everyone, particularly interviewers or the media or the broader public. 'Music journalism is people who can't write, about people who can't play, for people who can't read.' In art history it's called the three poles of the creative world. The artist, the critic and the consumer. People want easily consumed and understandble media. Something to stomp along to at 120 bpm, where sex is called love. So, turn the dial to something you like. Freedom of choice, all that. But, you know, calling Ian a psychopath, that's weirdly hyperbolic and laughable at least.
@wyomarine "I'm not a musician, I'm an artiste". He was upset the interviewer would insult him with the label of being a mere musician." If I were as talented as Ian Anderson, and had accomplished everything he had done, I too would be insulted by the title "musician." Ian was a superb multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, writer, and producer. His music writing and lyric story-telling abilities are incredible and nuanced. Ian observer of his period and commented on social, political, and cultural themes. He was also a masterful performance artist using his entire body and facial expressions to convey emotion and energy to the audience. Again, if I had the talent and C.V. that Ian Anderson has, I too would consider the label of musician to be woefully inadequate.
I was 9 in 1970. Saw Jethro for the first time in 76. Many times throughout the decades. Ian is a master performer, composer, musician. Thick as a Brick is top of the line.
He might not have had any classical training at this point in the band's career, but man it takes serious skill and practice to be able to play such tonally complex flute parts while singing, switching to guitar, and gyrating around on stage so much. Dude had SERIOUS stamina.
For a bigger appreciation of Ian Andersons musical talent, go listen to the studio cut of Locomotive Breath from the Aqualung album...and consider that EVERYTHING you hear in that cut is Ian. The band wasn't getting the sound he wanted for the song, so he recorded each instrument to its own track individually, then his own part, and studio mixed it all together. To top it off, he's an amazingly personable person. I've had opportunities to 'rub elbows' with him and chatted with him for a while, truely an amazing guy! Edit: FYI: Ians hand was injured by a fan shaking it a little too...manly... in his early career, so he stopped shaking hands, and instead rubs elbows as a greeting.
EVERYTHING? I must say he sure handled the piano part as well as John Evan ever did, and he captured Martin Barre's lead guitar part with aplomb. No need for Clive Bunker's drums either. Actually that is mostly wrong. Ian did not play every part on the recording. Not sure where you came up with that crazy yarn.
@@AdullFiddler-ez7tm It's as easy as checking credits for the song from the original album release...Ian is the only member of the band with credits for LB, while credit to the other band members is given for every other song on the same album. No need to take my word for it.
Thank you so much for recognizing Ian Anderson. You're so cool! My first concert, 1973, freshman in college, Boston Garden, Jethro Tull. OMG! Ian Anderson made the flute cool. Blew everyone's mind. Ian was the whole show. Jethro Tull has a place in my heart. Thank you!
I was at the Isle of Wight 1970 (including the two free days at the start) and whilst I have forgotten most of the acts I still retain vivid memories of odd people - Tiny Tim and Miles Davis, Hendrix of course, and Ten Years After oddly. I remember Jethro Tull vividly too. One of the great live bands of that day largely because of Anderson as a front man.
I want to suggest you review the Moody Blues. A rock and roll hall of fame band. There is a video of them working with a orchestra on the classic song Night in White Satin. You will LOVE it!!!!!! Thanks.
When Ian’s daughter started taking flute lessons she told him some of his fingerings were wrong so he went back and relearned them. He’s done work with some orchestras later in life. For a really good example, he performed at a Mozart festival. If you search RU-vid with Ian Anderson Mozart it should come up. It’s a jazzed up medley of Mozart with Bach thrown in at the end. He’s soloing with violinist Lucia Micarelli. Edit: Oh, the version you want is the 12 minute version
Awesome! I'll definitely check it out! That sounds amazing. And yeah, with someone self taught and they style he plays, it can be hard to discern what is "incorrect" fingerling versus what is done to achieve a specific sound.
@@KatieShesko Yeah, I found out pretty quickly that alternate fingerings were a thing, and why people generally avoid them unless they're deliberately using it for effect. But someone who just picked it up and started playing could easily stumble onto all sorts of different ways to play outside what is traditionally taught.
That Mozart stuff is dreadful elevator music, the worst example of Tull / Anderson. The best examples of his style after relearning the fingerings can be found on the album Roots To Branches.
Just wanted to let you know that this song was written in 1969 but didn’t make it to the record until 1971 and also the lyrics were quite different. The lyrics still deliver Ian’s message as well as the flute solo. So listen to the Aqualung album and you’ll be highly impressed with the variety of the songs and their musicianship
He is a multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to flute and acoustic guitar, plays keyboards, electric guitar, bass guitar, bouzouki, balalaika, saxophone, harmonica, and a variety of whistles.[2] His solo work began with the 1983 album Walk into Light; since then he has released another five works, including the sequel to the Jethro Tull album Thick as a Brick (1972) in 2012, entitled Thick as a Brick 2. Anderson is the youngest of three brothers. The oldest of the three, Robin, became administrator of Scottish Ballet in 1973.[3] In early 1970s Tull performances.[9] Anderson performing with Jethro Tull, Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 24 March 1977 At this time Anderson abandoned his ambition to play electric guitar, allegedly because he felt he would never be "as good as Eric Clapton". As he himself tells it in the introduction to the video Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970, he traded his electric guitar in for a flute which, after some weeks of practice, he found he could play fairly well in a rock and blues style. According to the sleeve notes for the first Tull album, This Was (1968), he had been playing the flute only a few months when the album was recorded. His guitar practice did not go to waste either, as he continued to play acoustic guitar, using it as a melodic and rhythmic instrument. As his career progressed, he added soprano saxophone, mandolin, keyboards and other instruments to his arsenal. His tendency to stand on one leg while playing the flute came about by accident, as he had been inclined to stand on one leg while playing the harmonica, holding the microphone stand for balance. Anderson was known for his famous one-legged flute stance, and was once referred to as a "deranged flamingo".
Lol, Ian was a Huge fan of Monty Python comedy like many Classic Prog Bands were (Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, Gentle Giant etc) that was all the rage in the 70s so he just Loved the nose snorts and other noises and that were often use in MP skits and also just having fun talking before songs and being silly !! : D
By the way, the album this song comes from, "Aqualung", is, basically, two concept albums in one. One side is CALLED, "Aqualung" and the other is called, "My God".
Saw them in the late 60s and San Bernardino live My first live concert I haven’t even graduated high school yet Stunning I believe Ian Anderson was into mathematics On a high degree
I saw them for the first time in 1973 and have seen him 3 times since. To me his concerts and Ian's performances are what I love. Their music is the same in person as well as recorded. He still at his age can still play the same way and on one leg, but I do miss his wild hair and facial expressions. My favorite group. But Iike Deep Purple, Led Zepplin etc also.
So check out the studio version from the Aqualung album the lyrics are a little different but the flute solo is amazing -there’s two flute tracks combined along with some Gregorian cha
Karie, You young lady have selected a great video & song!!!!!!! Ian is such a talent...... He is on an acoustic in this one!!! Not to worry, he switches over to his flute in a bit.... AS I have informed you before NO flutes were harmed in this video. How about some two tones??? We are good because he did his Captain Morgan one leg stand... And he is using his pinky this time!! Katie when are YOU going to cover this song??? Have you been practicing???? Thank you dear!!!!
Also, hats off to Ian...he never smoked but today is fighting lung cancer from the onstage smoke machines he hated but was forced to use by promoters, managers, etc. Imagine how many DEEP DEEP breaths he took in one night, sometimes surrounded by smoke. Life is not fair, as us oldsters have all learned by now. I think he is doing ok though...hope so...
I really like your reaction videos. I started playing the flute because of Ian when I was 14. Sadly I haven't played for 12 years. Being a J Tull fan for many years, I can recommend you a couple videos you might want to consider for a future reaction. Locomotive breath live in 1982: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eSUdlUmtg3Q.html And Thick as a Brick live in 1978: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FeBenliK6Lg.html
Have you not bought any Jethro Tull CDs yet ? At least a greatest hits Katie : ) Must albums ...... Aqualung 1971' Thick As A Brick 1972' Benefit 1970' Minstrel In The Gallery 1975' Songs From The Wood 1977' Bursting Out "Live" 1978' Living With The Past 2002' DVD Concert !! Your "Roots To Branches" reaction is from that DVD !! I hope you get some Katie : D
Just a note on recording in the late 60's/early 70's: Studio time was extremely expensive! The band had to be completely on their game with performance level work before entering the studio. No futzing about in your home with endless takes! Ian and the band were all accomplished pros - whether self taught or not. The thing about Tull studio albums is that Ian is truly a musical genius - and the layers, harmonies with himself and multiple flute and other instrument parts that become possible with multi track recording - shows the incredible talent: in composition, arranging, playing and dynamics, key and time signature changes, etc. - are really amazing. Your nerdy heart will absolutely LOVE listening to the studio version of Thick as a Brick - one 43 minute song - a modernistic "symphony" if you will based on folk tunes with rock and progressive treatments added in amazingly cerebral and emotional ways. If Beethoven were alive today and could hear, he would consider Ian a contemporary or peer. And an incredible "story" expertly told to music as you described. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ldXdnZtTWp8.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GTWQv8RsI6s.html Mixing simple folksie tunes or even medieval or baroque influences - with rock and his sound and talent makes for some very interesting and enjoyable experiences - you would also enjoy everything on the Album "Heavy Horses" The title song is a moving tribute to the almost lost breeds of Heavy Horses and the poetry of the lyrics set to his wonderful music can elicit tears: "Iron-clad feather-feet pounding the dust An October's day, towards evening Sweat embossed veins standing proud to the plough Salt on a deep chest seasoning"... "The Suffolk, the Clydesdale, the Percheron vie With the Shire on his feathers floating Hauling soft timber into the dusk To bed on a warm straw coating." ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vRHATZzMh-g.html Some of Ian's songs lend themselves well to live performance and some do not. Some are much better in the studio version and some songs are superior live. Again, a live version of Bouree (yes originally by Bach): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2u0XXpVGUwk.html His adding vocalizations is not as it once was - his voice is shot - but he makes up for it with much more finesse with the flute and can still play on one foot and dance across the stage - being in his 60's in the above video! Then there is the intricate and stunningly beautiful song called "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day" - which is best in the studio version: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S5D9HZyYI6g.html Almost every song from every album by Jethro Tull is worth listening to. Cross Eyed Mary: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0ufuH4vZ77w.html Pretty heavy rock, but with classic Ian flute intro and some solo work with the band There is this touching gem "Wondring Aloud" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TSkxvvgMAGQ.html Here is a direct quote from Ian Anderson in a long interview about the history of Jethro Tull: regarding his music - "...Martin understood what I was getting at. It was a more eclectic thing, bringing in elements of Western classical music, Asian music and even church music - the beginnings of something that was a little more spiritual. And also some real hard, driving rock songs. All of this stuff was in my head, but it required the input of Martin Barre, particularly." Full interview here: www.loudersound.com/features/ian-anderson-interview-the-beginning-middle-and-end-of-jethro-tull
I can't say whether Ian Anderson made up the one-leg thing consciously or not but I found myself doing much the same thing playing violin, involuntarily. It's kind of what the feel of the music is bringing your body to do, something like a bowler puts "English" on the ball after it's already released -- you know you have no control of the ball but the moving dynamics of what's going on sort of impose it on the body. I suspect Ian Anderson noticed the same feeling, and then deliberately played it up.
I can understand that a youngster may not have heard of Ian Anderson or Jethro Tull, but not a fellow flutist. We are ALL familiar with Ian's musical flute abilities and prowess.
Regarding the pinky finger, Ian has said in interviews that it’s a genetic abnormality that keeps his pinky from straightening completely. I recall it well because it really caught my attention, as I have the same issue - but until I heard him say that, I had never known it was “a thing”. The term for it is camptodactyly.
I think Ian had first picked up a flute less than two years prior to this performance and taught himself how to play. He didn't say he wasn't a good guitar player, he just had decided he would never be at Eric Clapton's level. For Roland Kirk, do "Serenade to a Cuckoo" (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BsaxODHI3fA.html ), then you can listen to Tull's version.
I cant believe any claimed flute player can say they never heard Jethro Tull before. I am 70 years old and live would have not been the same without Ian Anderson.
The musicianship of Tull (not just IA) is incredible. Super clean. For studio vs. live, it really depends on the band and the song. Some bands just have a hard time translating their music into a live situation. You should do a little study of the difference between live and studio for a song. Tull is just one of those that are always better live. Gotta let Ian's personality out to play. The greatest gag in the Grammy's history was when Tull won the first heavy metal grammy. Haha.
This particular iteration of the band in 1970 is my favourite. We are so fortunate that this excellent recording at the Isle of Wight festival was made.
I’ve been singing this song for days but haven’t heard it live ever . I love how u appreciate all his details! Just saw him and band a month ago live. He’s very long winded amazingly on his flute! Try to catch him if u can. His band is very active as he is, nice live band !
I only now found your channel. If you still do these sort of videos, please drop the ear to Mike Oldfield - Incantations Part 1, the intro & the reprise in the end. It has a nice flute part which is then extended in the reprise, featuring Terry Oldfield.
Thanks for the suggestion! I've been meaning to get back to reactions, but I keep getting sidetracked with my music projects and life. Hopefully once the kids are back in school I can get a bit more consistent with them!
When he dose the ape sounds and the crotch grab, it's like he going into the Aqualung character for a bit. I could be wrong that's the image that pop's into my head. loving your channel.
From the album "Aqualung". A must for rock lover's collection. Been a favourite of mine since its release. When I was a kid, my classical flute playing friends used to complain about his "dirty" sounds. They always complained. Now it seems to be part of the extended flute repertoire.
It's so sad that it was so looked down on back in the day, because you're right, it's now considered extended flute repertoire and many contemporary pieces utilize what Ian was doing.
Ian had only been playing the flute for less than 2 years at this time,completely self taught. He actually started playing on stage within @ a month of purchasing his first flute . Keep checking out the different suggestions you have gotten & you will be rewarded. Have fun.
It strikes me how much of what you say about flute being temperamental with the embouchure and fingerings also applies to bassoon, though I doubt Ian would've enjoyed swinging one of those around on stage. They get heavy.
I think with Ian being self taught ..its a case of he did because no one told him that he couldn't or shouldn't do that.. So he started making sounds and learned how to do it all on demand and one foot or whilst tearing around like the proverbial bardic loon..😉
Good stuff, Katie! Yeah I'm one of those who recommended this one (and 3 others)- because I knew you would love it. As to the album vs Live question... simple, do both. Album gives you the precise sound that the performers wanted to give you, the live version's sound is a bit the worse, but look at the impact Ian's visuals give you to make up for it. A brilliant overall performance by the Court Jester of Rock... and the King had best guard his young princesses... Peace from Canada.
The lyrics are basically a rant against organized religion. This is a quote about the song from Ian: “My God’, the first track [of Side 2], isn’t a song against God, or against the idea of God, but it is against Gods and the hypocritical church of the Establishment; it’s a criticism of the God they choose to worship.”
Thanks for that! Yeah, I knew the lyrics themselves could definitely be a whole video in itself. I definitely plan on delving into the lyrics for myself at some point.
@@KatieShesko If I remember correctly, Ian went to a religious school and developed a resentment toward the Church of England and that’s where this came from. From what I understand he believes in God. In fact, there’s a song of his called the “A Christmas Song” I always like at Christmas. It’s a short song that makes a good point. The lyrics are: Once in Royal David's City stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby. You'd do well to remember the things He later said. When you're stuffing yourselves at the Christmas parties, you'll laugh when I tell you to take a running jump. You're missing the point I'm sure does not need making; that Christmas spirit is not what you drink. So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry and how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong? And if I messed up your thoughtless pleasures, remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song. Hey, Santa... pass us that bottle, will you?
02:00 Let's remember that Jethro Tull, as a band, had only come into the public eye two years before (1968), and this is a track from the quite early _Aqualung_ concept album (1971). Indeed, the album hadn't yet been released so you're getting an early look at music that the general public hadn't been exposed to. 04:48 The single-footed stance is ALWAYS one of Ian's characteristic poses. One might think he was born to be a yogi. 06:20 I see bassist Glenn Cornick in the background, who would soon be fired from the band and replaced by Jeffrey Hammond. 06:43 Yes, he just quoted "Camptown Races." 06:49 And here we go with "God Rest Ye Merry." 13:58 While he's perhaps not so recognizable to the casual fan, Ian's look is crazily obvious to the real Tull-head, and even more so his voice. NO one in rock has ever sounded as he does. 14:43 Ian was an under-appreciated guitarist at this point. While he wasn't up to the things the band's main guitarist, Martin Barre, could do, he had chops worth listening to. 18:52 That's Clive Bunker, who quit the band after _Aqualung_ in order to stay with his new wife. He had a long career with a number of other bands. He was replaced by Barrie Barlow. 21:20 Dig deeper, then. Beginning with _Minstrel in the Gallery,_ Tull made several albums I think will be much to your taste. 35:10 YES, it's ALLLLLLLLLLL about the showmanship. Ian ALWAYS played to the seats in Nosebleed Row. 37:10 of COURSE you laugh in delight! I always do, when someone pulls out a quote like that. 44:00 It's important you do seek out Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Ian admired him from the very beginning of Tull, to the point of recording Kirk's "Serenade to a Cuckoo" on their first (anomalous) album, _This Was._ Kirk was a flute and sax player, incorporating variant saxes into his music.
The Jethro Tull concerts I was fortunate to attend were an amazing once in a lifetime experience. It is great to relive the experience. Theses videos also are an eye opener that I took some of the concerts with less appreciation than they deserve
I'm sure many earlier comments have told you you must listen to the LP: Aqualung...you will marvel...has anyone mentioned the Phenom. known as King Crimson...try In the Court of the Crimson King. Thanks for the attention to detail and yes, do some lyric overviews...😋
Love your choise , love your reaction and love Jethro Tull. How great musicians , such energy on stage , hes performance .... just a funny talentfully big party !!! Check Thick as a brick live , Living in the past , Cross eye Mary , wind up.❤❤ Love his icónic pose blowing flute estanding in one leg and one arm raised . Ian Anderson a pure blood Artist . Keep on rocking ❤ Keep on rocking beauty lady. Greetings from Barcelona
The only issue I have with Ian is his anti-counter cultural stance. I’ve never agreed with it and I don’t understand it. Otherwise, he and his band are outstanding!
I commented at another video that what was heard was jazz flute backed by a rock band. Here again, with the complexity, the changes, of the music, you hear the influence jazz. This was not simple rock and roll music. To appreciate Anderson and Tull, much was demanded of the listener's ear. That's why many people don't "get it", they're not willing to do the necessary "work" and would rather listen to Grand Funk Railroad.
Jazz flute, and its Latin counterpart, salsa flute (which happens to be one of the most compelling, mesmerizing and upbeat sounds in this musical genre, to me anyway) like you say, are another completely different ballgame...If you're not familiar with the tropical/salsa sound and its implementation of the flute particularly, I would suggest you try to catch some of that sometime...You won't be disappointed 🙂
Tull's had a number of line-up changes over the years - this line-up, which went on to make the 'Aqualung' record a year later - ( though bass player Glenn Cornick was on his way out of the band) - was not the original one that began in 1967 - '68 - but this line-up is my personal favorite. Clive Bunker was a monster on the drum kit.
Katie, I think you would get a kick out of the studio version of Jethro Tull’s Mother Goose. Again, Ian exhibits his ability on acoustic guitar but once you get past this period of appreciation of Jethro Tull musical performance, the lyrics and his vocal and physical expression of each song , you will be hooked. Scan the entire Jethro Tull catalog and videos and it will amaze you. My experience is similar to you, raised on classical, school band and orchestra , music scholarship to college and educating ( non-professional however). Next step for you is to analyze his lyrics. All members of Jethro Tull are expert musicians. Enjoy young lady !
The one foot thing - in an interview Ian said "It just happens". Keep in mind too that at this point, he might have been playing for only 2 years, so maybe it can be said of both his playing and showmanship, "it just happens". I've never heard anybody imitate Ian - you can listen to Ray Thomas, Moe Koffman, the group "Focus", and they never do any of this stuff. Ian is a natural showman on stage, but in other settings like interviews, he's just "the bloke next door mowing his lawn"
