chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 4, 2011 10:31:45 GMT
Hi to All.. We have had some date in my Country until now and I have been able to be at two J.T concerts, the 14 July in Asti and the 16 in Brescia. As usual two very good show, from the band. A little bit shorter than usual I must say, don't know why. Ian on stage? He demonstrated great shape, energy and enthousiasm. This time talked less than other times with the band or joking with Martin.. We all know that the voice could present some problem, sometimes, (not always), in the recents past Tour, performing certain sogs, I can be a witness about, but this time I am happy to say that maybe Ian has found a better way. I mean that I am not an expert in this, but perhaps i find that Ian has sung in a different way, not of throat, but of chest, that better for the final result. I think well about the musicians. John O'Hara this time, like in the last one-two years has made any mistakes, J. Goodier more, in his role. Martin and Doane are the strong point I believe, I heard them playng a bit slower way, in particular in some songs, which i think it was better for the execution. In few words I would say that if we compare the last two- three years ago concerts, maybe I'm wrong, but I have seen more quality in the executions, in general. I know that can appear silly to say this, but I think that the J. T show can become even better, in the future. I say this because I have seen about 45/50 Jethro Tull Concerts, in my life, I missed the count
Thi is the list: Living in the past. Thick as a brick. In the grip of stronger stuff. Farm on the freeway. Mother goose. Heavy horses. (particoularly well sung, loud voice by Ian). Bouree. (performed in a classical way, which i appreciated much). Wind up. (in a very strange and pleasant version, looked like "disco"!!). Hymn 43. My God. Budapest. Aqualung. Locomotive breath. Teacher. (short version) Only a little critic about the fact in my opinion, too many songs from Aqualung ( ok, this is the annyversary, but..) this make feel the lack of great pieces from, just an example, Roots to Branches, Songs from the Wood, from the past, if we want the same Benefit. But it is ok to me anyway.. I also feel the lack of some scenics impact, lately. Last year there were the baloons at the end of the show that made me think many, many years ago thoughs. J.T is a group that used to bring in the concerts, big rabbits, doctors, masks, broadswords and else. It was so nice.. But all along these years there never was a moment i wasn't happy to be at theyr concert, anyway. Ian and Jethro Tull are still a succesfull band and I wish all the best to my dear band. Michele.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 4, 2011 17:45:02 GMT
Thanks for the review Michele. Have to agree with you about IA's voice and as I've heard a recording of the Brescia concert all I can say is "wish I'd been there".
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 4, 2011 21:19:16 GMT
For all ian's carping about raucous fans and people yelling 'boogie' during Wondering Aloud...I think he and the whole band get energized by the lively type of crowd they get in Italy. i saw Tull in Milan in 1989....one of the best audiences i had ever been a part of....and Gerd fretting thru the after gig dinner re: likelyhood of getting overcharged!
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Aug 4, 2011 21:44:10 GMT
Wish I was at an Italian concert - the after gig dinners, parties and sightseeing wouldn't be half bad either Michele I agree about the scenics, I think maybe a backdrop like the 40th or some little offering would add to the night. No one's asking for the pirate ship or any progtastic theatrics - well I don't know
|
|
|
Post by bunkerfan on Aug 5, 2011 6:02:57 GMT
Great review Michele. Interesting point about Ian singing in a "different way". I think that, plus the shorter set is working well for him. If it means the band carrying on playing for more years with less songs then that's alright by me.
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 5, 2011 6:42:59 GMT
Thanks for the review Michele. Have to agree with you about IA's voice and as I've heard a recording of the Brescia concert all I can say is "wish I'd been there". Thanks Hi Maddog. And I can say: why not for you to come here next J.T Tour? Italy isn't so far by U.K...My house is like a little part of England being my wife from Manchester and her childrens too. M.
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 5, 2011 6:52:48 GMT
For all ian's carping about raucous fans and people yelling 'boogie' during Wondering Aloud...I think he and the whole band get energized by the lively type of crowd they get in Italy. i saw Tull in Milan in 1989....one of the best audiences i had ever been a part of....and Gerd fretting thru the after gig dinner re: likelyhood of getting overcharged! I know that Italian audiences are receiving and gladly participates in a noisy way at the concerts, expecially between the pieces of music. sure this helps the band, and sometimes Ian does'nt enjoy all that mess...M.
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 5, 2011 7:03:44 GMT
Wish I was at an Italian concert - the after gig dinners, parties and sightseeing wouldn't be half bad either Michele I agree about the scenics, I think maybe a backdrop like the 40th or some little offering would add to the night. No one's asking for the pirate ship or any progtastic theatrics - well I don't know Hi Nonrabbit. You are right. The past stages iI described are, think too difficult now. I mean are very differents situations, because that kind of scenics were connected with the new Albums which the Tour were about. Anyway, the Italian J.T Tour is always waiting for your visit!!. M.
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 5, 2011 7:19:32 GMT
Great review Michele. Interesting point about Ian singing in a "different way". I think that, plus the shorter set is working well for him. If it means the band carrying on playing for more years with less songs then that's alright by me. As I wrote, I am not an expert about technicals points of view, but about Ian's "different way" maybe it has not been only my impression, because several friends from the Italian Forum, which usually sent very strict reviews about Ian performances as singer, this time agreed with me. I am very glad of this. Maybe Ian has re-educated his voice. Yes, I think the band will be playing again for some years. That's what I meant when i wrote that they can play even better in the future. I will be reporting again in September because Ian, John O'Hara and Florian will give a concert during our Italian Convention in Piacenza. See you in a three weeks. I start summer holliday tomorrow...in England. Michele.
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Aug 5, 2011 8:35:04 GMT
Great review Michele. Interesting point about Ian singing in a "different way". I think that, plus the shorter set is working well for him. If it means the band carrying on playing for more years with less songs then that's alright by me. Totally agree the band have so much to offer - songs past and future. Ian's iconic flute playing, Barre's iconic guitar playing, stage presence from both - together, the various types of gigs and music played over the year and every year, Ian's incredible energy and commitment... etc etc oh and all the Anniversaries ;D
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 5, 2011 11:47:21 GMT
Totally agree the band have so much to offer - songs past and future. Ian's iconic flute playing, Barre's iconic guitar playing, stage presence from both - together, the various types of gigs and music played over the year and every year, Ian's incredible energy and commitment... etc etc oh and all the Anniversaries ;D This is the exact description of how the band currently is, in my opinion, too. M.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 5, 2011 16:01:37 GMT
M., you probably already know this but...bring your own food to England
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Aug 5, 2011 16:38:52 GMT
M., you probably already know this but...bring your own food to England I don't think Michele will have seen this in Rome or Ravello this one has a nice name at least - Stargazey Pie i52.images obliterated by tinypic/243l36w.jpg[/IMG] this one hasn't - tripe n onion n mashed potato - not a lot of colour going on there but that's the least of your worries i51.images obliterated by tinypic/2639czr.jpg[/IMG]
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 5, 2011 17:46:49 GMT
Thanks for the review Michele. Have to agree with you about IA's voice and as I've heard a recording of the Brescia concert all I can say is "wish I'd been there". Thanks Hi Maddog. And I can say: why not for you to come here next J.T Tour? Italy isn't so far by U.K...My house is like a little part of England being my wife from Manchester and her childrens too. M. I'll see what I can do M. Never been to Italy so maybe that's a good excuse
|
|
stevep
Master Craftsman
Posts: 430
|
Post by stevep on Aug 7, 2011 18:52:49 GMT
Was that the Rock Island Tour (the one that started with Strange Avenues). If so, I agree with you - I was at Pallatrussardi that night and the audience participation was great. Thanks also Chea for the report on the Brescia concert. I had tickets for Tull in Brescia on the Saturday night and Paul Simon in Milan on the Sunday. Unfortunately I slipped a disc in my back and could not get to either - sick as a parrot in more ways than one. Think the best place I have ever seen Tull was in Citivella Del Tronto. This was a castle/fort type place high up in some mountains. Brilliant concert, great audience, super place. I would thoroughly recommend any Tull fan to go to Italy to see them if you get the chance. One strange tale from that night. I spent some time hanging about looking at the merchandise, having yet another beer, etc. at the end of the concert. As we were walking out the fort, we were passed by Ian Anderson who looked very hot, bothered and red faced. He was surrounded by around 30 policemen and various other security men and they had formed a tight square around him. This meant that they all had to walk at the same speed and they marched him quickly to his car. At the time there only seemed to be a handful of fans still around - it seemed there were many more police guarding him. Anyway, me and my pal walked down the steep hill & little lanes down to the town square. When we got there IA's car pulled up beside us and he got out to go and check into the local hotel. There must have been hundreds of fans stood around in the square - many who went over to ask for autographs, etc. Not a policeman to be seen anywhere though. Poor guy looked hassled to bits... it also made me realise that age must be catching up with him as he looked absolutely knackered. Not surprised though as he had few hours of performing on a hot July night. It cannot be easy! Well, nothings easy!
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 7, 2011 20:38:10 GMT
Cool that you were at that same Rock island in milan gig.....I got the feeling that Tull in general were flustered...Martin barre had some big money changing headcahe( jeez...1989...like a generation ago...chnaging money in Europe before the urine took over...wait, you brits still have to trade for urines, doncha?) Ian was in a good mood after the show....remarked on the good crowd...was chain smoking hand rolleds and a lot of the conversation with him, the band and the tour manager reflected their fears that the Italians had managd to stencil something in invisible ink on their foreheads more or less directing everyone to overcharge them and rip them off left and right. Ian spoke of pocket reading in all med. countries...I.e.: somehow everything cost exactly what he had on him...to the penny/centieme./peseta.
|
|
stevep
Master Craftsman
Posts: 430
|
Post by stevep on Aug 7, 2011 21:16:09 GMT
The bit I remember best about that concert was the Strange Avenues opening song. I had played the album till it was almost worn out and thought that track (though shortish) was one of the best. Before the concert I wondered if they would play it. The lights went down at the concert and the port-hole screens came up with Martin Barre on one screen and IA with a young lady dancing on the other screen. Audience round us just went crazy. I remember thinking that version of Tull was one of the best - it was great to see Mart Allcock & Martin Barre both on guitar - added a bit more oomph to the sound. Good days indeed.. was it really 22 years ago? A reminder of what it was like www.youtube.com/watch?v=g43qDUmhoQk
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 7, 2011 22:11:56 GMT
Good point..how could it have been 22 years ago...and if i was 32 that year I must be....oh my god!!!!,...two days later i awoke in venice to learn of an earthquake in SF! Strange Avenues was the perfect 'we mean business', 'we have confidence in our new material' , 'we are not here to f**k around with oldies', 'we still have some surprises up our seleve' opener. True, they played much of Roots in 95...but I still think 1989 was the last, great, old style tour--heavy on the new stuff, heavy on the recent stuff ( 3 or 4 from crest) and the right amount of older stuff...and some just plain funnin' around with pegg and Allcock joining Barre on some instrumental muscle flexing...how can it be 22 years if i can remember it so well?
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 8, 2011 8:29:46 GMT
Good point..how could it have been 22 years ago...and if i was 32 that year I must be....oh my god!!!!,...two days later i awoke in venice to learn of an earthquake in SF! Strange Avenues was the perfect 'we mean business', 'we have confidence in our new material' , 'we are not here to f**k around with oldies', 'we still have some surprises up our seleve' opener. True, they played much of Roots in 95...but I still think 1989 was the last, great, old style tour--heavy on the new stuff, heavy on the recent stuff ( 3 or 4 from crest) and the right amount of older stuff...and some just plain funnin' around with pegg and Allcock joining Barre on some instrumental muscle flexing...how can it be 22 years if i can remember it so well? Yes it was 22 years ago Bernie Picture the scene - the two Graham's hitting the road in a clapped out left hand drive VW van and seeing the whole of the UK leg of the tour. Great days.
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Aug 8, 2011 9:13:34 GMT
What a great pic Iconic Tull fan pic. Have you still got the battered old VW? or is it resting down in Cornwall?
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 8, 2011 15:54:11 GMT
Yep...I saw that tour in London, stunned the Tullies at the Swan by being picked up by a raging beauty of a girl i had met in mexico the year before and protected long enough to earn her friendship and respect ( and nothing more) she drove me to Dover...I hitched to hamburg in time for next gig...then berlin, then Franfurt, then Zurich where Gerd enconsed us in some food and drink room while we missed the Zurich dressing room session and finally Milan where we dined with the band....With the exception of the lift to Dover and the ferry itself, the whole tour was accomplished by thumb, nerve, youth hostel's, friends home and inspiration....a Scottish trucker, trying to help me find a shortcut to Genoa after milan, kept talking about: 'the f**kin' road, the f**kin' road'....it was much later that i understood he was saying 'fork in the road.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 8, 2011 16:09:32 GMT
What a great pic Iconic Tull fan pic. Have you still got the battered old VW? or is it resting down in Cornwall? No, we hired it for the duration of the tour. Dead and buried and turned into razor blades by now - rust in peace.
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Aug 8, 2011 16:19:52 GMT
....a Scottish trucker, trying to help me find a shortcut to Genoa after milan, kept talking about: 'the f**kin' road, the f**kin' road'....it was much later that i understood he was saying 'fork in the road. ;D Glad you eventually understood cause it would be kind of awkward if at the next Moderators Ball I asked you if you would prefer just a fork with your dinner (US style eating) and no knife.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 8, 2011 16:35:51 GMT
....a Scottish trucker, trying to help me find a shortcut to Genoa after milan, kept talking about: 'the f**kin' road, the f**kin' road'....it was much later that i understood he was saying 'fork in the road. ;D Glad you eventually understood cause it would be kind of awkward if at the next Moderators Ball I asked you if you would prefer just a fork with your dinner (US style eating) and no knife.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Aug 8, 2011 16:38:54 GMT
Yep...I saw that tour in London, stunned the Tullies at the Swan by being picked up by a raging beauty of a girl i had met in mexico the year before and protected long enough to earn her friendship and respect ( and nothing more) she drove me to Dover...I hitched to hamburg in time for next gig...then berlin, then Franfurt, then Zurich where Gerd enconsed us in some food and drink room while we missed the Zurich dressing room session and finally Milan where we dined with the band....With the exception of the lift to Dover and the ferry itself, the whole tour was accomplished by thumb, nerve, youth hostel's, friends home and inspiration....a Scottish trucker, trying to help me find a shortcut to Genoa after milan, kept talking about: 'the f**kin' road, the f**kin' road'....it was much later that i understood he was saying 'fork in the road. Y'know Bernie, we must have spoken to each other at the Swan. However, some Tullies at Inverness and a couple of pics from Manchester.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 8, 2011 17:58:37 GMT
My memories of the Swan, where we went before and after,are: Far more boys than girls, Rees and Webb as mini-celebs surrounded by fans wanting to exchange a few words with them, good beer and the feeling of being 'with my people' despite the unlikeliness of 'getting lucky' in a scene with such preponderant male/female ratio. There were still places in Europe, just pre-wall crumble, where a visiting American longhair without visible warts and a small modicum of charm could still attract female attention on short notice ( Uh...small town Slobovias east of the Elbe) London did not appear to be awaiting my arrival in any particular high pitch of excitement and anticipation.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 8, 2011 18:04:06 GMT
Photo confirms my memory of very few girls in the mix....not different in American Tull circles.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 19:02:48 GMT
Rush concert:
|
|
chea
Master Craftsman
Posts: 356
|
Post by chea on Aug 24, 2011 12:41:18 GMT
M., you probably already know this but...bring your own food to England Hi to All. I'm just back from vacations for few days. Steel, thanks for suggesting me about food. I am happy to say that I like enough English food. Very different by what you can find in our Country, but not too bad in UK, anyway. I went there really many times, because my wife is British, as I met first 16 years ago, to visit relatives, parents, ecc. I enjoyed much to read tales about concerts in Italy. Glad to hear there were good experiences, too. I think all that happens before a concert, and after too, brings us always good memories difficult to forget. J.T means this, also, I believe. M.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Aug 24, 2011 14:14:35 GMT
Flexibility is the key to good policy. Honesty is the second best policy.
|
|