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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 18, 2013 20:22:55 GMT
A Hot Night in Vienna On the Hottest Night of this 2013 Tour, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson delivered!For many years I have been to outdoor shows but this one was unique. I had assumed the weather would be warm but after arriving in Vienna, Virginia, It was very hot indeed. A cool friend from North Carolina (Rob) and I had driven 5 hours to be there around 7 p.m. We were shuttled from the parking area to the entrance where we were greeted by Tom Lynch and his buddy Terry Bean from New Hampshire. Very cool to see them at the gate and we talked about several topics. Terry mentioned the T-shirt available for $30.00 that went to help disabled veterans injured by I.E.D.s All the money was going to help those who sacrificed themselves to protect us all. I also got the special gray 2013 Shirt as well. Within minutes of being there the heat was beginning to take a toll. It was even more so under the structure known as 'The Barn'. Water was a necessity on this night. Whatever you say about Ian Anderson and his Chums, you must admit they are tough as nails. Before the show I also met Mikey Downs and tried to pry some info about the next album. He was very tight lipped but asked me what I thought about the idea of TAAB 3. I told him I wasn't sure but if it works for Ian Anderson, it works for me. Remember, Mikey did not confirm anything. It was just a thought between us.
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Post by Tull50 on Jul 18, 2013 20:55:48 GMT
Before the show I also met Mikey Downs and tried to pry some info about the next album. He was very tight lipped but asked me what I thought about the idea of TAAB 3. I told him I wasn't sure but if it works for Ian Anderson, it works for me. Remember, Mikey did not confirm anything. It was just a thought between us. Thanks Jim, well done!
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 19, 2013 1:29:11 GMT
Really don't mind if you sweat this one out. Who could play drums with a coat on? Scott Hammond
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kc
Prentice Jack
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Post by kc on Jul 19, 2013 13:26:10 GMT
Was there too. It was a hot night but it did not affect the band's energy or precision. The production values, sound and lighting are light years ahead of the 2012 US tour. Great job by Ian and company. My favorite Tull/Ian show in the past 40 years.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2013 18:02:18 GMT
Published: 2013/07/19 by Nancy Dunham Ian Anderson Plays Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 at Wolftrapwww.relix.com/reviews/shows/2013/07/19/ian-anderson-plays-thick-as-a-brick-1-2-at-wolftrap#.Uel9Sm3YCSoJethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Plays Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 *Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Vienna, Va.* July 16, Poor Tom. It seemed he really did just want to use the restroom. The balding, middle-aged fellow was working his way slowly past the bags, water bottles, and various what not those in the front row of an outdoor, Washington, D.C.-area amphitheater, when he was stopped midway toward his destination by none other than Jethro Tull’s founder and front man Ian Anderson, who was on stage performing his prog-rock masterpiece Thick as a Brick and its 2012 companion piece Thick as a Brick II. Was it just happenstance that found Tom working his way past the stage at the Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Vienna, Va., when Anderson took a musical break to remind the audience that prostate exams, though unpleasant, save lives? No matter. Whether Tom was drafted as a patient seeking a prostate exam by chance — as was concertgoer “Richard” whom Anderson anointed “Dr. Richard” and ushered backstage to perform a faux exam on Tom — or recruited pre-show, he handled his role with aplomb. After the exam, Tom strode from the stage (and likely toward the restroom!) as a photo tribute to well-known entertainers, including Frank Zappa, who died of the cancer in the years since TAAB was released, played on a giant screen above the stage. Indeed, the photographic reminders of some of those who have passed since Thick as a Brick was released underscored that plenty has changed since the music was first heard. In a way, that concept album was an act of defiance on Anderson’s part after journalists and fans hailed his 1971 Aqualung as a concept triumph. Anderson continually denies that Aqualung was more than a collection of songs. So adamant were fans and critics, though, that he wrote TAAB as an over-the-top concept album about a fictional boy genius Gerald Bostock. But a funny thing happened when Anderson revisited Bostock all these years later. In imagining how fate had treated his hero, Anderson analyzed the twists and turns of his own life. “It was a purely intellectual proposition, suddenly coming up with what had befallen Gerald 40 years down the line,” Anderson said from his London office as he prepared for the tour. “In considering shifts in luck and intervention it caused me to look back at my own life and consider that things might have turned out completely differently….Some of the album is dark. It’s not all fun and laughter.” Not that the causal observer in the Wolf Trap audience would have noticed. Anderson methodically built the show with plenty of humor injected right from the start when the band members — wearing caps and trench coats (painful to watch in the oppressive heat and humidity!) in their roles as cleaning people — take the stage just before the concert. So artful are the disguises that one can almost feel the slow awareness of recognition drift through the audience. Yes, another triumph for the master showman. As he and his band worked through the set list, playing songs that ruminated on everything from love to social concerns, to religion and war, he kept up a steady stream of playfulness — from standing on one leg while playing his flute (he is, after all, the embodiment of the title of Tull’s 1975 album Minstrel in the Gallery), to video of everything from a scuba diver stomping about an urban area searching for water (a nod to Aqualung) to Anderson on the cover of Jethro Tull’s 1978 album Heavy Horses, to grim images of war. An inspired video, that he also presented during his 2012 Liverpool, England, concert, had celebrated violinist Anna Phoebe interrupt the concert, with an ill-timed telephone call to Anderson. The violinist, who has played with everyone from Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Sean Combs and Tull, called back via Skype (in a pre-recorded bit, of course) and alternated between showing the audience her infant and playing her violin along with the band on the song known as “Thick as a Brick (Edit 4)” from the 1977 album Repeat – The Best of Jethro Tull – Volume II. Yet for all the humor, those that pay close attention to the show certainly understood the messages as Bostock via Anderson morphed into various personas including a homeless man, money grubbing preacher, unscrupulous banker, lone shark and stuffy shopkeeper. The high-energy show that clocked in at almost 2 ½ hours would be difficult for anyone to pull off, but Anderson and his band did so with aplomb despite the oppressive humidity. If anything the weather seemed to super-charge Anderson who amped up his boyish humor and stage antics as he worked his way through a set that was equal parts Tull and parody something in the style of the beloved 1984 rockumentary Spinal Tap. If Anderson’s age shows at all, it’s in his voice. He’s reworked some of his music so it better suits his mature range and tone and, of course, divides vocal duties with O’Donnell. It was interesting to watch Anderson swap vocals with his young alter ego, O’Donnell, who often mirrors his physical stance on stage including the famous one-legged pose Anderson strikes while playing flute. For all the fan griping about the absence of beloved players from the contemporary classic Tull line up – notably lead guitarist extraordinaire Martin Barre and drummer Doane Perry — the current band including guitarist Florian Opahle, bassist David Goodier, drummer Scott Hammond and keyboardist John O’Hara clearly suit this tour. Their virtuosity is a given but it’s the fresh perspective they bring to the music — literally in the cases of the youthful Opahle and O’Donnell — that givens TAAB a contemporary texture. And one wonders if his bandmates’ enthusiasm has put Anderson in a more generous mood. On the U.S. tour he offers an encore, something he didn’t do in England, of the classic “Locomotive Breath.” It’s difficult not to laugh, even chuckle, when you realize that Anderson’s new band of merry music men have his back in many ways. Anderson has been looked upon by some as a curmudgeon for his stated annoyance when drunken or overly proprietary fans scream out “Rock and Roll!” and, of course, “Aqualung!” during soulful musical interludes. “To the guy who shouted ‘play aqualung!’ tonight in a quiet section,” tweeted O’Donnell after a recent show. “I hope u stubb ur toe and some one knocks a wing mirror off your car!” Now that’s rock n’ roll with a modern twist. Photo by Martin Webb
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 19, 2013 18:52:03 GMT
Published: 2013/07/19 by Nancy Dunham Ian Anderson Plays Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 at Wolftrapwww.relix.com/reviews/shows/2013/07/19/ian-anderson-plays-thick-as-a-brick-1-2-at-wolftrap#.Uel9Sm3YCSoJethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Plays Thick as a Brick 1 & 2 *Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Vienna, Va.* July 16, For all the fan griping about the absence of beloved players from the contemporary classic Tull line up – notably lead guitarist extraordinaire Martin Barre and drummer Doane Perry — the current band including guitarist Florian Opahle, bassist David Goodier, drummer Scott Hammond and keyboardist John O’Hara clearly suit this tour. Their virtuosity is a given but it’s the fresh perspective they bring to the music — literally in the cases of the youthful Opahle and O’Donnell — that givens TAAB a contemporary texture. Scott Hammond's drum solo during TAAB was the best so far. Very intense on a Hot Night.
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Post by Teacher on Jul 19, 2013 19:25:19 GMT
Great photos of Scott!
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Post by Tull50 on Jul 20, 2013 20:15:38 GMT
Thanks Jim, I'm sure the band sounds better every time, I have seen the show 2 times and I would not mind him for the 3rd time
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 20, 2013 21:43:00 GMT
Thanks Jim, I'm sure the band sounds better every time, I have seen the show 2 times and I would not mind him for the 3rd time This tour was going through many challenges. With Scott Hammond back, things are running smoother.Ryan's enthusiasm really makes Ian feel stronger. Almost 66 and strutting his stuff night after night. Incredible!
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 22, 2013 1:10:51 GMT
Was there too. It was a hot night but it did not affect the band's energy or precision. The production values, sound and lighting are light years ahead of the 2012 US tour. Great job by Ian and company. My favorite Tull/Ian show in the past 40 years. Praise the Lord! Sometimes it's very spiritual for some of us. Glad you were there.
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 22, 2013 23:52:47 GMT
Ian Anderson Kicking Ass at Wolf Trap!
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 24, 2013 14:36:08 GMT
Aaarrrrgh! Me trusty 'Broadsword' likes the new 2013 Tull Shirt
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Post by nonrabbit on Jul 24, 2013 15:45:15 GMT
Jim you've got to allow Tullfans from all around the world to visit. Your wife may not like my suggestion.
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Post by maddogfagin on Jul 24, 2013 17:34:38 GMT
Well your "cave" looks a heck of a lot neater than my corner of the spare bedroom
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 17:43:03 GMT
Before the show I also met Mikey Downs and tried to pry some info about the next album. He was very tight lipped but asked me what I thought about the idea of TAAB 3. I told him I wasn't sure but if it works for Ian Anderson, it works for me. Remember, Mikey did not confirm anything. It was just a thought between us. They will never completely spoil the party: Previous post removed/moved because big brother is watching: LOL jethrotull.proboards.com/post/39998/threadThanks, Jim Trilogy be the word, brother. (sans video)
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 24, 2013 20:57:56 GMT
Jim you've got to allow Tullfans from all around the world to visit. Your wife may not like my suggestion. Thanks Patti. I tend to extend myself in ways that seem bigger than they are. My wife gives me some space and I use it. Before I got married in '78, I was wall to wall Tull. Having compromised when saying "I do" was tough. The things I have found over 40 years were difficult for me to display with her at home. I used an upper room which became a Tull Cave as well as other musical tastes. Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Genesis. Once I relocated here in Tryon, the upper room was mine. In a 103 year old house built for an artist. This room is about 15 feet x 30 feet with 12 windows like a an artist would need for natural light. At some point I decided to spread the Tull on the front half of the room. My largest posters cover the windows. At night I use blacklights to enhance the whole collection. Tull posters look great with blacklights. Once I was able to achieve this, I became very comfortable surrounded by all the artwork and images. As long as I don't play the music too loud, she says I can dwell in my Tull Cave. Never too loud for Tull! Special thanks to Michele (Chea) for the authentic poster from the show in Milan, Italy! Grazie Michele
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 28, 2013 23:13:00 GMT
Ian is always doing great moves onstage. His instinct is to let the music flow through his choreography. Florian doesn't try to outshine the other members. They all have their cool spots to Rock!
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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 31, 2013 0:45:26 GMT
Kismet in ViennaEverytime I hear the song "Kismet in Suburbia", I want to kick ass with those excellent riffs by Florian.
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Post by JTull 007 on Aug 3, 2013 13:29:56 GMT
Locomotive Breath 1...2...3...4 !
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Post by JTull 007 on Aug 13, 2013 19:32:23 GMT
A standing ovation for an incredible night of music under extreme heat like a 'Locomotive Breath'I feel very fortunate to have seen this show again in it's entirety. The way it was played has improved. In spite of the heat, they showed how much fun they always have together. This tour is amazing. Because of a guy that was overwhelmed by the heat, his wife decided to give me their tickets up front. I will always be greatful to the lady who gave me the tickets on Row B Seats 44 and 45. Thanks so much!
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Post by JTull 007 on Aug 24, 2013 19:00:12 GMT
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Post by maddogfagin on Aug 25, 2013 17:38:37 GMT
I need to relocate this post in a better thread. Is this the same acoustic guitar Ian uses now? Pretty certain he's using the same model of guitar although a year or two back he had the pick up inside the body of the instrument as in the left hand side picture but recent images show the guitar with a pick up over the sound hole and the head stock looks different. Whether that means he's now using an newer guitar I wouldn't know - I'll have to leave that to one of our experts on such things.
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tullist
Master Craftsman
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Post by tullist on Aug 25, 2013 19:09:58 GMT
I would no more notice where the pick up is but...I would swear the sound is less pleasing to my ears as in less natural for lack of a more descriptive phrasing, than whatever average sized guitar he had used for years. As always its the player that matters. Seem to recall it either is from the 19th century or more likely based on one from then and I presume not cheap...at all. Parlor or Paurlor guitar I believe he has said. Oh...say no more, yeah parlor guitars, got it. I believe Simon Nicol has taken to using them as well. Might go easier on 65 year shoulders. I do know Ian has said it makes him look bigger. No. Not really.
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Post by JTull 007 on Aug 26, 2013 17:22:51 GMT
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