For the first time, Jethro Tull founder, singer, songwriter and photographer Ian Anderson has gathered together the complete lyrics from all of the Tull and solo albums in one volume. This deluxe hardback book is illustrated throughout with new, original and previously unpublished photographs taken by Ian to accompany certain lyrics.
Ian has combed through everything from This Was in 1968 to 2021, taking in all of his solo albums and tracks released only on box sets and compilations, to collate more than 300 song lyrics. After listening to original masters, checking notebooks and song sheets, Ian is confident that this book represents the complete, collected lyrics of his more than six decade-long career.
Los Angeles, CA - What do you get when add the woodwind talents of rock flutist Ian Anderson and the six-string skills of British guitarist Terry Reid to Badfinger’s unforgettable smash hit “Day After Day”? You get one of the most compelling and riveting reinventions of a classic song you’re likely to hear all year! Throw in a modern string quartet out of Manchester for good measure and now you’ve got one beautifully rendered, symphonic rock masterpiece! All of these elements combine flawlessly, as if the passage of time was merely waiting for them to coalesce around Joey Molland and company’s superb version of the song that originally appeared on Badfinger’s 1971 album Straight Up. Reid, whose ultra-melodic, soulful guitar playing earned him acclaim for his solo albums as well as session work for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Don Henley, adds depth to the emotive string arrangements of the Manchester String Quartet with his subtle playing while Anderson’s flute adds unexpected flourishes that will give listener’s the feeling of hearing this song for the very first time again and again, day after day!
Anderson shares this about the track, “Like many of my contemporaries, I remember ‘The New Beatles,' as Badfinger were unfortunately dubbed by the UK press. Great songwriting and production by George Harrison. [This version is] brought to life here by the Manchester String Quartet, alumnis of the Northern Royal College Of Music. I tried to find a few harmonies and simple counterpoints to interject into their splendid performance. For me, an elegant and nostalgic experience.”
Meanwhile, Reid had this to say, “It was great to go back and listen to this song again and get to play guitar on it as I’ve always loved the band and this song. I got to hang out with Joey back in the day and he’s a really great guy and a fine musician. Playing on this song brought back some great memories of a musical era that will never be forgotten by me and many others.”
Los Angeles, CA - What do you get when add the woodwind talents of rock flutist Ian Anderson and the six-string skills of British guitarist Terry Reid to Badfinger’s unforgettable smash hit “Day After Day”? You get one of the most compelling and riveting reinventions of a classic song you’re likely to hear all year! Throw in a modern string quartet out of Manchester for good measure and now you’ve got one beautifully rendered, symphonic rock masterpiece! All of these elements combine flawlessly, as if the passage of time was merely waiting for them to coalesce around Joey Molland and company’s superb version of the song that originally appeared on Badfinger’s 1971 album Straight Up. Reid, whose ultra-melodic, soulful guitar playing earned him acclaim for his solo albums as well as session work for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Don Henley, adds depth to the emotive string arrangements of the Manchester String Quartet with his subtle playing while Anderson’s flute adds unexpected flourishes that will give listener’s the feeling of hearing this song for the very first time again and again, day after day!
Anderson shares this about the track, “Like many of my contemporaries, I remember ‘The New Beatles,' as Badfinger were unfortunately dubbed by the UK press. Great songwriting and production by George Harrison. [This version is] brought to life here by the Manchester String Quartet, alumnis of the Northern Royal College Of Music. I tried to find a few harmonies and simple counterpoints to interject into their splendid performance. For me, an elegant and nostalgic experience.”
Meanwhile, Reid had this to say, “It was great to go back and listen to this song again and get to play guitar on it as I’ve always loved the band and this song. I got to hang out with Joey back in the day and he’s a really great guy and a fine musician. Playing on this song brought back some great memories of a musical era that will never be forgotten by me and many others.”
Features performances by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Supertramp’s John Helliwell & John Siebenberg, Toto's Bobby Kimball Manfred Mann's Chris Thompson, Cream's Jack Bruce PLUS Jazz-Rock giants Al Di Meola, Cory Henry, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Richard Bona and many more!
Los Angeles, CA - L.A.-based indie label Cleopatra Records and Hungarian-born songwriter/producer/musician Leslie Mandoki, the mastermind behind the living, breathing art rock project Mandoki Soulmates, are proud to announce the release of the first full-length album since the two entities joined forces earlier this year. Coming out on Cleopatra’s venerated progressive rock imprint, Purple Pyramid, home to such artists as Nektar, Tangerine Dream, Hawkwind-alumni project Hawkestrel, and Rick Wakeman, the album entitled Living In The Gap + Hungarian Pictures is actually a double album adding the 45-minute Prog Rock suite Hungarian Pictures, based on a musical concept by Deep Purple’s Jon Lord & ELP’s Greg Lake, to the original Living In The Gap album. Having already topped the Amazon Classic Rock Charts in Germany, Living In The Gap + Hungarian Pictures is poised to bring a whole new audience in North America, South America, the UK and beyond into the Soulmates’ family of fanatics.
As with his other projects under the Mandoki Soulmates banner, Leslie Mandoki has brought together a Murderer’s Row of rock icons and musicians from some of the biggest names in prog and classic rock including Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson plus current and former members of Toto, Cream, Supertramp, ELP, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and this list goes on and on! The coming together of such a diverse cast perfectly expresses the album’s lyrical theme of unity, which couldn’t be a more timely message for today’s world. Mandoki explains in the album’s video trailer, “We know that music is the greatest unifier…[These are] songs against division, from the old rebels to the young rebels. This is our time to take a breath for a better world.”
For additional information about this release, including press clippings, photos and more videos, visit: https://promo.mandoki-soulmates.com/ When entering the site, check out the newly developed Soulmates Weekly short-film series, providing exclusive and private insights behind the scenes of the Mandoki Soulmates who share their stories of performing with their legendary companions both on and off stage!
Also be sure to check out Mandoki Soulmates and Ian Anderson’s special tribute to the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic - hospital workers, grocery store clerks, food delivery drivers, and others - on the digital EP We Say Thank You! Proceeds from the EP will be donated to The United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the WHO (World Health Organization) and The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
Features performances by Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Supertramp’s John Helliwell & John Siebenberg, Toto's Bobby Kimball Manfred Mann's Chris Thompson, Cream's Jack Bruce PLUS Jazz-Rock giants Al Di Meola, Cory Henry, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Richard Bona and many more!
Los Angeles, CA - L.A.-based indie label Cleopatra Records and Hungarian-born songwriter/producer/musician Leslie Mandoki, the mastermind behind the living, breathing art rock project Mandoki Soulmates, are proud to announce the release of the first full-length album since the two entities joined forces earlier this year. Coming out on Cleopatra’s venerated progressive rock imprint, Purple Pyramid, home to such artists as Nektar, Tangerine Dream, Hawkwind-alumni project Hawkestrel, and Rick Wakeman, the album entitled Living In The Gap + Hungarian Pictures is actually a double album adding the 45-minute Prog Rock suite Hungarian Pictures, based on a musical concept by Deep Purple’s Jon Lord & ELP’s Greg Lake, to the original Living In The Gap album. Having already topped the Amazon Classic Rock Charts in Germany, Living In The Gap + Hungarian Pictures is poised to bring a whole new audience in North America, South America, the UK and beyond into the Soulmates’ family of fanatics.
As with his other projects under the Mandoki Soulmates banner, Leslie Mandoki has brought together a Murderer’s Row of rock icons and musicians from some of the biggest names in prog and classic rock including Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson plus current and former members of Toto, Cream, Supertramp, ELP, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and this list goes on and on! The coming together of such a diverse cast perfectly expresses the album’s lyrical theme of unity, which couldn’t be a more timely message for today’s world. Mandoki explains in the album’s video trailer, “We know that music is the greatest unifier…[These are] songs against division, from the old rebels to the young rebels. This is our time to take a breath for a better world.”
For additional information about this release, including press clippings, photos and more videos, visit: https://promo.mandoki-soulmates.com/ When entering the site, check out the newly developed Soulmates Weekly short-film series, providing exclusive and private insights behind the scenes of the Mandoki Soulmates who share their stories of performing with their legendary companions both on and off stage!
Also be sure to check out Mandoki Soulmates and Ian Anderson’s special tribute to the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic - hospital workers, grocery store clerks, food delivery drivers, and others - on the digital EP We Say Thank You! Proceeds from the EP will be donated to The United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the WHO (World Health Organization) and The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
“We all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world. Leslie managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too. I would like to add those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three-minute song. To all, we say, thank you.” - Ian Anderson on singing and playing flute on Leslie Mandoki’s “WeSayThankYou.”
Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson sings and plays flute with Mandoki Soulmates leader Leslie Mandoki. Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “#WeSayThankYou,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times.
Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”
The duet is being released as an EP on Thursday, May 7, 2020, through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional Mandoki releases are set to follow later this year.
There are three different versions of the song on the EP:
1. Duet with Ian Anderson. 2. New Version with Ian Anderson and Leslie Mandoki featuring Soulmates: Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell, multi Grammy Winner Randy Brecker (on trumpet), Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey, Simon Phillips (drums, along with Leslie),and backup singers: Bobby Kimball (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann´s Earth Band). 3. Unplugged, Acoustic, Living-Room-Concert, with Ian & Leslie, Randy, Steve, John.
Leslie will be donating the royalties from the sales, syncs, and airplay of “#WeSayThankYou” to a To-Be-Announced Charity.
“#WeSayThankYou” was written in the context of Leslie’s own isolation in Germany, where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician.
Ian and Leslie have worked together for over 25 years on various collaborations with his jazz-rock band Soulmates featuring the good and great of classic rock and jazz. Mandoki’s Soulmates toured North America in 2018.
VIDEOS Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki #WeSayThankYou
Statements of the Mandoki Soulmates on the crisis: Leslie, Ian, Randy, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Jesse Siebenberg, Nick Van Eede, Steve, John, Simon, Chris talking about the “#WeSayThankYou”’ mission.
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki with the Mandoki Soulmates #WeSayThankYou with John Helliwell of Supertramp, Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann, Bobby Kimball & Simon Phillips of Toto, Jazz-Icon and Grammy-Winner Randy Brecker, Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey
“We all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world. Leslie managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too. I would like to add those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three-minute song. To all, we say, thank you.” - Ian Anderson on singing and playing flute on Leslie Mandoki’s “WeSayThankYou.”
Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson sings and plays flute with Mandoki Soulmates leader Leslie Mandoki. Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “#WeSayThankYou,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times.
Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”
The duet is being released as an EP on Thursday, May 7, 2020, through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional Mandoki releases are set to follow later this year.
There are three different versions of the song on the EP:
1. Duet with Ian Anderson. 2. New Version with Ian Anderson and Leslie Mandoki featuring Soulmates: Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell, multi Grammy Winner Randy Brecker (on trumpet), Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey, Simon Phillips (drums, along with Leslie),and backup singers: Bobby Kimball (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann´s Earth Band). 3. Unplugged, Acoustic, Living-Room-Concert, with Ian & Leslie, Randy, Steve, John.
Leslie will be donating the royalties from the sales, syncs, and airplay of “#WeSayThankYou” to a To-Be-Announced Charity.
“#WeSayThankYou” was written in the context of Leslie’s own isolation in Germany, where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician.
Ian and Leslie have worked together for over 25 years on various collaborations with his jazz-rock band Soulmates featuring the good and great of classic rock and jazz. Mandoki’s Soulmates toured North America in 2018.
VIDEOS Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki #WeSayThankYou
Statements of the Mandoki Soulmates on the crisis: Leslie, Ian, Randy, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Jesse Siebenberg, Nick Van Eede, Steve, John, Simon, Chris talking about the “#WeSayThankYou”’ mission.
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki with the Mandoki Soulmates #WeSayThankYou with John Helliwell of Supertramp, Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann, Bobby Kimball & Simon Phillips of Toto, Jazz-Icon and Grammy-Winner Randy Brecker, Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey
“We all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world. Leslie managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too. I would like to add those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three-minute song. To all, we say, thank you.” - Ian Anderson on singing and playing flute on Leslie Mandoki’s “WeSayThankYou.”
Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson sings and plays flute with Mandoki Soulmates leader Leslie Mandoki. Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “#WeSayThankYou,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times.
Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”
The duet is being released as an EP on Thursday, May 7, 2020, through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional Mandoki releases are set to follow later this year.
There are three different versions of the song on the EP:
1. Duet with Ian Anderson.
2. New Version with Ian Anderson and Leslie Mandoki featuring Soulmates: Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell, multi Grammy Winner Randy Brecker (on trumpet), Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey, Simon Phillips (drums, along with Leslie),and backup singers: Bobby Kimball (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann´s Earth Band).
3. Unplugged, Acoustic, Living-Room-Concert, with Ian & Leslie, Randy, Steve, John.
Leslie will be donating the royalties from the sales, syncs, and airplay of “#WeSayThankYou” to a To-Be-Announced Charity.
“#WeSayThankYou” was written in the context of Leslie’s own isolation in Germany, where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician.
Ian and Leslie have worked together for over 25 years on various collaborations with his jazz-rock band Soulmates featuring the good and great of classic rock and jazz. Mandoki’s Soulmates toured North America in 2018.
VIDEOS Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki #WeSayThankYou
Statements of the Mandoki Soulmates on the crisis: Leslie, Ian, Randy, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Jesse Siebenberg, Nick Van Eede, Steve, John, Simon, Chris talking about the “#WeSayThankYou”’ mission.
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki with the Mandoki Soulmates #WeSayThankYou with John Helliwell of Supertramp, Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann, Bobby Kimball & Simon Phillips of Toto, Jazz-Icon and Grammy-Winner Randy Brecker, Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey
The iconic prog-rock band Jethro
Tull is immortalized through their music. There are other ways to achieve that
status if you have been around for over 50 years. One way is to provide your
fan base with a lavishly bounded hardcover book covering the history of the
band.
We now
have The Ballad of Jethro Tull. It is quite an overview from Ian Anderson the
band’s originator and leader, and other members of the band over the years.
I had the
opportunity to speak to Ian about the book but unfortunately, the audio for my
podcast did not transfer over. It was a sad day for this music fan and lifetime
JT fan. But such is life and I did retain what was said. What I garnered from
our conversation was that Ian was approached by the folks at Rocket 88. It was
not his idea nor was he thinking of such a project.
It all
turned out wonderfully as the book is a beautiful documentation of the band
with some colorful commentary from Ian and the band members that were involved
with the albums that were covered to the point when Ian cut his ties with band
and went solo then subsequently got a lineup capable of covering all of the JT
catalog and his solo projects. I was amongst the many that saw him and that
band on the 2018 50th anniversary tour.
I have to
say I have never received anything quite like this book covering a band. The
quality of the cover and all the pages and photos are superb! And it is
definitely worth the price of $50 on the book’s website. It is going for $70 on
Amazon so the choice is yours depending on what shipping costs add up to. Now
that is for the classic version. If you want to go with signature version at
$350 and claim one of the 500 limited edition copies, Ian’s autograph, a 7”
single created by Ian for the book’s title b/w “Marmion,” original art prints
by cover illustrator Peter Klucik, all in a clamshell box, then go for it. But
you better make your move now as I am sure it will sell out quite quickly. That
is quite the gift to put under the tree for your Jethro Tull superfan.
I had a
lot of fun reading all the stories and viewing all the pictures. If you are a
fan you will go through this book quickly compared to others you may have
hanging around in a box somewhere collecting dust. I admit I am one of those
people. If I find a book I have a great interest in like this one, then it is a
complete joy taking in every visual and every word and varying viewpoints of
all the different band members.
The
Ballad of Jethro Tull is an
up-close look inside one of the most successful band’s in the world. I think
what is so incredible was how it all started and where it all went. It is an
amazing story of determination, wit, and persistence getting to the top of the
heap in the world of prog-rock and music in general. From the humblest
beginnings to superstardom and multi-millionaires is always a great story!
The iconic prog-rock band Jethro Tull is immortalized through their music. There are other ways to achieve that status if you have been around for over 50 years. One way is to provide your fan base with a lavishly bounded hardcover book covering the history of the band.
We now have The Ballad of Jethro Tull. It is quite an overview from Ian Anderson the band’s originator and leader, and other members of the band over the years.
I had the opportunity to speak to Ian about the book but unfortunately, the audio for my podcast did not transfer over. It was a sad day for this music fan and lifetime JT fan. But such is life and I did retain what was said. What I garnered from our conversation was that Ian was approached by the folks at Rocket 88. It was not his idea nor was he thinking of such a project.
It all turned out wonderfully as the book is a beautiful documentation of the band with some colorful commentary from Ian and the band members that were involved with the albums that were covered to the point when Ian cut his ties with band and went solo then subsequently got a lineup capable of covering all of the JT catalog and his solo projects. I was amongst the many that saw him and that band on the 2018 50th anniversary tour.
I have to say I have never received anything quite like this book covering a band. The quality of the cover and all the pages and photos are superb! And it is definitely worth the price of $50 on the book’s website. It is going for $70 on Amazon so the choice is yours depending on what shipping costs add up to. Now that is for the classic version. If you want to go with signature version at $350 and claim one of the 500 limited edition copies, Ian’s autograph, a 7” single created by Ian for the book’s title b/w “Marmion,” original art prints by cover illustrator Peter Klucik, all in a clamshell box, then go for it. But you better make your move now as I am sure it will sell out quite quickly. That is quite the gift to put under the tree for your Jethro Tull superfan.
I had a lot of fun reading all the stories and viewing all the pictures. If you are a fan you will go through this book quickly compared to others you may have hanging around in a box somewhere collecting dust. I admit I am one of those people. If I find a book I have a great interest in like this one, then it is a complete joy taking in every visual and every word and varying viewpoints of all the different band members.
The Ballad of Jethro Tull is an up-close look inside one of the most successful band’s in the world. I think what is so incredible was how it all started and where it all went. It is an amazing story of determination, wit, and persistence getting to the top of the heap in the world of prog-rock and music in general. From the humblest beginnings to superstardom and multi-millionaires is always a great story!
I really enjoy covering these anniversary reissues of the Jethro Tull catalog. Although it seems like an eternity ago that these albums were first released it is still an enjoyable experience to hear the music in a different way if you are a big fan of the band.
With the 40th Anniversary of War Child (1974) I was transported back to the time I was in the Columbia Record Club and this very album was part of my membership package. It quickly became one of my favorite albums to spin on my little stereo system. Of course now I have my laptop, phone, tablet and a surround system that I can use to hear music. The different configurations of the album offered in the set make it unique. This music pops out at you with crystal clear definition like never before due to the care taken in the remastering process.
War Child was a highly underrated album and I believe it stands up well today as one of Jethro Tull’s strongest outings. With Minstrel In The Gallery coming out in May as another amazing 40thanniversary reissue I am sure I will find myself saying similar things. That is another strong release that I played often and realize today how underrated it was.
The 70s was Jehtro Tull’s strongest and most creatively fertile period. That is a matter of my own opinion however although I think many folks would agree. There is not a bad track on the album.
This is a beautiful set in a book format/case with 2 CDs and 2 DVDs. Steven Wilson continues to apply his studio wizardry to the catalog and does a fine job. The set includes original album and bonus tracks (three previously unreleased), remixed in 5.1 surround and stereo versions and perhaps the most interesting and intriguing segment of the set,the 10 orchestral pieces (nine previously unreleased) written for the film’s soundtrack which never saw the light of day until now. Four of the tracks are remixed in 5.1 surround and stereo by Wilson and when you hear them in that context it serves as a revelation of sorts. There were big plans for the full on production of the album and stage play but it never happened; 40 years on we finally get to hear what they had in mind.
And who can forget the mega hit single “Bungle in the Jungle” b/w “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day.” And yes I had the 45 and played it a lot and many of my friends liked “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day” better. As time passed the track grew on me and now I feel that was a better track. Again my opinion and taste prevail here.
“The Third Hoorah” promo footage from a January 1974 photo session/press conference where the War Child project was announced is included. It serves as an interesting bit of the bands history and is fun to watch. Ian Anderson updates the listener with his typical witty commentary as the soundtrack.
The 80-page booklet featuring an extensive article on the preparation and recording of the album, a film script synopsis, track-by-track annotations by Anderson, plus rare and unseen photographs are all part of the complete package.
War Child was a superb rendering of progressive rock and remains so. With this remastered set in all the different formats and bonus tracks makes for quite an adventure and it most certainly will give the release new life and a boat load of fans to come onboard the Jethro Tull remaster train. All aboard folks Minstrel in the Galleryis right around the corner! It’s time to paralyze the pumpkin eaters…
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: War Child, Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day, TheOrchestralWar Child Theme
Tracks: Disc One 01. War Child 02. Queen and Country 03. Ladies 04. Back-door Angels 05. Sea Lion 06. Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day 07. Bungle in the Jungle 08. Only Solitaire 09. The Third Hoorah 10. Two Fingers
Disc Two – The Second Act: Associated Recordings: 01. Paradise Steakhouse 02. Saturation 03. Good Godmother 04. SeaLion II 05. Quartet 06. War Child II 07. Tomorrow Was Today 08. Glory Row 09. March, The Mad Scientist 10. Rainbow Blues 11. Pan Dance
War Child Orchestral Recordings: 12. The Orchestral War Child Theme 13. The Third Hoorah (Orchestral Version) 14. Mime Sequence 15. Field Dance (Conway Hall Version) 16. Waltz Of The Angels”(Conway Hall Version) 17. The Beach (Part I) (Morgan Master Recording) 18. The Beach (Part II) (Morgan Master Recording) 19. Waltz Of The Angels (Morgan Demo Recording) 20. The Beach (Morgan Demo Recording) 21. Field Dance (Morgan Demo Recording)
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder
I really enjoy covering these anniversary reissues of the Jethro Tull catalog. Although it seems like an eternity ago that these albums were first released it is still an enjoyable experience to hear the music in a different way if you are a big fan of the band.
With the 40th Anniversary of War Child (1974) I was transported back to the time I was in the Columbia Record Club and this very album was part of my membership package. It quickly became one of my favorite albums to spin on my little stereo system. Of course now I have my laptop, phone, tablet and a surround system that I can use to hear music. The different configurations of the album offered in the set make it unique. This music pops out at you with crystal clear definition like never before due to the care taken in the remastering process.
War Child was a highly underrated album and I believe it stands up well today as one of Jethro Tull’s strongest outings. With Minstrel In The Gallery coming out in May as another amazing 40thanniversary reissue I am sure I will find myself saying similar things. That is another strong release that I played often and realize today how underrated it was.
The 70's was Jethro Tull’s strongest and most creatively fertile period. That is a matter of my own opinion however although I think many folks would agree. There is not a bad track on the album.
This is a beautiful set in a book format/case with 2 CDs and 2 DVDs. Steven Wilson continues to apply his studio wizardry to the catalog and does a fine job. The set includes original album and bonus tracks (three previously unreleased), remixed in 5.1 surround and stereo versions and perhaps the most interesting and intriguing segment of the set,the 10 orchestral pieces (nine previously unreleased) written for the film’s soundtrack which never saw the light of day until now. Four of the tracks are remixed in 5.1 surround and stereo by Wilson and when you hear them in that context it serves as a revelation of sorts. There were big plans for the full on production of the album and stage play but it never happened; 40 years on we finally get to hear what they had in mind.
And who can forget the mega hit single “Bungle in the Jungle” b/w “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day.” And yes I had the 45 and played it a lot and many of my friends liked “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day” better. As time passed the track grew on me and now I feel that was a better track. Again my opinion and taste prevail here.
“The Third Hoorah” promo footage from a January 1974 photo session/press conference where the War Child project was announced is included. It serves as an interesting bit of the bands history and is fun to watch. Ian Anderson updates the listener with his typical witty commentary as the soundtrack.
The 80-page booklet featuring an extensive article on the preparation and recording of the album, a film script synopsis, track-by-track annotations by Anderson, plus rare and unseen photographs are all part of the complete package.
War Child was a superb rendering of progressive rock and remains so. With this remastered set in all the different formats and bonus tracks makes for quite an adventure and it most certainly will give the release new life and a boat load of fans to come onboard the Jethro Tull remaster train. All aboard folks Minstrel in the Galleryis right around the corner! It’s time to paralyze the pumpkin eaters…
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: War Child, Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day, TheOrchestralWar Child Theme
Tracks: Disc One 01. War Child 02. Queen and Country 03. Ladies 04. Back-door Angels 05. Sea Lion 06. Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day 07. Bungle in the Jungle 08. Only Solitaire 09. The Third Hoorah 10. Two Fingers
Disc Two – The Second Act: Associated Recordings: 01. Paradise Steakhouse 02. Saturation 03. Good Godmother 04. SeaLion II 05. Quartet 06. War Child II 07. Tomorrow Was Today 08. Glory Row 09. March, The Mad Scientist 10. Rainbow Blues 11. Pan Dance
War Child Orchestral Recordings: 12. The Orchestral War Child Theme 13. The Third Hoorah (Orchestral Version) 14. Mime Sequence 15. Field Dance (Conway Hall Version) 16. Waltz Of The Angels”(Conway Hall Version) 17. The Beach (Part I) (Morgan Master Recording) 18. The Beach (Part II) (Morgan Master Recording) 19. Waltz Of The Angels (Morgan Demo Recording) 20. The Beach (Morgan Demo Recording) 21. Field Dance (Morgan Demo Recording)
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder