Gig Reviewed: Jethro Tull
Reviewer: Stuart Williams

If you love folk, rock, blues, prog rock, or anything in-between, get yourself a ticket to one of the shows in Jethro Tull’s current “Accoustic Tull” tour - you won’t be disappointed.

I was fortunate to attend their show at Leicester's De Montfort Hall. Everything about the show was polished and professional: the sound was crystal clear; lighting was spectacular and memorable; performances were passionate and powerful.

Prior to the show, the stage was lit by purple light, and a black curtain at the back of the stage was lit by red and white psychedelic patterns which swirled and circled around as if they had minds of their own.

Every light went out, a harmonica started playing; the three thousand-or-so-
strong audience whipped themselves into a frenzy; a spotlight cut through the air, and there was Ian Anderson, playing his heart out to thunderous applause.

What followed was the best show I have ever seen: Great showmanship and stand-up comedy, as always, from Ian Anderson; plus classic music from Tull’s entire musical history.

The set was varied and interesting: folk-esque songs (Thick As A Brick). politically incorrect humour/commentary (Fat Man), even up-beat, trance-like instrumentals like Anna Phoebe’s Gypsy. In total, a good 2+ hours of riveting live music, plus a memorable encore. What more could anyone want?

This was a highly entertaining show, put on by people who really cared about the quality of event they were staging. I really can’t rate this show/tour any more highly.

As great as the entire show was, though, - as polished as the staging, lighting, sound quality, musicianship and showmanship were - one person’s sound and presence at times stole the show: Anna Phoebe - the amazing young violinist. Her playing was forceful and moving. I'm sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the future.

My advice? Buy yourself a ticket to any show on this tour. The tickets are worth every penny - and if the show you go to is anything like the one I went to in Leicester, I’m sure you’ll have a seriously good night out.

For tour information visit www.jethrotull.com/tourdates

Stuart Williams.