Guide to British Music of the 1960s

August 1999

CD Review

Jethro Tull- This Was

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This is the first album of many by Jethro Tull. It was highly successful although guitarist Mick Abrahams left the group almost immediately afterwards following a power struggle with Ian Anderson. He went on to form Blodwyn Pig while Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath filled in on guitar. During this period, Jethro Tull appeared on The Rolling Stones' Rock 'n' Roll Circus. The permanent replacement Martin Barre joined soon after. Ian Anderson was the focal point of the band with his flute playing, pirouetting around the stage and unusual garb. He became the undisputed band leader after Abrahams' departure. His flute playing sounds particularly strong on Roland Kirk's Serenade to a Cuckoo. Roland Kirk was a famous jazz flautist and saxophonist who was a major influence on Ian Anderson.

Jethro Tull had come through the British blues boom that had also brought groups like Cream, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. This Was indeed shows the band's blues and jazz influences. While other groups from the era either remained blues or moved towards a heavier direction, Jethro Tull's music moved towards an evolving genre known popularly as folk rock. The inclusion of the flute was already setting the group aside from the rest of the British blues groups.

This Was consisted principally of self-penned material although Cat's Squirrel was a traditional song credited as being arranged by Mick Abrahams. Note that Cream had also covered this song. The album contained the group's second single release, the excellent Song for Jeffrey. This was dedicated to Jeffrey Hammond who joined the band later after Glenn Cornick's departure and who made his recorded debut with the band with Aqualung.

mp, July 1999

Note: A later CD re-release contained three additional tracks

Essential Tracks:

• A Song for Jeffrey
• Some Day The Song Won't Shine On You
• Cat's Squirrel

Track Listing:

1. My Sunday Feeling
2. Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You
3. Beggar's Farm
4. Move On Alone
5. Serenade To A Cuckoo
6. Dharma For One
7. It's Breaking Me Up
8. Cat's Squirrel
9. A Song For Jeffrey
10. Round

Additional tracks on CD re-release:

1. One for John Gee
2. Love Story
3. Christmas Song