STAND UP

This album contains a higher percentage of progressive content than TULL's debut (and previous) release, however the general atmosphere contains still a cluster of jazzy and bluesy tunes, although a bit different from their mentioned debut - now, rock holds sway, doubtlessly. Ian Anderson's voice and flute playing sound here in almost the same way we'd use to hear in the 70s. It's quite sure that JT got influences from other prog-rock/art- rock bands that were acting throughout the UK at the time. One living there in 1969 should say: promising, very promising!

'A new day yesterday' starts as follow-on to their previous album but as the song flows new flavors are added: fine flute accompaniment, some rock guitar riffs. That's the kind of music that grows increasingly at each hearing. 'Jeffrey goes to Leicester Square' is probably the first prog-folk track ever registered by JT in an album and the result is pleasant; the short song could be easily extended since the theme is catchy. 'Bouree' is the TULL's version for Bourée from Suite No. 3 by J.S. Bach. It became one of the most popular acts in the entire band roster - the cabaret-like environment exhaling from this version is amusing.

'Back to the family' is an average song with fair instrumentation, with rock and folk chords and elements. 'Look into the sun' brings again the folk spice, noticed by the soft flute, the acoustic guitar and the sweet vocals. 'Nothing is easy' provides a blend (fusion?) of jazz and rock which is attractive but not exceptional.

'Fat man' shows an exquisite Eastern spice; very tasteful to compound a short and audible track. 'We used to know' and 'Reasons for waiting' are two pleasant balladesque tunes, we can see glimpses of future JT's production. 'For a 1000 mothers' ends the album in a great manner; fine instrumentation, showing the band working as a real ensemble. Bonus tracks (CD 2001 remaster release) are good but out of context here.

"Stand Up" is, of course, a noticeable bridge between JETHRO TULL early efforts and their subsequent output. For providing this link it is, indeed, a good release almost touching the excellence height. Final rating: 3.