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RECORD MIRROR
16 November 1968
JETHRO TULL LP SETS FANS ON FIRE
Jethro Tull: This Was
Island Stereo ILPS 9085
Here it is folks — the hit debut album from Jethro Tull (already roaring in our charts). This is the group which set the audience on fire at the Sunbury Jazz and Blues festival and has been doing similar things to audiences ever since.
From the opening number to the last track, the LP is full of excitement and emotion. It starts off with 'My Sunday Feeling' which has Ian Anderson on flute and vocal and a fine solo from guitarist Mick Abrahams. Ian alternates between flute and harmonica on the LP and comes across very well on these instruments and, of course, his stirring vocals.
Basically a blues band, Jethro Tull has certainly been influenced by jazz music — especially on the Roland Kirk number 'Serenade To A Cuckoo.' This is one of the highlights on the album and features Ian doing his Kirk-influenced flute bit. Starting off with Ian playing straight-sounding flute it then goes into his vocalised flute sound.
Another highlight is Clive Bunker's feature — 'Dharma For One.' It opens with a fast Eastern-type flavour for the tune and then Clive does his drum display — don't let anyone tell you pop drummers are all that inferior to jazz drummers.
Not all of the LP is raving gear. Try 'Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You.' This is a sort of Terry/ McGhee thing with just Ian and Mick performing. A really pretty song.
Go out and buy this record, then you will see why it entered our charts at 23 in the first week. Thoroughly recommended.
Thanks to Mike Wain for this article.