Description
Martin’s latest release, recorded in 2019.
This double CD has only been available exclusively at Martin’s “Celebration of 50 years of Jethro Tull” concert tours. The tour and album were set up to celebrate Martin’s 50 year anniversary of the music and his career with Tull and now as a solo artist.
All the tracks have been re-recorded and some completely re-arranged to give a completely fresh and invigorated “take” on all these classic
tracks.
Disc One is the M.B. Band “live” in the studio, and Disc Two features the acoustic songs of Tull with a completely new approach.
The CD not only reflects the current tour programme, but summarises a unique 50 years of music on the road, and in the studio.
Grayson Gile –
April 5th, 1972, SIU Arena, Carbondale, Illinois. A life-changing experience for a 16 year old Midwestern kid. Jethro Tull played several off of Benefit, several greats off of Standup, all of Aqualung…For the Encore, in Ian’s words, “a short little ditty: Thick as a Brick”. Beginning to end folks—including the silkscreen sound effects for the wind. The lyrics of Aqualung gave this religious, church-going, small town boy something to think about. What changed was my life—for the better. I realized that we frequently superimpose form over substance. Religion was form but God (however one pantheistically viewed God) was substance. God was not one “that had to be wound up on Sunday.
Over the past 50 years as a dedicated and enthusiastic Tullian, I have seen Martin perform in venues that ranged from small and intimate to Arena and Stadium sized extravaganzas. I remember well “Tullivision” at the Chief’s Stadium in Kansas City in ‘75. Martin’s incredible playing kept the entire packed stadium on our feet. Of course, Ian’s stage presence, theatrics, and musicianship was superb as always.
Flash forward 50 years. Martin Barre, one of the World’s truly great guitarists and multi-instrumentalists just played at the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, Illinois. His Band is absolutely fantastic and is of world class quality. Good, no great, people who love their craft and are dedicated to providing the audience with a world class performance.
Bottom line: if you wish to see stadium-size performers in small, intimate, venues now is your chance.
Martin is, without question, my favorite musician. From every account I have ever read, he is also one of the most genuinely humble, kind, and inspiring persons one could know.
Martin is surrounded by musicians of unbelievable talent and a genuine desire to provide you with a genuinely enriching experience.
Martin and Jethro Tull changed my life 50 years ago. Martin and his band just validated what I have known all along:
Plant had his Page. Jagger had his Richards. Ian had his Martin. It takes this type of symbiotic relationship to produce a truly great band. Martin is now surrounded by friends, family, and musicians who beautifully support and contribute to Martin’s continued vision.
Darby, Alan, Alex, Dan Crisp, Becca, Dee Palmer, Clive Bunker, Ms. Barre and all the other good people and Barrebarians supporting Martin’s Tour are first class in every way. Alex Hart’s vocals on Locomotive Breath is absolutely spell-binding, or perhaps I should say spell casting. Absolutely beautiful voice and “feel” for the song. Martin could not have a better band than the one he has now.
All I can say is a huge, hearty, thank you for being such a large part of my life. God bless you all. Safe travels friends.
Lou Zammarellli –
I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen the Martin Barre band 5 times in the last 4 years and look forward to my 6th show in the spring. An absolutely amazing show, and not so sure what’s going to happen this year, but its been a thrill of a lifetime for me to be able to talk with him, get photos with him and get autographs from him after each show. Truly an amazing and humble person, and an amazing guitarist. This is a first class show with world class music.
Thomas Ruhland –
I’ve been lucky enough to have Martin perform very close to where I live, 15 minutes away. This took place in a tiny venue during the very early stages of Martin going out on his own. There was probably no more than 50 people in attendance.
I’ve since seen him, and his band, perform a few more times. Each time a little larger venue and each time more people in attendance. During this time, I have also seen what is now being called “Jethro Tull”, a couple times as well. I would have to say, I would much more prefer to see Martin’s band, as I prefer his music selection and the energy exhibited by the band. I love what Martin is doing with the arrangements of the old Tull material. Similar enough to know the song, but different enough to give it new life … making it his own.
I will definitely see Martin again, if his tour passes this way.