LIVING WITH THE PAST

JETHRO TULL isn't nearly done after more than thirty years of solid groundbreaking albums; it seems as though Ian ANDERSON and his group have yet hit another creative stride and continue to improvise upon their back catalog with exciting and colorful adaptations of the songs that are intrinsically linked to the group and their sound. With the infusion of the younger band members Andy Giddings (keyboards) and Glen Cornick (bass), the court jester ANDERSON and seasoned lead guitar man Martin Barre have a good mixture of talent and experience that lends to the group's new found energy.

There are 21 tracks of vintage Tull on this CD spanning their entire career. A haunting version of "Roots To Branches" puts the spotlight on ANDERSON's mystical and magical vocal style that no one could ever duplicate. I can attest to the magnetic personality of ANDERSON on stage, as I witnessed it myself. I found the version of "Living In The Past" one of the most interesting tracks on the CD. It's a wonderful use of the all-around talent in this group. The keyboards change the entire mood of the number, and ANDERSON as always is up for the challenge, and he does a fine job of shaping his vocals around the music of the ever changing classic tune. "Fat Man" is a great tune as well; ANDERSON plays his miniature guitar wistfully and sings as if he means every word right from the heart, in his very own whimsical dry British humor kind of way. These are but a few of the highlights on a disc that is literally full of them. For long time fans a special treat is offered, the 1968 original lineup reunite on the close of the CD with "Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You" and "Cherrio." It harkens back to their roots when they were a blues based band.

There have been a lot of "Best Of" and repackaged JETHRO TULL CDs issued, this is one that stands on its own for originality. It offers old and new fans alike a unique blend of different versions of their songs over the course of TULL's amazing run of successful albums. A DVD with the same name and cover is available for those that enjoy the visual experience to accompany the music.