Paperback: 288
pages
Release Date:
December 1, 2013
Publisher:
Soundcheck Books LLP
ISBN-10:
0957144245
ISBN-13:
978-0957144248
Product Dimensions: 9.1
x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
A
Passion Play The Story Of Ian Anderson And Jethro Tull by
Brian Rabey hit my desk prior to the winter holidays last year and I could not
think of a better early Christmas gift. I was getting ready to review the latest
incarnation of reissues for Benefit and then hoping to see the Around The World Live 4 DVD set
underneath the tree. I did get it and have most recently made my way through
the extensive concert footage and interviews. Being immersed in the world of
Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull is a choice that has led to tremendous enjoyment
for this music fan.
When I had the chance to read a comprehensive story based
on the career of the band and their colorful leader I of course, jumped at the
chance.
The book allows fans insight into the band members from
the early days forward. It is an interesting take on their personalities and
own views on how they felt about being in the band at the time and how their relationships
worked inside the JT community. What I found enlightening is how the author
brings forth the brilliance of Ian Anderson as a writer, musician and all
around leader and businessman. The business side was an aspect that gradually
became part of Anderson’s responsibilities in order to preserve their catalog
and insure everyone was taken care of from a financial standpoint. These are
areas that most music fans generally do not care about but it was interesting
to watch the development of the band and Anderson as the rock steady leader
throughout their career up to present day. I do not think Jethro Tull would
have existed beyond a few albums without the music and business sense of
someone like Anderson.
As all Jethro Tull fans know there have been two constant
members throughout the years, Ian Anderson and Martin Barre. Barre was not on
the recent TAAB2 (Thick As A Brick 2)
release which surprised many of us however as usual Anderson was able to carry
on with some fine musicians and keep the Jethro Tull trademark sound alive and
well. This is something that was always counted upon throughout the years and
due credit must be given for that kind of consistency, hindsight and vision.
Anderson revolutionized the use of the flute in rock
music and it must be noted even though he is famous for that, and one of the
few names that come up when addressing flute players in rock music, the fact
remains that he is a fine guitar player as well. This point is clarified in the
book.
Many things come to light while reading this book and I
thoroughly enjoyed it. My appreciation for Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull
continues to grow every year. If you are looking for something more than the
“The Making Of” footage from the reissued back catalog by the band, this book
will give you great insight into how it all came together and what transpired
to make them international stars.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 7, 2014
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
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