IAN ANDERSON

Plays The Orchestral Jethro Tull PARLOPHONE

Classical frolics and swinging reimaginings on vinyl reissue of 2004 live set.

Ian Anderson had never been shy about dipping into the classical world, with A Classic Case in 1985, and then later with Jethro Tull – The String Quartets in 2017. What’s surprising about The Orchestral Jethro Tull – recorded live in December 2004, and previously issued on CD and DVD, before making its debut here as a double vinyl album – is the absence of Martin Barre, as this predates Tull’s temporary dissolution in 2012. Instead, Anderson is joined by guitarist Florian Opahle, who would serve two years in Tull when the band reformed without Barre in 2017, alongside drummer James Duncan, bassist David Goodier and keyboard/ accordion player John O’Hara. And not forgetting the Frankfurt Neue Philharmonie Orchestra.

Anderson takes a different approach to most symphonic rock albums. Many of the arrangements in the first half of the programme make scant use of the orchestra and instead sound like a Tull unplugged session, particularly with O’Hara on accordion. It’s all enjoyable stuff, with a lively run through of Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of The New Day while Living In The Past is given the folk treatment. Given the month in which it was originally recorded, much of the set is unsurprisingly festivethemed, with four selections from The Jethro Tull Christmas Album, including a playful take on We Five Kings. It’s the second LP of the pair that features the orchestra in a more prominent role, with engaging arrangements for the likes of Aqualung and God Rest Ye

Merry Gentlemen, the latter given a gently swinging lounge jazz vibe. A far more varied musical experience than the title might suggest.

The vinyl is presented in a gatefold sleeve with some brief notes from Anderson and a smattering of photographs, but it feels like it could have been more generous. Why not include proper liner notes or a booklet to tempt in those who may already own it a different format? Anderson is an articulate fellow; no doubt he could have whipped something up.