NOTHING IS EASY: LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1970

It's hard to find fault in anything about this excellent live performance by the seminole genre standouts, Jethro Tull. Nothing is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 shows a great band playing at what is very near their greatest, filled with '70's flair, high production values, and genuine musicianship. Tull earns their reputation in this record that highlights their early career.

The album kicks off with the rollicking "My Sunday Feeling," which right away displays a heavy and raw tone. The excellent rhythm section of Bunker and Cornick drive forward with fuzz-heavy gusto and energy, while Barre's guitar just plain cooks.This pretty much goes for the entire album, which keeps the quality and energy level high throughout. This is a heavy, hard-rocking album, occasionally broken by moments of quite.

The production is first rate, capturing a perfect mix of feedback and realism of the show while also enough clarity for us to pick out each player's work. In the live setting one can really appreciate how busy and ambitious Jethro Tull's musicianship really is, especially in the rhythm section, although I suppose everyone has their favorite. Ian Anderson maintains a strong presence, with strong vocals and stage persona and flouting, but each member gets a chance to show off. This is perhaps most evident in the numerous extended soloing, as well as the very strong performances on "Bouree" and "Nothing is Easy". Great stuff!

With a setlist containing a variety of songs from the group's pre-Aqua Lung era, Nothing is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 is not to be missed for even casual Tull fans; when it comes to ambitious art-rock of the era, they're the real deal.

Setlist: 4 - Instrumental Performances: 4 - Stage/Energy: 4 - Live Experience: 4