Release Date: March 7, 2025
Label: Inside Out
As most fans have become intimately familiar with Ian 2.0 and his voice, the music's strength carries him into the future. He sings/talks his way through his storytelling, a familiar and comforting journey that works just fine as far as I am concerned.
The subject matter presented here can be deep and reflective for a man nearing 80. He hints in the liner notes that he is still here and plans to continue, but you never know what tomorrow may bring. So, as a long-time fan, I appreciate what he continues to do more with each passing year.
Curious Ruminant is an excellent addition to the Jethro Tull catalog. The one song that amazed me was the nearly seventeen-minute "Drink From The Same Well." It was on the level of some lengthier prog rock classics, such as Thick As A Brick. It was not nearly as long, just reminiscent of that musical muscle stretching out like the earlier version of the band, and what it was known for.
"Puppet And The Puppet Master" kicks off the journey with a soft beginning, then into a flute intro. His playing of that instrument remains captivating. The pace gradually increases with fluidity, yet is restrained and quite effective. A splendid solo from the electric guitar is a highlight, albeit short, as the other positions also get their chance to announce their arrival to the mix.
"Curious Ruminant" begins with an excellent bass and guitar. The music is fantastic and rocks, with some holding back on exuberance and intensity. Acoustic interludes find their way into the mix, and the electric guitar lines weave into the tapestry of multi-hued sounds. A melodic flute coursing through brings pleasantries as more electric guitar fills the space.
"Dunsinane Hill" features a mellowed-out flute piece casually inviting you in. Intricate guitar notes float over that beautiful instrument as the bass and drums precisely keep the path clear for Ian's skillful approach to every composition. Some catchy rhythms and lovely flute passages keep your interest.
"The Tipu House" immediately starts with a faster tempo with the flute. A tempered guitar lends elegance as the bottom end holds on strong and true. Keyboard flurries are catchy here and firmly in place, giving it all a prog-like feel. A "shut the door" ending finishes out the track.
"Savannah Of Paddington Green" immediately brings the acoustic guitar to the front, accompanied by Ian's lyrics. The tempo increases with a colorful amount of music, changes direction, and returns to where it started. The lyrics reach you through the perfected instrumentation and Ian's subdued delivery. It's important to note how understandable Ian is, which is key in interpretation, where he is coming from, or always implying, to make you feel and reflect more.
"Stygian Hand" rang out in a celebratory atmosphere as if the court jesters had entered to entertain the royal family. It felt like an old English setting in the days of castles, moats, and drawbridges. Some rhythmic guitars, acoustically driven, take hold with superbly magical flute playing. Andrew Gidding does a fantastic job on the keys, as he always does. A well-placed electric guitar, albeit just a taste, closes out this side of the platter.
Side B is where things get more interesting, intense, and colorful from start to finish. The first side set the tone, and now they take it all to the next level.
"Over Jerusalem" begins the second half of this musical journey with acoustic strings accompanied by the flute, a perfect marriage. Soft backing music prevails as Ian sings. The halfway point brings some great electric guitar kicking in, with the flute blended in nicely. This is very JT-like as the electric guitar lets loose for the first time for some exciting licks. The mix is extraordinary as the flute and acoustic guitar answer each other. The best of both worlds comes at you, bringing a wonderfully energetic opener.
As I mentioned, "Drink From The Same Well" is impressive. A beautiful flute and an acoustic piano introduce this multiverse of music. The changes in direction during the track's run are significant. The flute takes a more aggressive stance with consummate elegance and precision, and as the changes develop, you recognize the instrumental bliss of it all. Sudden stops provide more turns in the road as the flute is dancing its way into your heart. This is an instrumental work of art. The bass then becomes prominent. As if to say, "I want to let you know it is still a key component in driving this musical ship."
A lovely piano interlude adds an extra layer of ambiance. Then, there is a short pause as Ian begins to speak and offer the words of importance: "I drink from the same well as you." This is a prolific humanitarian message to us all. The energy shifts yet again to a more upbeat tempo as the flute sounds inflected with jazz for a short period, which was an entirely different twist. After that, it returns to the more colorful notes we enjoy. The track turns into an excellent mover with varying tempos and tones. The progressive rock holds you spellbound as there is another pause, then Ian goes into the closing out of the recording, reciting "Interim Sleep."
Curious Ruminant features all the facets of a Jethro Tull album you would expect, including acoustic and electric guitar moments and embellishments of many other instruments for color and texture.
This is everything one could ask for at this point in the band's career, including moments of progressive rock that you will remember fondly. That is very satisfying as a music lover and a lifelong band fan.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-PMR Reviews Founder
May 28, 2025
Tracks:
Side A:
Puppet And The Puppet Master [4:04]
Curious Ruminant [6:00]
Dunsinane Hill [4:17]
The Tipu House [3:31]
Savannah Of Paddington Green [3:13]
Stygian Hand [4:16]
Side B:
Over Jerusalem [5:55]
Drink From The Same Well [16:42]
Interim Sleep [2:33]
