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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 6, 2015 16:13:40 GMT
Rockin' @ The Grey Eagle December 3rd, 2015I've spent most of my musical life being a TULL Fan and this is dedicated to all members of TULL When I joined here in 2013 I had no idea I could have an opportunity like this and feel so good. I arrived early Thursday afternoon to Asheville but got lost anyway. The band was already there. As I looked around I spoke with the members of The Get Right Band and felt very good about meeting them.
All of a sudden here comes Metta (TEACHER) in the door! She had driven over 6 hours to be there!!! I explained to her that the band was here and she was just as thrilled as I was to see them in person! I was very polite and first saw Alan Thomson talking on his cell phone in the restaurant. Then in walks 6 foot 8 inches of George Lindsay the TALLEST drummer in Rock 'n Roll! He knew I was there to meet him and was very friendly indeed. They all were.
Next came Martin and Dan Crisp who were very busy getting ready for their sound check... As I wandered in amazement I realized the sound check was closed by a chain across the entrance. This meant I would need my Bushnell Binoculars to ZOOM in on the action from a short distance. They were jamming several tunes and Martin was very relaxed as they got all their adjustments.
I went outside to eat some Arby's Roast beef sandwiches and gave Metta one too. Once the stage was ready, The Get Right Band blew everyone away. THESE GUYS ARE GREAT!
I enjoyed several Scottish ales which made sitting on 2nd row so delightful. All of a sudden the show began and man did they wake up the dead with "To Cry You A Song" ! Then "Minstrel In The Gallery" got the TULL Party started with a huge ovation!
Martin was very poised and aware of the crowd who were looking very at home in The GREY Eagle. The music continues with new tracks from "Back To Steel" and so much more! I was feeling the energy and Martin joked about hearing "Aqualung" from previous requests. I yelled out "PLAY El Niño" ! He laughed and said it wasn't going to happen tonight.
As the songs kept coming time seemed to stand still and we were all in a TULL DREAM Maybe the Scottish Ale was kicking in or maybe something better. I realized how special this night was. When they played "TEACHER" Metta was smiling like it was played just for her. It was! So many great moments I can't say more about this show. It is worth every one's chance to see.
After The show I finally spoke with Dan Crisp and man is this guy nice! He is like a friend. Finally I met Martin up close and personal. I said to Martin "Play El Niño" He laughed and said he didn't like the lyrics. I said "Play the riffs as an intrumental" Then he said he would consider it in the future. Awesome!
Nothing much more I can say except every one in the band knows who "The Jethro Tull Forum" is. I will cherish the day I joined here and cherish every opportunity to see TULL again. LET'S ROCK !
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 6, 2015 17:44:04 GMT
Great review Jim, I can feel the energy of the gig from what you've written with a very good attempt to get Martin to play El Niño. Best luck next time. Nice tie by the way.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 6, 2015 19:57:58 GMT
Holy Vienna, Virginia ! Rockin' @ JAMMIN JAVA Tonight ! MB LINK 1 Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull) & The Get Right Band Sunday Dec. 06 MB Link 2
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 7, 2015 1:53:00 GMT
Concert Review: Martin Barre — Asheville NC, 3 December 2015 By Bill Kopp On December 4, 2015 MB LINK 1 MB Link 2 Last night, Barre truly played like a man unleashed, adding fuel to the fire of Ian Anderson‘s already-excellent songs.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 7, 2015 9:20:02 GMT
Great review Jim - thanks The photo is one for your Tull cave
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 7, 2015 9:34:19 GMT
What a picture! Thanks for the review Jim! Yes I could also feel the energy and the buzz. Thank you for your contribution to the Forum. It's success is down to the sum of it's parts and you play a big part here. It's all about the fun!!
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 7, 2015 16:16:18 GMT
Dan Crisp, Alan Thomson and George Lindsay @ The Grey Eagle Also Alan Thomson with cell phone to the right
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 7, 2015 18:11:18 GMT
See...I KNEW you weren't gonna miss one bit of Martin and band amazing concert.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 8, 2015 9:10:25 GMT
www.pressconnects.com/Tull tales: Band’s ex-guitarist to play in EndicottChris Kocher 6:03 p.m. EST December 7, 2015Former Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre will perform Friday night at Dublin Double Celtic Pub in Endicott. For the past four years — and especially since the dissolution of Jethro Tull in 2014 — Barre has toured the world with his own band to play the “classic” music from the Tull catalog, but also his own new tracks from his new album, “Back To Steel” (plus his two other recent solo albums, “Martin Barre” and “Away With Words”). For 43 years, Barre was the acclaimed guitarist for Jethro Tull, and his unique sound and style contributed to their success, which includes several chart-topping albums, 11 gold and five platinum albums, a Grammy Award for “Crest Of A Knave” in 1988, and album sales exceeding 60 million units. Tull’s tunes continue to be played worldwide, representing an important part of classic rock history. Barre has been voted among the best-ever guitarists for his playing on the album “Aqualung.” Beyond Tull albums, he has played alongside Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa and Chris Thompson. He has shared a stage with such legends as Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Drummer George Lindsay bass player Alan Thomson form the core of Barre’s band, with vocals by Dan Crisp. Opening Friday’s 8 p.m. show are Randy McStine and Joe Deninzon. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door; purchase online at www.ticketfly.com/event/916683 or call 953-4229. www.pressconnects.com/story/entertainment/2015/12/07/tull-tales-bands-ex-guitarist-play-endicott/76950360/
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 8, 2015 12:34:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2015 20:06:14 GMT
Finally I met Martin up close and personal. I said to Martin "Play El Niño" He laughed and said he didn't like the lyrics. I said "Play the riffs as an instrumental" Then he said he would consider it in the future. Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the show, Jim. Forget the lyrics, Martin, play the riff, that's where it's at for El Niño. (thought this was obvious ) Cheers!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2015 13:50:42 GMT
Martin Barre slated to perform intimate show in Endicott, New YorkMartin Barre’s career is dotted with landmark musical moments; the former Jethro Tull guitarist having written songs and albums that influenced such titans as Rush’s Geddy Lee, Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, and blues guitar phenom Joe Bonamassa, among many. It comes as no surprise, that Barre admits to a certain sonic perfectionism in regards to dotting the “I’s” and crossing the “T’s” on his latest solo record, “Back To Steel.” “If I didn’t have a schedule, I find that I’d never stop mixing and re-mixing,” Barre laughs about the process that went into his seventh studio solo record since 1992, and first since the official dissolution of Jethro Tull in 2014. “After you’ve gone through it a dozen times, you realize it probably sounded fine at the beginning.” Barre is incredibly proud of the new material he’s released – he’ll showcase the music with an intimate performance at Endicott, New York’s Dublin Double Celtic Pub on Dec. 11. For the guitarist, who was so integral to the very inception of progressive hard rock (Barre debuted with Jethro Tull for the band’s 1969 “Stand Up” album), weaving his electric lines through Tull flutist/vocalist Ian Anderson’s decidedly British folk instrumentation, striking a platinum sway with albums like 1971’s “Aqualung” and the following year’s “Thick As A Brick” – his new music is just a further extension of an evolving creative voyage. “With this record, I wanted it very much straight-ahead,” Barre explains, somewhat distancing this new music from the “prog” tendencies of his past glories. “Back To Steel” sees Barre’s guitar sound in more of a complimentary role, rather than out front – there is a full-band vibe here that speaks to the relentless touring he’s done recently with the now established band that includes vocalist Dan Crisp, drummer George Lindsay, and bassist Alan Thomson. “It’s all very close to me,” Barre said of the songs on the record. “The lyrics are all what I’m thinking and feeling, there’s no hidden meanings. It’s a lot of ‘you and I,’ really – my wife and myself, our relationship. I don’t ever have an agenda, but I wanted everything here in either 3/4 or 4/4. I wanted people to be able to listen to it and have it ‘radio-friendly,’ which I guess is the old-fashioned expression; just something that people could readily associate with and be easy on the ears.” Ever the musician, Barre said he’s never far from that riff or idea that can turn into a great tune. “I really love writing,” he said. “I’m not changing the essentials; I’m representing them in my own way. There’s this huge catalog of Tull material, and I’m sure I’ll keep looking at things, and reinventing them, just so there’s a turnover; in the band and in my own writing. I can’t even think about a day where you sit down to write and nothing comes.” For a guy who’s so closely associated with the progressive rock genre, one may wonder how Barre feels about any implications of limitations that such a tag may invite. Turns out, he’s not concerned. “It’s not better or worse than being called a blues artist, or a country artist, or a folkie,” he said. “There are good and bad sides to it. Prog music can be pretentious; lots of times there are people that take themselves too seriously – silly music that’s made complex just for the sake of it. Or, it can be a band like Porcupine Tree – amazing musically with great players and great songs. I like to think that “prog” isn’t enough for me – I always say we’re a blues/rock band, because that’s the strongest element that we project.” For Barre, even 40-plus years on from the stadium-sized success of Jethro Tull, music is the first thing on his mind every day. He relates a story from the morning of this interview that re-affirms one’s faith in the power of music as an all-encompassing life takeover. “I woke up at about half past seven,” he begins. “I had a new guitar that I just bought in Nashville sent down. I picked it up, put a kettle on for a cup of coffee, and just played that guitar for half an hour. It’s the first thing I do when I wake up – I just want to play all the time. If there’s a guitar sitting on a chair, I just have to pick it up and play it. I don’t know why I’m that way, but I don’t analyze it. It’s the way I’ve always been.” Mark is a Northeast Pennsylvania based music journalist who’s enjoyed interviewing legends like members of Iron Maiden, The E-Street Band and Hall & Oates, right down to the garage band next door — intrigued by a great musical story on any level. IF YOU GO: What: Martin Barre Band with Randy McStine and Joe Deninzon When: 8 p.m. Dec. 11 Where: Dublin Double Celtic Pub, 1660 UC Highway 26, Endicott, New York Tickets: $25-30 at www.ticketfly.com/venue/19905-the-dublin-double-celtic-pub
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 10, 2015 11:53:32 GMT
It's A Wonderful Life @ Sellersville Theater Rockin' with Jethro Tull's Martin Barre SOLD OUT ! MB LINK
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2015 16:32:30 GMT
Top 5 Concerts of the Coming Week3. JETHRO TULL'S MARTIN BARRE British prog rockers Jethro Tull called it quits in April 2014, and even before then, vocalist/frontman Ian Anderson toured with the group’s songs, performing them as if he was the band. True, Anderson is Tull’s songwriter, but what would the songs “Aqualung” or “Locomotive Breath” be without the distinctive riffs of guitarist Martin Barre, who was with the band from its second album, “Stand Up,” through its dissolution and also played flute and mandolin for the band? Like Anderson, Barre has released solo discs — seven, including this year’s “Back to Steel.” But its Jethro Tull songs crowds will come to hear, and Barre has every right to play them, too. 8 p.m. Dec.10, Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville Sold out; tickets available on secondary markets, www.st94.com, 215-257-5808.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2015 17:00:58 GMT
Jethro Tull co-founder bring his band to area By Denny Dyroff If you’re a fan of classic rock, you’re most likely a fan of Jethro Tull. And, if you’re a fan of Jethro Tull, you most likely have spent many hours listening to the guitar work of Martin Barre. From 1968 until 2014, Barre and Jethro Tull vocalist/flautist Ian Anderson formed the core of Jethro Tull. Then, Anderson pulled the plug on Jethro Tull. Now, there are two bands playing Tull music and their own music—the Martin Barre Band and the Ian Anderson Band. Barre has had his band together for a few years and has recorded several albums. Finally, Barre and his crew have crossed the Atlantic for a North American tour—a tour that will bring them to the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, http://www.st94.com) on December 10. The tour is billed as “Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre Band—An Evening of Blues-Rock-Tull.” The band includes Dan Crisp (vocals/acoustic/bouzouki), George Lindsay (drums), Richard Beesley (horns), Alan Thomson (bass) and Barre (guitar). Barre has released three albums in the past few years—“Martin Barre” (2012), “Away With Words” (2013) and “Back to Steel” (2015). “We finished making ‘Back to Steel’ in November,” said Barre, during a phone interview Tuesday morning. “The longest session for me was doing the lyrics. I spent well over a month working on the lyrics. I actually spent a lot of time on every aspect of the album – even on the art. “Traditionally, I’ve written instrumentals—four-piece band originals. I wanted songs that were direct so there were very little lyrics. In the eight previous solo albums I’ve done, there were only a few songs with lyrics. “First of all, the music has to be there. That’s the most important thing. Because I’m not a singer, it’s a challenge to write lyrics. I wrote many, many versions of songs with lyrics until I got them right. “I’ve had my live band on the road for four years but this is our first time to tour America. I still do a lot of old Tull songs but in a way that’s more bluesy and rock. I love music to be very broad in scope. Blues is the backbone of rock.” But, there is more to Barre’s music than just blues-rock tunes and different renditions of Jethro Tull classics. He is a world-class guitarist who knows how to explore the instrument’s wide range. “I like melody,” said Barre. “I like dynamics. I like space. Blues is open to that. Space is important. I don’t want there to always be an onslaught of notes. Dynamics make everything work. “Songwriting is a pleasure for me. It’s never a chore. I love arranging. I play guitar every day and come up with things that might develop into a song. Because I’m a late starter with solo work, I’m like a youngster in songwriting terms.” In addition to numerous Jethro Tull albums, has performed or recorded with many other distinguished artists, including Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa and Chris Thompson. He has shared a stage with such legends as Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Even though Barre had worked on a few solo projects over the last 40 years, most of the time was devoted to being one of the musical mainstays of Jethro Tull. But, that ended suddenly when Anderson opted to follow a different road. “The end of Jethro Tull—I didn’t see it coming,” said Barre. “It was a difficult time for me. It took me about six months to sort out what I need to be doing. Now, I’m so happy. I have a great band and it’s going great. I’m very happy now. “People who see our band play get a great Tull experience. I feel like I’m carrying the tradition.” Video link for Martin Barre — www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CBWWkqxGMEQ.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 11, 2015 13:13:37 GMT
Originally scheduled in Binghamton, New York this was moved to a better location Endicott, New York Rocks with Martin Barre Tonight! MB LINK "Home of The Square Deal"... @ Dublin Double Sports Bar & Grill
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 13, 2015 18:33:50 GMT
Thanks to El Niño Martin can play anywhere up north Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull) Rocks Cleveland TONIGHT ! MB Link 1 with special guests CuDa, KrishNa & Cuda MB Link 2
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 15, 2015 4:10:42 GMT
Temperatures above freezing tonight in New York ... Turn up the HEAT with MARTIN BARRE (JETHRO TULL): PRESENTED BY BOP SHOP RECORDS MB LINK
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 15, 2015 4:27:12 GMT
Alan Thompson : "Martin assured us everything would be fine!!"
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 15, 2015 9:16:57 GMT
Doesn't Martin and his merry band look a happy friendly lot! They're even smiling in the official pics too.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 15, 2015 13:55:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2015 15:12:20 GMT
Legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre discusses new music and playing live Published On: Tue, Dec 15th, 2015 Martin Barre’s name tops the list of the very best rock guitarists…ever. At times subtle, at times heavy, at times blues, folksy, and whatever else is needed (and not just playing guitar but mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, flute and keys). For decades Barre was the singular axman presence in Jethro Tull. You’ve heard him on classic riff-tastic tunes like “Aqualung,” “Hunting Girl,” “Teacher,” strumming madness down the tracks on “Locomotive Breath” and plucking many pastoral moments of intricate picking on more songs than can be named here. Mr. Barre is presently on a solo tour of the states (Martin and his band will be in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, Saturday December 19th) behind his just released 3rd solo album, Back To Steel. The gentleman (and a true gentleman Barre is) found some time from his busy schedule to have a sit down with shortandsweet. How has the tour been so far? It’s amazing, exhausting, exhilarating; a truly positive experience every night. We’re meeting old friends, making new ones, finding new fans and old, it’s truly been overwhelming in the best sense. It’s just been such a positive full-on experience really. I’ve read you’re messing around quite a bit with the set list night to night, moving things around, adding different songs, etc. Yes, we do manage that, move things around a bit. We seem to have gone back to a set list we were playing in European shows earlier in the year. It was a very strong set, a few songs from the new album obviously, and other songs. Basically we seem to like the flexibility as much as having a routine, something you know you are going to do, but then again being able to throw things in as the show dictates. Last night we played two and half hours and I have no idea how that happened, as normally the show is two hours. We just love playing really. On stage and on Back To Steel you have quite a mix of stuff, from covers to some truly stellar originals, and also the odd Jethro Tull song thrown in like “Slow Marching Band” and “Skating “Away.” How do you come to choose what songs to include on an album, or to play live? In the case of “Slow Marching Band” we recorded that version eighteen months ago, but at the time it didn’t fit on Back To Steel. I really like that song alot and took to changing the orchestration this time to include mandolin and bouzouki. But as I had a full album I figured if I don’t use the track I could include it as a bonus track, but then I thought it sounded so great, why not give people better value for their money and indeed include it on the album. On stage I like taking songs like “Fat Man,” “Sweet Dreams,” all those great Tull tunes and turning them on their head, deconstruct them when I can. In the case of some Tull songs like “Minstrel In The Gallery” you have to play them verbatim, with others you can have fun with them, change them around. From the time we met years ago backstage at a Tull show, and in speaking to you now, I know you to be a very humble person, but at the end of the day, and seeing that this year celebrates your 50th anniversary in the music business, can you sit back and get a perspective of who you are in the pantheon of rock, what your contribution has meant? I don’t come off stage and think, “Wow I was great,” no that’s never been me. I come off and think, wow we had a great show, or wow that was fun, that’s about as far as I go thinking about my playing. But I will say this time out I feel a sense of projecting, a ‘this is me attitude’, this is what I do, will do and have to do. I’m playing a lot of guitar, I have the freedom and space to do what I want, but at the same time it’s hard work, we have no element of luxury here. But it’s a great band, a great crew, we all work really hard, six pieces of four musicians in the band, two in the crew, and it feels good working this project, committing to the four years of hard work to get this band where we are, getting a foothold in the states. And you’ll be back here in the new year? Oh yes in April, it’s being planned now. We’ll hit the central states, the west coast, come back twice in fact. Right now we are sowing the seeds, building interest. Get out to see Mr. Barre sow those seeds with his stellar band at Rockwood, first show sold out, the later one you can still get tickets for here: www.ticketfly.com/event/956673
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 18, 2015 14:11:24 GMT
1 week till Christmas and the last leg of the tour... Time to Rock this Church ! JETHRO TULL GUITARIST MARTIN BARRE TO PERFORM IN PLYMOUTH MB Link
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 18, 2015 17:12:39 GMT
I might literally be the first person who buys tickets to see Martin Barre live when California dates are planned...but let's be real...in the AND interview he continues to INSIST he cannot offer an opinion on TAAB2 nor Homo E. because he has NEVER listened to them...seriously Martin, enough already...you can decide to remain neutral or withold comment on either of these two albums but pretending oblivion to songs, many, many that you played amongst the TAAB2 songs and snippets and sketches that became the heart of Homo E ( I swear I hear 'Tea with Princess motifs in Doggerland, Turnpike Inn and Browning green) is almost insulting to fans and readers. Let's start a poll...who thinks one Martin Lancelot Barre...petulant to point of kindergarden child, ex-guitar player in Tull, has maybe listened to TAAB2 and Homo E once or thrice ?
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 18, 2015 17:21:32 GMT
I might literally be the first person who buys tickets to see Martin Barre live when California dates are planned...but let's be real...in the AND interview he continues to INSIST he cannot offer an opinion on TAAB2 nor Homo E. because he has NEVER listened to them...seriously Martin, enough already...you can decide to remain neutral or withold comment on either of these two albums but pretending oblivion to songs, many, many that you played amongst the TAAB2 songs and snippets and sketches that became the heart of Homo E ( I swear I hear 'Tea with Princess motifs in Doggerland, Turnpike Inn and Browning green) is almost insulting to fans and readers. Let's start a poll...who thinks one Martin Lancelot Barre...petulant to point of kindergarden child, ex-guitar player in Tull, has maybe listened to TAAB2 and Homo E once or thrice ? Oh yes, I reckon he has if only to hear what the IA Band did on the two albums. After all, there are some Martin Barre solo offerings on the Tull radio over at the official site so if Ian can listen to Martin's solo music then I'm sure Martin has listened to HE and TAAB2.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 19, 2015 12:30:00 GMT
Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull) 2 Shows in 1 night !! Rockin' the 'BIG APPLE' with BLUES,ROCK, & TULL
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 19, 2015 19:56:41 GMT
After all these years, Martin Barre gets a case of the blues December 19, 2015 By MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITORsouthingtonobserver.com/2015/12/19/after-all-these-years-martin-barre-gets-a-case-of-the-blues/When Martin Barre hits the stage in Hamden this weekend, fans of the former Jethro Tull guitarist will get a taste of the blues (as well as tracks from his new album and Tull).
But, although, Barre is getting his blues licks in as a solo artist (Jethro Tull is no more), the guitarist was an anomaly in the 1960s. In the 1960s, it seemed like every young lead guitarist was playing the blues.
And Barre said it made sense. In the U.K. at the time, there were few other musical influences for young musicians to draw from. The young men who made up Jethro Tull for the group’s first album were no exception. The band had been eyed by fans and the press as a new Cream—the blues rock super group manned by guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker.
However, Barre—who stepped in for the band’s second album after original guitarist Mick Abrahams departed— said he was never one to play the blues. In fact, Barre was brought in to Jethro Tull specifically because the band wanted to break away from that blues-rock sound and wanted to pull in other influences that Barre could bring them.
That said, although he didn’t play the blues, Barre said he loved listening to them. When Jethro Tull finally called it a day four years ago, Barre said the time was now right to pick up the guitar and play the blues. Although Barre’s guitar was integral to Jethro Tull—the riff from “Aqualung” is a classic rock favorite– the guitar was never the central focus for that band led by singer-songwriter Ian Anderson. When Tull called it a day, Barre figured now was a chance to venture into a world where his guitar was the raison d’etre for his live shows and recordings.
Initially as a solo artist, Barre wasn’t quite certain about giving his guitar playing the spotlight. He panicked, he said. He figured fans wanted something similar to Jethro Tull from him. He was afraid he wouldn’t meet fans’ expectations. So he pulled out a six piece band with a full sound akin to his previous entity. And the stage show was a democracy.
However, Barre said fans told him they were a bit disappointed about those earlier solo effort. Where he thought they would want the guitars to take a backseat, the fans said they wanted to hear Barre’s playing front and center. Barre eventually pared the band down to a four-piece. And within that structure, he said he left more musical space for his guitar to shine through.
Besides the opportunity to put his guitar playing front and center, Barre also was able to do something as a solo artist that he couldn’t do in his time with Ian Anderson. He could be a songwriter.
“It’s been a really exciting section of my career,” said Barre. “I do enjoy writing.” He said he also had the best of both worlds in music. Having played for 50 years, he said he has learned what works and doesn’t work for a song. And since he’s new to the process, there is a freshness to his writing, he said. Asked about what inspires his songwriting, Barre said he is not the type of songwriter who waits for something to strike him. He said it could take up to a year to have that aha moment that causes you to take up pen in hand. Instead, Barre said makes a point of sitting down regularly to come up with new music. Sometimes, the songs don’t come. Some days, he said, you strike gold.
However, Barre said he never frets if he doesn’t end the day with a song. He said he is more than happy simply to have had a chance to play his guitar. In addition to writing his own material for “Back to Steel,” Barre also turned a classic bit of 1960s psychedelia on its head. The album finds Barre tackling the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” Rather than a version that echoes the string quartet arranged by Paul McCartney, Barre offers up crunching guitars and a blues feel to the Fab Four’s hit. It’s always tricky for a band to cover the Beatles. And “Eleanor Rigby” is one of those idiosyncratic tracks that would seem to be impossible for an artist to give its proper due. So why did Barre even try? “Because it was fun,” he replied He said he always thought “Eleanor Rigby” was a great song. And he said he found a way to turn it sideways and upside down. When he brought the arrangement to his band, Barre said they were bit skeptical. But he said, “Let’s give it a try.” And it worked. Barre said he’s never been afraid to take on a cover song if it’s fun. He said he’d perform a Britney Spears song if he thought he could have fun doing so. “I’m not worried about genre or what kind of label is put on it,” said Barre. “I just want absolute freedom.” With Jethro Tull, Barre had played festivals, arenas, and large theaters. For this particular tour, Barre is playing smaller venues—mostly club dates.
“The atmosphere is amazing” in these intimate shows, said Barre. “It’s a really hand’s on experience. I love that.” That said, Barre’s ambition in mark II of his career is to return to bigger venues such as the ones Jethro Tull used to play. “I want to be more successful,” said Barre, and “I want more income” to hire more musicians, back up singers, and offer more production value for the fans.
“There’s so much I want to do,” said Barre. But, Barre is realistic. He knows post-Jethro Tull, “We’re starting at the bottom.” He recognizes he has one advantage, people know him from his days with his previous band. However, Barre said, he has no pretenses. “I’m starting my career again,” said Barre. This is Barre’s first solo tour of America. Barre said once Tull was done, he knew he had to get back to America to play. He said many fans would query him on social media asking when he was going to come over. But, the band was a risk for promoters, said Barre. Bringing in an artist from the U.K., and an artist where it was uncertain how audiences would respond, was a definite concern.
However, earlier this year, Barre was invited to the states to take part in the Cruise to the Edge, which sailed out of Miami, Fla. The cruise ship featured a variety of bands from the progressive side of rock such as Yes, Marillion, Spock’s Beard, and more. Being part of that venture in November offered him the opportunity he needed to tour America. He said he called promoters and said he would already be in America for Cruise to the Edge. He then asked if they could set up a tour that followed. The response to the tour from the fans has been “amazing,” said Barre (he joked he would say that even if it wasn’t the case). “It’s like banging into an old friend,” said Barre of touring America, where Jethro Tull essentially had a second home. “It’s just such a lovely feeling… It’s really so gratifying when people are so positive about what I’m doing,” said Barre. When fans come out to The Ballroom at the Outer Space on Sunday night, Barre said they can expect a set list that is 50 percent drawn from the catalogue of Jethro Tull. However, he said, even though it is Tull, he said it will be stuff fans haven’t heard live in a long time. Additionally, he said the Tull songs have been re-arranged and re-presented to put the focus on his guitar. Barre said fans also will hear tracks from the new album. And, yes, he said, there will be a good amount of the blues. “It’s a really good show, with lots of energy,” said Barre, who is hoping to put on a show akin to the rock shows of the 1970s. “Dynamic and powerful.”
Martin Barre will perform at The Ballroom at the Outerspace, 295 Treadwell Ave., Hamden on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, go to TheOuterSpace.net or MartinBarre.com
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 20, 2015 15:42:44 GMT
Final night of the U.S. Tour 2015... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! An Evening of Blues, Folk, Rock w/ a Touch of Tull Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull) and Special Guest Phoebe Legere @ THE BALLROOM MB LINK 1 MB Link 2Hamden welcomes a new venue that rounds out a trifecta of excellent venues for live music – The Spaceland Ballroom, The Space and The Outerspace located at 295 Treadwell Street.
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Post by JTull 007 on Dec 23, 2015 20:08:51 GMT
Martin Barre in Hamden! Videos by caug Martin Barre (and band) play on December 20th, in the Ballroom of the Outer Space Club in Hamden CT.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 24, 2015 17:42:47 GMT
plymouth.wickedlocal.com/SPIRE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS: Martin Barre commands the stageThere was no fan fare. There was no hype. It was one of those “they came, they saw, they conquered” situations, and they did it effortlessly. By Emily Clark Posted Dec. 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM plymouth.wickedlocal.com/article/20151224/NEWS/151228884There was no fan fare. There was no hype. It was one of those “they came, they saw, they conquered” situations, and they did it effortlessly. Musicians in the audience despaired and considered giving up the guitar and maybe even singing, because who in the world could do those things on an ax and sing like that? Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre Band turned out to be an unassuming group of Englishman with English manners and self-deprecating humor. You didn’t realize at first what you were getting into, not unless you had followed Barre’s career closely as one of the main supporting columns of Jethro Tull’s sound. There was Ian, and then there was Martin. They were a dynamic duo. Exquisite taste is what these musicians had, exquisite timing and utter discipline. Their unassuming entrance – Barre’s Tibetan smoking hat, Dan Crisp’s Chuck Taylors, George Lindsay’s blank expression, Alan Thomson’s quiet stance. And then the explosion of sound as the foursome simply took over and didn’t stop taking over until the last note sounded. You needed a seatbelt. Barre is, perhaps arguably, the greatest of all guitarists because it isn’t really about him at all. He can do all intricate fingering, lace melody on top of melody and play lightning fast. But what he does that sets him apart is his on-the-spot arrangement of songs, his crafting of melodies that are truly beautiful and not just a case of show-off athletics and his understanding of when to shut up and when to roar. It isn’t about him; it’s about the song – what it needs, what it doesn’t need. His love affair is with this song, not himself. “We’ve come all the way from Plymouth to see what the other Plymouth is like, and we like it,” Barre told the cheering crowd. He taught the audience how to use “Bollix!” in a sentence, and played “Thick as a Brick” after suggesting that Justin Beber is “more intelligent than we think he is,” to which the audience responded, “Bollix!” Barre acknowledged the songs written for women, love, drink and drugs before dedicating a song to cheese. The fun banter drew helpless laughter sandwiched as it was between powerhouse songs so expertly arranged and played with such excruciating detail, audience members stared slack-jawed at the spectacle. Chameleon singer Dan Crisp delivered truly amazing Ian Andersonesque vocals at times, while at other times he lapsed into rougher edges and darker tones in “Bad man” and “Crossroads.” He had what could be described as an intense stage presence, at turns vulnerable and invincible, depending on the song. Close your eyes and you might not recognize him as the same singer who delivered Porcupine Tree’s “Blackest Eyes,” as the one who soared through Tull's “Sweet Dreams.” George Lindsay’s drumming was perfect, plain and simple, and his solo was enjoyable, unlike many a drum solo at many a concert. Sorry, but there it is. He didn’t try the audience’s patience once; none of them did. They played to the crowd, and there was nary a self-indulgent moment. Lindsay was solid and utterly on his game, as was bassist Alan Thomson, who surprised the crowd when he shouldered a guitar and played formidable slide. This was an alchemy of talent. Perhaps it is overstating the case to compare Barre’s guitar work to Johann Sebastian Bach’s musicianship, but you really can. Barre’s cascading and tumbling melodies interlaced with Crisp’s delicately at times and aggressively at others. The melodies of both would charge at one another and suddenly interlock perfectly like cogs in a clock, before spinning off in different directions. Barre’s sophisticated understanding of point and counterpoint interfaces with his understanding of melody, and voila! Musical genius. It’s beautiful to listen to, not just an athletic maneuver, and it is extremely difficult to perfect. Imagine two hands on a piano playing two separate melodies that run toward each other, yet fit together, before uniting in unison and then separating again. The hands must cross and uncross again and again and the mind mustn’t wander. That’s what Barre does on his guitar, and it is amazing to hear and to watch. Suffice it to say, it was a night to remember, with Tull songs “Teacher,” “A Song for Jeffrey,” “Fat Man,” “Locomotive Breath,” “A New Day Yesterday” and “Sweet Dream,” as well as covers like “Eleanor Rigby,” which happened to be a great original take on the song. Barre’s handling of the blues is original and clever, and the band powered through the bluesy tunes, fusing elements of prog and straight-ahead rock. Dimension is what he gave every song – often new dimension. If you missed the show, have no fear. After thanking the audience for its rousing appreciation, Barre said, “We are like a really bad rash, and we’re coming back again and again.” Unless that’s just unassuming British charm and he’s bluffing.
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