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Post by JTull 007 on Jul 26, 2014 17:39:09 GMT
Jethro Tull, ‘A Passion Play: An Extended Performance’ – Album Review by Ryan Reed July 26, 2014 12:09 PM ultimateclassicrock.com/jethro-tull-passion-play-an-extended-performance-review/Attempting to avoid England’s insanely high tax rates,  Anderson and company fled to Switzerland — and later the Chateau d’Herouville studio in France, where they started work on another ambitious song cycle. Tull fans remain firmly split into two distinct camps —   it’s either the band’s clear masterpiece or their obvious “D’Isaster.” This ‘Extended Performance’ probably won’t sway the album’s fiercest critics.  But at least it re-opens the conversation, offering a clearer window into a work of a flawed genius.  
It's very informative and not overdone. I still see hope for other possible releases too. 
Thanks to a friend I've heard the APP disc and it is superb. Now I have the Chateau ready to go! 
Maybe this will bring us all back together as Tull Fans...?  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2014 13:17:14 GMT
expressmilwaukee.com/article-23704-jethro-tull-a-passion-play-an-extended-performance-%2528chrysalis%2529.htmlSunday, July 27, 2014 Jethro Tull: A Passion Play: An Extended Performance (Chrysalis) By David Luhrssen Among the score or more of wildly creative rock bands to emerge from Britain in the late ‘60s, Jethro Tull was among the most diverse in direction. Early albums included blues and proto-heavy metal, jazz, British folk and the brain-searing distortions of psychedelia. And then, in the early ‘70s, Tull began to Think Big with sprawling concept albums. The lavish four-disc reissue of A Passion Play (1973) includes an extensive 80-page book with comments from band members. Even composer-front man Ian Anderson is willing to concede that some of his opus on the afterlife fell a bit short. I sort of knew that at age 14, when I purchased the original gatefold LP and poured over its contents as if it was a canonical text: even then, I felt that the parts didn’t entirely hold together. And yet, all is not lost with A Passion Play. Some sections still sound like a good example of progressive rock, some of the lyrics are clever and meaningful—but then, there are segments that sag or refuse to flow. The second disc is comprised of previously unreleased material from the first stab at conceiving A Passion Play and includes some interesting tracks, including an early attempt at one of Tull’s best songs, “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day.” The Dolby digital remixes on discs three and four are of interest only to ardent audiophiles. A Passion Play’s place in the chronicle of Jethro Tull? Let’s just say that most fans were relieved when Anderson returned to writing succinct songs on Tull’s next album, War Child (1974).
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2014 13:23:19 GMT
Maybe this will bring us all back together as Tull Fans...? Mayhem, maybe. That would be nice. War is over if you want it. And if you think I'm joking, then I'm just a one-line joker in a public bar. |
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Post by steelmonkey on Jul 28, 2014 16:54:27 GMT
Civil Wars ( Passion Play vs Non Play devotees amongst Tull fanatics) always the most violent ( Sunni vs Shiite anyone), My favorite page in the APP booklet is the one that thanks John Norman.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 16:38:39 GMT
Civil Wars ( Passion Play vs Non Play devotees amongst Tull fanatics) always the most violent ( Sunni vs Shiite anyone), My favorite page in the APP booklet is the one that thanks John Norman. It is a nice page. My favourite... You're too kind - much appreciated.   |
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Post by bunkerfan on Jul 29, 2014 17:13:45 GMT
I've finally received my promised present at last. It's so nice to get my hands on this fantastic set. On my first hearing I'm just blown away by the clarity. Another great job by Steven Wilson.  |
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Post by karma41 on Jul 31, 2014 7:24:07 GMT
expressmilwaukee.com/article-23704-jethro-tull-a-passion-play-an-extended-performance-%2528chrysalis%2529.htmlSunday, July 27, 2014 Jethro Tull: A Passion Play: An Extended Performance (Chrysalis) By David Luhrssen Among the score or more of wildly creative rock bands to emerge from Britain in the late ‘60s, Jethro Tull was among the most diverse in direction. Early albums included blues and proto-heavy metal, jazz, British folk and the brain-searing distortions of psychedelia. And then, in the early ‘70s, Tull began to Think Big with sprawling concept albums. The lavish four-disc reissue of A Passion Play (1973) includes an extensive 80-page book with comments from band members. Even composer-front man Ian Anderson is willing to concede that some of his opus on the afterlife fell a bit short. I sort of knew that at age 14, when I purchased the original gatefold LP and poured over its contents as if it was a canonical text: even then, I felt that the parts didn’t entirely hold together. And yet, all is not lost with A Passion Play. Some sections still sound like a good example of progressive rock, some of the lyrics are clever and meaningful—but then, there are segments that sag or refuse to flow. The second disc is comprised of previously unreleased material from the first stab at conceiving A Passion Play and includes some interesting tracks, including an early attempt at one of Tull’s best songs, “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day.” The Dolby digital remixes on discs three and four are of interest only to ardent audiophiles. A Passion Play’s place in the chronicle of Jethro Tull? Let’s just say that most fans were relieved when Anderson returned to writing succinct songs on Tull’s next album, War Child (1974). That's funny, I was just thinking to myself, What is this guy talking about? The second side of APP loses focus? What? Where? Not in my view. I really don't care for the nudging down of the original to sell the new product. To many long time fans, APP was Tull's absolute peak. Musically complex and eerily inviting with Ian's haunting vocals at their most powerful ... and his performance on the saxophone leaves me speechless. The guy played the thing in such a creative way that genius just poured from him. He's playing the acoustic guitar ... he's playing the flute and belting out crystal clear vocals like I had (have) never heard before. He's whipping out the sax and prancing on the stage like a mad man but never missing a note. ... ... and to have heard it live it was a sound you would never forget ... and never really get to experience again. If I'm being honest here, because of beginning my musical journey with TAAB and APP, every subsequent Tull album has left me somewhat disappointed. Not that I don't love them but you always were hoping that Tull would outdo that peak ... and it never happened. I think the Tull formula back then of complex rhythms, creative, challenging, and wonderfully poetic lyrics ... Ian's wonderfully sweeping and flowing acoustic guitar playing in concert with Martins brilliant precise electric tone ... and of course the flute, made this the quintessential Tull form. In many ways, APP owes much to TAAB because APP arrived after Thick had exploded. So the bands momentum added to the experience. You probably would have had to been there back then to really understand what makes APP, for many, Tull's unquestionable masterpiece. Thick is just a tiny tiny nudge below, IMO, because it's too easy to like. Appreciating APP feels more like a grand achievement. Anyway, just my view and the view of just about everyone I knew who were into Tull back in the day. |
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Post by karma41 on Jul 31, 2014 7:28:46 GMT
... and I never met a single one. Go figure. What, is this opposite day? |
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Post by steelmonkey on Jul 31, 2014 16:45:31 GMT
Yup...stone. cold facts in the two post above...a Tull fan's forever reality...each release wonderful, surprising, impressive, advanced, inspiring, filled with exciting new music to listen to and wallow in and become familiar...But every album released : NOT A PASSION PLAY.
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Post by steelmonkey on Jul 31, 2014 16:48:30 GMT
A Grand achievement indeed...and as a relative beginner on the difficult soprano sax, utterly amazing what tone, rhythm and expressive melodies he gets. I think the sax is part of what sets APP apart....I won't get in any discussion about jazz sax players sand stuff i don't know...but in one album, he takes rock and roll sax, usually awful cliches, the place no one else ever did or could.
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Post by karma41 on Jul 31, 2014 18:30:32 GMT
A Grand achievement indeed...and as a relative beginner on the difficult soprano sax, utterly amazing what tone, rhythm and expressive melodies he gets. I think the sax is part of what sets APP apart....I won't get in any discussion about jazz sax players sand stuff i don't know...but in one album, he takes rock and roll sax, usually awful cliches, the place no one else ever did or could. Agreed. The way he utilizes the sax is amongst the most brilliant and creative things he has ever done. So then when he wails on the flute, it gets that much more impressive and powerful. I also wish Ian would use the acoustic more often in the manner it was used on both TAAB and APP. |
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Post by morthoron on Aug 3, 2014 16:17:09 GMT
The APP extended remix is the best thing Steven Wilson has done for Tull, just a bit better than the Aqualung release. Listening to the stripped down Chateau sessions in 5.1 is revelatory, and one can hear how much harder they rocked during that period than what was actually to become APP.
In addition, as I've mentioned elsewhere, the 5.1 remix of Chateau really shows Ian's influence from Roy Harper in his acoustic chord structure. Listen to the remix and then listen to Harper's Stormcock -- no coincidence there are similarities.
That being said, this is the last Tull remix/remaster I'll be buying. There is very little additional material from subsequent albums that hasn't been remastered/remixed/rehashed/regurgitated
in one form or another. I don't see the value in dishing out exorbitant amounts for very little sound differences in material that sounds fine as is. It was the earlier releases that had muddy sound and the most interesting extra or unreleased songs.
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Post by maddogfagin on Aug 4, 2014 8:11:48 GMT
The APP extended remix is the best thing Steven Wilson has done for Tull, just a bit better than the Aqualung release. Listening to the stripped down Chateau sessions in 5.1 is revelatory, and one can hear how much harder they rocked during that period than what was actually to become APP. In addition, as I've mentioned elsewhere, the 5.1 remix of Chateau really shows Ian's influence from Roy Harper in his acoustic chord structure. Listen to the remix and then listen to Harper's Stormcock -- no coincidence there are similarities. That being said, this is the last Tull remix/remaster I'll be buying. There is very little additional material from subsequent albums that hasn't been remastered/remixed/rehashed/regurgitated in one form or another. I don't see the value in dishing out exorbitant amounts for very little sound differences in material that sounds fine as is. It was the earlier releases that had muddy sound and the most interesting extra or unreleased songs. Whilst I for one appreciate the extras we get with these remixed/edited/cleaned up releases, in the back of my mind I can't get away from the idea that somewhere someone, and it may be Ian, is thinking about extending the copyright on the material. It would be interesting to know if this may be the case - anyone know the legalities with all this ? |
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Post by maddogfagin on Aug 5, 2014 8:01:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2014 19:50:42 GMT
The APP extended remix is the best thing Steven Wilson has done for Tull, just a bit better than the Aqualung release. Listening to the stripped down Chateau sessions in 5.1 is revelatory, and one can hear how much harder they rocked during that period than what was actually to become APP. In addition, as I've mentioned elsewhere, the 5.1 remix of Chateau really shows Ian's influence from Roy Harper in his acoustic chord structure. Listen to the remix and then listen to Harper's Stormcock -- no coincidence there are similarities. That being said, this is the last Tull remix/remaster I'll be buying. There is very little additional material from subsequent albums that hasn't been remastered/remixed/rehashed/regurgitated in one form or another. I don't see the value in dishing out exorbitant amounts for very little sound differences in material that sounds fine as is. It was the earlier releases that had muddy sound and the most interesting extra or unreleased songs. I'm in it all for surround sound. The quad Aqualung is fabulous on the blu-ray - a perfect transfer. DTS 5.1 A Passion Play is to die for. Benefit DTS 5.1 has helped me appreciate the album a bit more. I'm hoping for WarChild quad. (Dreams coming true.) Any Tull/Anderson remixed to surround sound and I'm sold. It's a surround sound thing for me... cheers! |
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fjtull
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Post by fjtull on Aug 13, 2014 12:26:26 GMT
Hi... anyone has already spotted at which minutes are the removed sax phrases? Thanks for helping on this
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Post by maddogfagin on Aug 13, 2014 14:54:50 GMT
Hi... anyone has already spotted at which minutes are the removed sax phrases? Thanks for helping on this Hopefully a member with younger and more acute ears will log in soon and be able to help you. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2014 15:08:50 GMT
www.writeamusicreview.com/ Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull-A Passion Play- An Extended Performance Release Date: July 1, 2014 Label: Rhino The Jethro Tull remasters continue with A Passion Play from 1973. Steven Wilson returns to sit behind the sound board and make his magic happen yet again. This special book edition is subtitled An Extended Performance. Ian Anderson has all the faith and trust in the world for Wilson and with good reason; he has proven to be asset in restoring some of the early Jethro Tull back catalog already. This beautifully packaged 2CD/2DVD case-bound book includes 80 pages with vintage photos. The expanded edition includes the original album, and earlier Château d'Hérouville Sessions, both mixed to amazing 5.1 surround sound and new stereo mixes by Mr. Wilson. As stated on the band’s website: Like its predecessor, Thick as a Brick, A Passion Play is a concept album with a single song (which was split into two parts on the original vinyl LP release). The theme of the concept is the spiritual journey of one man in the afterlife. That pretty much sums up the album’s meaning on a conceptual level however the music is another matter entirely. There was not a good reaction from the press at the time of this album’s release, but as usual they were dead wrong and this went on to be an unheralded prog rock classic and it still stands up quite well today. This is very complex music set to an interesting story (of course). And what would one expect from Ian and the boys anyway? To hear it all again now remastered in 5.1 surround sound is indeed a blessing as it brings out a lot of the original intent more clearly and concisely than the original recording.The presentation itself is as grand as the recording and as such deserves all of this special treatment. Some great information becomes available throughout the 80 pages of text included with this book version. You get an inside look at the recording process and some of the challenges involved where they did the initial recording session. I won’t go into detail to ruin the experience for anyone that has not purchased this yet, but rest assured it is all very entertaining. A few tracks in and the realization that Passion Play is a brilliant slice of prog rock hits home with more impact than ever. “Critique Oblique” is a classic prog rock workout reminiscent of its predecessor TAAB. “The Story Of The Hare Who Lost His Spectacles” I am sure was fun to record but it still sounds very strange to me (and the short film provided is even more so but alas it was theater). It is part of the story so it couldn’t be a track that never made it to the album then reemerge as bonus track. “The Foot of Our Stairs” is a proper return to form, now with the addition of 2 extra verses found on the end of the multi-track reel. Things continue on from there with so many transitions it would make any worthy musician or intent listener’s head spin. And to that I say well done lads! “Magus Perde” is powerful and engaging as it gets. It has some fantastic keyboard passages and the guitar sound is different than usual while standing out very well. Also found on the first DVD and your choice of remastered tracks is the intro and outro film used during the tour. I can imagine many audience members freaking out at the time watching what the ballerina does. Her starting position was laying on her back looking at you with her head upside down and moving her limbs every so slightly for several minutes until finally getting into the position to dance. Then eventually she finds a mirror and jumps into it only to come crashing back through the other side to end the show. I cannot imagine the wow effect it had on the many completely stoned audiences back then. The Chateau d’Herouville Sessions fills the second discs (CD & DVD) and it is a new Steven Wilson stereo mix that stands out. The DVD with its different surround sound versions includes scrolling pictures of the band as the music plays. A few tracks that never made it on Passion Play but on to War Child are featured in their native form. “Skating Away” and “Solitaire” provide a window into what War Child would become. All of this music was definitely worth revisiting and I think fans will appreciate hearing it. The new discovery factor and then the realizations of new sounds 40 years on comes rushing at you proving it is still a big part of what these sets have to offer. After listening to this great music of the past it is reaffirmed that Jethro Tull was a unique band and Ian Anderson’s vocals and all around talent was the core driving force. I plan to continue to enjoy all of this older music coming back to life and the new music on offer from the incredible Mr. Anderson and company. 5/5 Stars Key Tracks: Critique Oblique (all versions), Magus Perde, Skating Away Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder August 17, 2014 Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
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Post by maddogfagin on Aug 23, 2014 15:57:41 GMT
www.writeamusicreview.com/ Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull-A Passion Play- An Extended Performance Release Date: July 1, 2014 Label: Rhino 5/5 Stars Key Tracks: Critique Oblique (all versions), Magus Perde, Skating Away Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder August 17, 2014 Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk Fine review TT. I think Critique Oblique is the stand out track for me as I expect it is for a lot of listeners. Having said that I love it even more. |
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Post by steelmonkey on Aug 23, 2014 16:29:27 GMT
I've always put 'Overseer Overture' down as peak of peaks....
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Post by onewhiteduck on Nov 16, 2014 14:23:57 GMT
Sorry if its a bit big. Three of my finest the Dog and Duck with a Passion Play. If Debbie Harry turns up with a 4 pack of cold Stella Artois and some prawn cocktail Pringles it will be a very nice Sunday afternoon. PS Dosn't the artificial fruit bowl look crap! ( and I know he needs his claws clipped he's going to the vet tomorrow - I can't do he'll take my hand off ) OneboredDuck  |
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Post by steelmonkey on Nov 17, 2014 2:48:26 GMT
Debbie just left my place...I think she's headed for NYC, not Wales. True Story: She likes Ian...they met as a result of Chrysalis records in common and both she and Chris Stein and the drummer...can't remember his name at the millisecond but also a very nice guy,,,all thought Ian was an amazing person and musician...friend's band opened for Blondie at the Fillmore in 2002...that's how I met them.
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Post by maddogfagin on Nov 17, 2014 14:29:14 GMT
Debbie just left my place...I think she's headed for NYC, not Wales. True Story: She likes Ian...they met as a result of Chrysalis records in common and both she and Chris Stein and the drummer...can't remember his name at the millisecond but also a very nice guy,,,all thought Ian was an amazing person and musician...friend's band opened for Blondie at the Fillmore in 2002...that's how I met them. An image re post from last year of Ian and Debbie together.  |
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zombywoof92
Journeyman
A Minstrel in the Gallery ...
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Post by zombywoof92 on Nov 28, 2014 20:24:02 GMT
Debbie just left my place...I think she's headed for NYC, not Wales. True Story: She likes Ian...they met as a result of Chrysalis records in common and both she and Chris Stein and the drummer...can't remember his name at the millisecond but also a very nice guy,,,all thought Ian was an amazing person and musician...friend's band opened for Blondie at the Fillmore in 2002...that's how I met them. An image re post from last year of Ian and Debbie together. 'Awful hippie group' - LOL |
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Post by maddogfagin on Nov 29, 2014 10:08:26 GMT
An image re post from last year of Ian and Debbie together. 'Awful hippie group' - LOL The picture is from an 80s "yoof" magazine (Smash Hits I think) that my daughter bought with her pocket money. These hippies get everywhere |
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Post by JTull 007 on Feb 12, 2015 15:06:47 GMT
Quite a poignant piece in today's Independent newspaper about Walter Tull considering it coincides with the release of the deluxe edition of APP concerning as it does with the spiritual journey of one man in the afterlife, aka Ronnie Pilgrim. Another interesting article about Walter TULL ...
Walter Tull's Scrapbook, edited by Michaela Morgan: review 8-|TULL Link
Walter Tull was a pioneer — the first black outfield footballer, for Tottenham,
and the British Army's first black officer. A scrapbook about his life has been shortlisted for a Blue Peter Book Award.
Nubian Jak Unveils Plaque to Walter Tull 8-|BLUE PLAQUE Award LINK |
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Post by steelmonkey on Feb 12, 2015 22:20:25 GMT
Blue Peter sounds more like a punishment than an award.
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Post by maddogfagin on Feb 13, 2015 8:58:25 GMT
Blue Peter sounds more like a punishment than an award. It was It could also be damn funny, especially when the elephant pissed all over the studio floor back in the good old days of black and white TV. Watch the keeper slip over towards the end.  |
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Post by bunkerfan on Jul 2, 2015 18:24:57 GMT
I've always put 'Overseer Overture' down as peak of peaks.... Just for you Bernie. And me. |
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Anderson and company fled to Switzerland —
