STORMWATCH

After reading several of the reveiws offered here on Stormwatch, I am quite suprised at the lack of fan enthusiasm about the album. I first heard it upon its release when I was 18, still an encourageable age. I was, and still am though only in hobby, a musicain of sorts--drums, guitar, vocalist. I have always paid close attention to rhythym sections which is why most prog bands captured my attention, ie: Yes, ELP, Giant, UK, and of course Tull. One of the reasons I could identify with Stormwatch is I find the drumming to be impecably percise, tastefull, and though busy throughout much of the album, not overdone. Barry was one of my favorite drummers to listen to and see in concert. Then, there is the Stormwatch tour. When I saw it in 79 at MSG in NYC, UK opened. I will never forget the impact that Bozzio, Wetton & Jobson had on me beginning that night, particularly Bozzio (makes sense, I'm a drummer). Yes, UK was more powerful, melodic, and exciting that night than their headliner. But Ian came out swinging on the vine and gave us a good show none the less. Bottom line, you can't call your Tull collection complete without Storm. It IS the end of an era, as pointed out in other commentaries here. Moreover, it is music that still only Ian and Tull could create, and with the disco, the punk and new wave movement around that time, Storm was a beacon in the fog for us Proggers! Eric Haubner