A PASSION PLAY

For a long time I was in a camp of JT fans which doesn't appreciate The Passion Play that much. I just considered it ok, but below the usual Jethro level. Liking only bits but couldn't grasp it as a whole. Now I write to you as a complete convert. Now I get it. This album is amazing! Yes, it's a bloody masterpiece. The level of complexity and sudden changes is jaw-dropping and may be compared to Gentle Giant only, except they never produced twosides-long track (what a pitty!). The (in)famous "story of the hare..." interlude only adds to the already exceptionaly wide range of colours and moods on this most adveturous effort. It's origin is connected to the classic passion play format, where there were humoristic interludes to entertain and to ease the heavy main concept for the public. It's actually mindblowing and very brave to include it in the rock album. Very acoustic guitar oriented effort, which shines here at it's best. Keyboards are fabulous too. Not as much flute as usual but it made some room for rather unexpected saxophones put to good use by Anderson. His singing is excellent, I really dig melancholy in his voice here. It feels great to discover the masterpiece hidden in the album rather known quite well before :) I guess that's how it is with prog rock - the most adventurous of genres which sometimes needs some patience and an open mind but rewards you with your mind being blown away. Which is my wish to you all :)