Jethro Tull

The Legendary Jethro Tull - How many rock bands from the sixties can you name that are still around today? Probably not that many. There are a few - the Rolling Stones, Yes, Santana but most have broken up, stopped recording, and reappear only for the ubiquitous 'reunion' tours.

Jethro Tull is one band that formed in 1968 and is still going strong, thanks to the leadership, vision, and extraordinary talent of its leader, Ian Anderson. Named after the 17th Century inventor of the seed drill, Jethro Tull has always been controversial, challenging, and completely impossible to categorize. Are they rock? Blues? 'Progressive'? English folk? These labels merely begin to describe Jethro Tull's eclectic and imaginative music. Over thirty-five years Tull's music has gone through many styles and periods, just as the group has undergone several personnel changes. Nevertheless, the band has always produced distinctive 'Tull Music.'

Author Raymond Benson looks at this legendary rock band and analyzes its place in pop music history. He examines every Jethro Tull album - track listing, personnel, cover art, recording history, and content. A handy rating system informs Tull newbies where to start and provides longtime fans with fodder for debate. A book for both the casual and hard-core fan, Jethro Tull is an insightful companion to enhance one's listening pleasure.



By Raymond Benson