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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 10, 2012 19:42:16 GMT
Fascinating previews of Fridays concert. Thanks for posting tootull.
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Post by snaffler on Dec 11, 2012 16:28:01 GMT
Flute-playing rocker on bill at Christmas cathedral gig by David Whetstone, The Journal Dec 10 2012www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/2012/12/10/flute-playing-rocker-on-bill-at-christmas-cathedral-gig-61634-32394623/Attuned to organs and choristers, a cathedral will resound to a different beat this week, says David Whetstone. AMONG the carol services at St Nicholas Cathedral this week is something which might seem incongruous – an appearance by Ian Anderson, wild flautist of Jethro Tull. Often the City Hall has throbbed to Tull’s high-volume folk-rock. But this is a cathedral. Will the stained glass take the strain? In Newcastle to assure the Dean and Chapter that everything will be fine is the Rev George Pitcher, who also has a slight air of incongruity. He talks with the easy charm – and occasional profanity – of the Fleet Street hack that he was. He apologises for not sporting the dog collar of the Anglican priest that he is. One-time award-winning industrial editor of The Observer and high- profile PR man, he was ordained into the Church of England, became curate of St Bride’s, Fleet Street, the journalists’ church, and for much of 2010 was in charge of public affairs – spin doctor, some called it – for the Archbishop of Canterbury. He still keeps his journalistic hand in, blogging, tweeting and occasionally stirring up a hornets’ nest. And here he is at the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas extolling the virtues of a celebrated rocker who doesn’t openly profess to a belief in God. Of himself, George says: “I’m an Anglican priest and a freelance journalist, but I’ve followed Jethro Tull since my school days. “I try to avoid using the ‘f’ word, fan, because I hate it. As a good Anglican, I don’t really do fanaticism but I’ve enjoyed Ian Anderson’s music over the decades.” One Christmas, he says, he got Greg Lake – of supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer – to come to St Bride’s and perform his evergreen 1975 hit, I Believe in Father Christmas. “There’s a melodic break and I got Ian to come and play that on the flute. It was gobsmacking. Greg Lake and Ian Anderson! “I said to Ian afterwards that it’d be lovely if Jethro Tull did a fundraiser. They came the following Christmas, and we then did two or three years at St Bride’s. It became a routine.” The relationship between rocker and priest is intriguing, even if the priest has supped with Fleet Street’s finest and the rocker, as George says, “does not play to the rock ‘n’ roll image”. While not a church-going Christian, George sees qualities in the Jethro Tull frontman which suggest he is not beyond redemption. “He’s not terribly keen on us organised Christians, but I’d say he’s a man of great spirituality. “He’ll read from St Luke’s (gospel), we’ll have a blessing and a prayer. It’ll be ‘Ian Anderson plays the Christmas Jethro Tull’ but with some sacramental stuff in there. “Ian doesn’t want cathedrals to be just venues, although they are venues in a way. He’s said it would be wrong to make these rock ‘n’ roll gigs so there will be Christmassy stuff.” North East favourites Kathryn Tickell and Bob Fox will guest star, but everyone knows 90% of Jethro Tull is Ian Anderson, and he’ll be the event’s powerful presence. George says the first St Bride’s gig brought a lot of people into church for the first time in years, including a pair of bikers. One was heard to mutter to the other: “Looks like a church.” To which the other replied: “That’s because it is a church, you idiot.” Buoyed by its success, Ian went on to perform in Exeter and Canterbury cathedrals; then, last year, Coventry, Salisbury and Manchester. Newcastle and St Bride’s are to benefit this year. “There isn’t a cathedral that doesn’t have an organ or a roof that needs repairing, and Ian underwrites the whole thing,” says George. “He picks up the tab and doesn’t make a penny out of it.” George, who reconnoitres each venue and persuades Church of England colleagues that a rocker’s what they want for Christmas, jokes: “I don’t know if Ian feels he’s got some ground to make up. “Maybe he’s reached an age where he realises he’s not immortal. But at this time of year, having toured the States and Europe, he sees this is an opportunity to give a little back.” For Jethro Tull fans, evidence of Anderson’s spirituality is there to see in the band’s breakthrough album, Aqualung, which came out in 1971 with tracks called Hymn 43 and My God. All the proceeds of Friday’s 7.30pm gig will go to the cathedral’s fabric and ministry. Tickets are £25 from The Sage Gateshead: 0191 443 4661 or www.thesagegateshead.organother excellent piece from dave whetstone with whom i have worked alongside for many years!!!!
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 11, 2012 16:28:15 GMT
I expect everyone will be on best behaviors and stifle requests for Aqualung and Locomtive Breath but I still really hope someone will have the courage to make a clear, audible request for 'Give Till It Hurts'.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2012 16:47:48 GMT
Slight repeat: Church Cathedral offers prog-rock Christmas Posted: Tuesday, December 11, 2012www.christiantoday.com/article/cathedral.offers.progrock.christmas/31224.htmThe Christmas concert at the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas in Newcastle is having the rock star treatment this year with the addition of the legendary Ian Anderson. The Jethro Tull leader will be performing a prog-rock Christmas concert at the cathedral this coming Friday. Michael Stoddart, Director of Music at St Nicholas, said: “It’s terribly exciting. It’s a great way of bringing together all sorts of different aspects of life. "It’s not often you can bring together classical, rock and religious music under one roof and that’s what makes it very exciting. And what a great musician to be working with. “It brings a whole new dimension to what we can do in the cathedral, especially with the new lighting and the effects which they will bring. "Historically, rock music has been associated with cathedrals and it should be a fantastic event.” Anderson and Jethro Tull remain one of the most unique British rock acts. Anderson, who is credited with introducing the flute to rock music, regularly performs to support churches and cathedrals. Previous performances have been held in Salisbury and Canterbury cathedrals. Proceeds from this Friday's concert will also go towards St Nicholas's cathedral funds. Anderson will be joined by local musicians, Bob Fox and Kathryn Tickell. He said the concert offered audiences a chance to celebrate the Christmas season in great style. “Bringing a different audience to the experience of the Anglican Church traditions offers them the chance to feel involved with their local church or cathedral life," he said. "No, I am not a true-blue Christian but I support the Church and value our great traditions of faith and worship. "Even more, I value the architectural heritage of an age which will not come again. Once the roof falls in, it will turn into a block of flats or a Starbucks." The evening will include carols, classic music and several Jethro Tull tracks, including the 1971 classic Aqualung, which will be accompanied by an introduction played on the cathedral organ. “As the organ and choir are integral to the Christmas Carol service, it feels appropriate to include them in the mix. As we do with prayer, blessing and readings," he explained. "It is a very delicate balance of tradition, Anglican worship, and the secular musical world of rock and roll. And all of this for the modest, princely sum that is the price of a ticket, 100% of which goes to the Cathedral fund. Everyone‘s a winner.” Doors open 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are available via the ticket office at The Sage Gateshead on 0191 443 4661 Michael Stoddart in full practice of Tull Classic Aqualung Keith Blundy / Aegies Associates
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 11, 2012 17:31:42 GMT
I expect everyone will be on best behaviors and stifle requests for Aqualung and Locomtive Breath but I still really hope someone will have the courage to make a clear, audible request for 'Give Till It Hurts'. seconded
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 11, 2012 19:49:33 GMT
I expect everyone will be on best behaviors and stifle requests for Aqualung and Locomtive Breath but I still really hope someone will have the courage to make a clear, audible request for 'Give Till It Hurts'. Don't give The Cathedral idea's, or they'll be thinking of handing us collection plates.
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Post by snaffler on Dec 11, 2012 19:50:55 GMT
st nicks is only over the road from my office so i might keep an ear out for them rehearsing on thursday!
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 11, 2012 20:10:21 GMT
st nicks is only over the road from my office so i might keep an ear out for them rehearsing on thursday! You might even be lucky enough to hear the organist having a go at Thick as a Brick.
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 14, 2012 13:58:51 GMT
John and Snaffler and anyone else who's going Have a smashing time
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 14, 2012 17:05:22 GMT
John and Snaffler and anyone else who's going Have a smashing time Thanks Patti. I'm setting off now, think I need my wellies though, it's raining cats and dogs! I'm getting excited looking forward to a great night.
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 14, 2012 18:05:14 GMT
Good timing...Expect your reviews, John, Snaffler and Ash, just in time to brighten the last night of hannukah tomorrow.
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Post by snaffler on Dec 14, 2012 22:55:02 GMT
Good timing...Expect your reviews, John, Snaffler and Ash, just in time to brighten the last night of hannukah tomorrow. i got into the soundcheck and sat a pew at the front listening to the old boy singing jack in the green and christmas song. this was almost better than the show!!!! one of the highlights was kathryn tickells superb northumbrian pipes in her duet with IA. more to follow.......
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 15, 2012 2:25:43 GMT
LUCKY
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 15, 2012 7:02:29 GMT
'Aqualung' Ian Anderson live @ St. Nicholas Cathedral NewcastleDespite glares from my wife who told me "not to pull out my camera", I did take the chance of eternal damnation and took this video. Not the best quality but I hope it sets the scene. This video is also available to view on The Forum's youtube channel @................ www.youtube.com/watch?v=847J2We9PKU
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 15, 2012 8:19:40 GMT
On a cold wet night in Newcastle I managed to get a seat up against the wall in the south Transept with the odd drop of rain water leaking from the roof, hopefully the proceeds from the night will pay for the repair. The concert got underway with Ian's version of "God rest ye merry gentlemen" followed by "We three Kings" where the choir of St. Nicholas sang beautifully. They got there chance to show how good they are with a perfect version of Steeleyespan's "Gaudete". Ian and the band played "Jack in the green" and "A Christmas song" before the very talented Kathryn Tickell played " The battle of Otterburn" on Northumbrian pipes, she followed with a reading.
Bob Fox sang "The Bonny Gateshead Lass" and "Child Of Mine". The first half was brought to a close with "Bouree".
After the break Ian and the band played a medley of "The Holly and the Ivy and Hark the Herald", there was a duet with Ian and Kathryn and another song and a reading from Bob Fox before the organist Michael Stoddart got his chance to play the Cathedral organ with "Toccata and Fugue" where Florian gave a great performance on guitar. The Cathedral organ introduced "Aqualung" (see video in previous post) before we were treated to an encore of "Locomotive Breath".
A magnificent night of classical, folk, sacred and rock music which for me was a perfect start to Christmas.
bunkerfan
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 15, 2012 8:47:18 GMT
On a cold wet night in Newcastle I managed to get a seat up against the wall in the south Transept with the odd drop of rain water leaking from the roof, hopefully the proceeds from the night will pay for the repair. The concert got underway with Ian's version of "God rest ye merry gentlemen" followed by "We three Kings" where the choir of St. Nicholas sang beautifully. They got there chance to show how good they are with a perfect version of Steeleyespan's "Gaudete". Ian and the band played "Jack in the green" and "A Christmas song" before the very talented Kathryn Tickell played " The battle of Otterburn" on Northumbrian pipes, she followed with a reading.
Bob Fox sang "The Bonny Gateshead Lass" and "Child Of Mine". The first half was brought to a close with "Bouree".
After the break Ian and the band played a medley of "The Holly and the Ivy and Hark the Herald", there was a duet with Ian and Kathryn and another song and a reading from Bob Fox before the organist Michael Stoddart got his chance to play the Cathedral organ with "Toccata and Fugue" where Florian gave a great performance on guitar. The Cathedral organ introduced "Aqualung" (see video in previous post) before we were treated to an encore of "Locomotive Breath".
A magnificent night of classical, folk, sacred and rock music which for me was a perfect start to Christmas.
bunkerfan 'Aqualung' Ian Anderson live @ St. Nicholas Cathedral NewcastleDespite glares from my wife who told me "not to pull out my camera", I did take the chance of eternal damnation and took this video. Not the best quality but I hope it sets the scene. Good timing...Expect your reviews, John, Snaffler and Ash, just in time to brighten the last night of hannukah tomorrow. i got into the soundcheck and sat a pew at the front listening to the old boy singing jack in the green and christmas song. this was almost better than the show!!!! one of the highlights was kathryn tickells superb northumbrian pipes in her duet with IA. more to follow....... Very many thanks for the reviews guys - Truro next year I hope. Btw John, you didn't accept any sweeties did you?
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 15, 2012 10:11:51 GMT
Oh that sounds and looks so beautiful I'd never miss any of these Christmas concerts if i was able to and hopefully I will soon. Thanks for the video and I liked the special effects at 2.20. "Sun streaking cold an old man .... long pause... cough cough" (in the background)
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 15, 2012 11:02:05 GMT
Thanks for the video and I liked the special effects at 2.20. "Sun streaking cold an old man .... long pause... cough cough" (in the background) Special effects courtesy of the bloke behind me. ;D
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 15, 2012 11:05:17 GMT
Btw John, you didn't accept any sweeties did you? No, but I would have settled for a cup of cocoa.
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 15, 2012 16:40:09 GMT
Sounds like high quality...if not much in the way of quantity...Don't worry yer pretty little head about eternal damnation....your friends will be there with you to pass the time....per Dante, Jews get sent to level 6 of hell...dunno if I'll be booked there or somewhat lower for my personal sins beyond Judaism.....call or text when you get settled in...I know a guy who knows a guy who has some asbestos suits and electric fans.
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 16, 2012 7:48:31 GMT
Ian Anderson up close and personal at St. Brides
Uploaded by MrAbthomas
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2012 15:59:48 GMT
www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2012/12/16/jingle-bell-prog-rock-79310-32435925/Jingle bell (prog) rockDec 16 2012 by Dan Warburton, Sunday Sun THEY may be more used to the harmonious tones of the Cathedral choir. But hymn-lovers on Tyneside were treated to a special rendition of prog-rock hero Ian Anderson. The Jethro Tull jigger was supported by the choir from St Nicholas Cathedral as he performed a special Christmas concert. Alongside his friends Kathryn Tickell and Bob Fox he staged a charity gig to raise cash for the cathedral. Carols, classical music and Jethro Tull tracks all boomed around the beautiful venue. And they even performed the band’s most famous song, Aqualung, complete with an introduction played on the cathedral organ. The song featured on the album of the same name in 1971. Famed as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian said: “Bringing a different audience to the experience of the Anglican Church traditions offers them the chance to feel involved with their local church or cathedral life. “No, I am not a true-blue Christian but I support the Church and value our great traditions of faith.”
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 16, 2012 16:42:27 GMT
A couple of the least blurry photographs I took at St. Nicks.
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 16, 2012 17:32:30 GMT
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Post by ash on Dec 16, 2012 19:24:46 GMT
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Post by bunkerfan on Dec 16, 2012 19:59:15 GMT
Great photographs ash. You have a phone that's also a camera? Cool ;D Pleased you enjoyed the night.
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Post by maddogfagin on Dec 17, 2012 8:48:18 GMT
Great photographs ash. You have a phone that's also a camera? Cool ;D Pleased you enjoyed the night. Thanks Ash for the images & Bunkerfan for the images/youtube videos. ;D
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Post by snaffler on Dec 17, 2012 18:44:37 GMT
www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2012/12/16/jingle-bell-prog-rock-79310-32435925/Jingle bell (prog) rockDec 16 2012 by Dan Warburton, Sunday Sun THEY may be more used to the harmonious tones of the Cathedral choir. But hymn-lovers on Tyneside were treated to a special rendition of prog-rock hero Ian Anderson. The Jethro Tull jigger was supported by the choir from St Nicholas Cathedral as he performed a special Christmas concert. Alongside his friends Kathryn Tickell and Bob Fox he staged a charity gig to raise cash for the cathedral. Carols, classical music and Jethro Tull tracks all boomed around the beautiful venue. And they even performed the band’s most famous song, Aqualung, complete with an introduction played on the cathedral organ. The song featured on the album of the same name in 1971. Famed as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian said: “Bringing a different audience to the experience of the Anglican Church traditions offers them the chance to feel involved with their local church or cathedral life. “No, I am not a true-blue Christian but I support the Church and value our great traditions of faith.” if ever there was a review where the reviewer was not within 100 yards of the show this is it!! i know dan very well and i know for a fact he wasnt there, but then again if a journalist can report on the vietnam war from a paris cafe......!!!
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Post by steelmonkey on Dec 17, 2012 21:34:57 GMT
I'm shocked...shocked to learn of journalistic lack of integrity...sounds as implausible as a phone that takes pictures...but seriously folks....good to see Ryan in a non-Brick outing...bodes well for possible future collaboration.
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Post by nonrabbit on Dec 17, 2012 22:30:58 GMT
www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2012/12/16/jingle-bell-prog-rock-79310-32435925/Jingle bell (prog) rockDec 16 2012 by Dan Warburton, Sunday Sun THEY may be more used to the harmonious tones of the Cathedral choir. But hymn-lovers on Tyneside were treated to a special rendition of prog-rock hero Ian Anderson. The Jethro Tull jigger was supported by the choir from St Nicholas Cathedral as he performed a special Christmas concert. Alongside his friends Kathryn Tickell and Bob Fox he staged a charity gig to raise cash for the cathedral. Carols, classical music and Jethro Tull tracks all boomed around the beautiful venue. And they even performed the band’s most famous song, Aqualung, complete with an introduction played on the cathedral organ. The song featured on the album of the same name in 1971. Famed as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian said: “Bringing a different audience to the experience of the Anglican Church traditions offers them the chance to feel involved with their local church or cathedral life. “No, I am not a true-blue Christian but I support the Church and value our great traditions of faith.” if ever there was a review where the reviewer was not within 100 yards of the show this is it!! i know dan very well and i know for a fact he wasnt there, but then again if a journalist can report on the vietnam war from a paris cafe......!!! That's in the top three posts of the year ;D
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