Ian Anderson Plays The Orchestral Jethro Tull

I've got a Jethro Tull problem. I've been an avid Jethro Tull / Ian Anderson fan since 1974 when I got my first record player and promptly went out and bought the "brand new" Warchild Album. Since then I've purchased copies of every single release I could, on both vinyl and later on CD, both authorized and unauthorized (i.e. bootlegs), I've seen the band perform live more than 25 times; I've met the band twice, and I even named my son Ian in tribute to you know who. After more than 30 years of more or less consistent listening, I thought I had just about heard it all - Ian just couldn't surprise me any more.So, when my copy of IAN ANDERSON PLAYS....arrived from Amazon.com yesterday and I dutifully loaded it in my CD player, expecting another typical concert recording supplemented with some strings - nothing I hadn't heard dozens of times before. For the first few songs it seemed that was exactly what I got. In fact, I could hardly hear the orchestra at all! Mostly, all I could hear guitar, flute and an accordion and I thought "uh-oh!" As the first disc proceeded, the familiar tunes became more lushly orchestrated, though there were few genuinely unique arrangements. So far I gave the release 3-1/2 stars - nice but not quite living up to my expectations.The second disc started out with PAVANE, a lovely Fauré tune from the CHRISTMAS ALBUM, beautifully performed. Next came the most ubiquitous tune in all of Tulldom: AQUALUNG. I really wasn't expecting anything amazing, but amazing is what I got! At nearly ten and a half minutes, this was a new and completely fresh take on a song that I had long ago written off as a stale - yet obligatory tune for any Tull concert. Starting off with a lovely little oboe and bassoon intro, Ian then comes in on flute with lush strings in an elegiac rendition. Finally the orchestra joins in, along with an amazing guitar solo performed by Florian Opahle, and wonderful drumming by Ian's son James Duncan to make this perhaps the most entertaining and moving version of the song ever performed - no kidding!Ever the consummate performer and arranger, Ian saved the best bits for last. The final three songs include a stunning version of MY GOD, a fantastic fourteen minute long BUDAPEST and the finale, LOCOMOTIVE BREATH. I can't say enough about how pleased I ended up being with this purchase. Just when I thought I had heard it all, Ian pulled yet another rabbit out of his hat to completely surprise and delight his fans!Final analysis - five stars plus!

He's a genius. Older, softer, real.

There are some well crafted songs on this album. Bouree and Pavanne are a fun listen. Not as much orchestral music as you might expect; it is rather subtle in that regard.

Originally I only intended to order the book "Game of Shadows" about the various steroid abusers in sports, but when Amazon.com offered me "free shipping" for a little bit more, I selected this album and am glad I did.I like what I heard when Ian Anderson was joined with an orchestra on the song "A Raft Of Penguins" from Rupi's Dance, so I figured this album would be more of the same. I agree with previous reviews I have read by G-Dexter and Michael Wheeler "Stratocaster" on this site as well.There are only a few things I can add that they didn't say in their reviews. My favorite song on the album is the last one: "Locomotive Breath" which runs for 6:42. I've always felt that Anderson was never quite satisfied with the original version on the album "Aqualung" where about 3/4's of the way through, you hear that annoying buzzing sound of a loose wire or a short in the system.In this version, Ian gives it his all singing the vocal, but what I enjoy the most is his flute playing mixed with the orchestra. At about 5:09 of the song, where it would normally end, he adds this great flute solo that I've never heard before on any Tull album. I've played it over and over and like it more than the original which is a rarity. It's also nice to be able to hear the music played before a very polite audience. I can understand the words a lot better than I ever could before, and, I must say as an aside, Ian looks a lot better in that lighter colored headpiece than the black one he usually wears.Last but not least is the usual Tull fans lament, of which I am no exception. I wish he had done "Moths" from the "Heavy Horses" album which I think would have sounded great with a live orchestra and Ian singing it minus the hoarseness that he had in the early `80's. True to form, we no sooner finish listening to this latest offering and the words "More" come out of our greedy mouths. Therefore, I'd have to say I enjoyed it. Hope you do as well.

I am an avid Tull fan, owning many of his albums, gone to his concerts, etc. Mr. Anderson surprised me with the depth, complexity and the musical variations created out of his well-known fan favorites. It was almost spiritual, for me at least. This is nothing like the Tull classical music cassette put out in the 1980's and I recommend it to round out any Tull collection.

Being both a rock and a classical music fan, I loved this new release! Ian Anderson has rethought his canon of songs in a most brilliant way. Some of his newer stuff sounds quite similar to the studio recordings, but even those songs are fresh. I am not one of those fans who think JT should play Aqualung at every concert, but this retelling is brilliant. Who would have thought it could sound so- well, classical? Ian Anderson just gets better with each passing year. I own all of JT's albums and think every one is great except "Under Wraps". If you are a Tull fan, you cannot live without this one. I am just waiting for the DVD of this to be released.

My CD arrived on time. It was in way better condition than advertised. I haven’t listened to it yet, but it looks so good. I am so glad that I used this seller. I would recommend them wholeheartedly.Bo

Hey, I like Tull and Mr. Anderson. This is just a nice collection of songs with a hint of classic music sound supplied by the Orchestra. You may like it, you may not. I like it and the sound quality is very good. Played with all Vintage Sony CD Unit going to AU 717, and ending with a set of Meadowlark Ospreys.