What's the man who invented the seed drill have to do with Rock and Roll

I was listening to the radio this morning and learned something new about Jethro Tull. No! It was not how they got there name, but how they were invited to The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. They were in competition with none only then Led Zeppelin to star in this special. They beat out Led Zeppelin of all bands to be on one of the most important stages. A stage that was a flop, but it was a friendly jab to the Beatles who they were in competition with. The only problem Jethro Tull had was, they had no guitar player. Mick Abrahams left the band short time before and they needed a replacement. They picked future Black Sabbath guitar player Tony Iommi. It did not matter anyway because they mimed the songs for the circus.

With all that turmoil aside Jethro Tull was the first act. Jethro Tull was clear in their music taste. It was a mix of great British Blues and some Jazz and Rock & Roll. Their early years are nothing like the later stuff. There shows very rarely play some of the songs on these early albums. Occasionally, I hear "Bouree" or "Fat Man," but that is about it.



What made Tull fun was that mix of Blues and Jazz and good old Rock and Roll. Heavy on the Blues the music was awesome. If you think Aqualung was awesome, take a step back and listen to their first three albums. These albums have all the power of the newer, but add more punch.

I grew up or out grew if there is such a thing on Aqualung and when I heard this early stuff I was drawn to it. Some of the music is simple, but other parts are raw and fun. This is what I like. There are traditional blues on it, but what is cool is Anderson's great writing and the band. Glenn's bass is really awesome. I love "Sweet Dream" and "Living in the Past." These songs are bright and totally original.

What makes the album is the song "A New Day Yesterday." It was one of the first things I heard of Jethro Tull in 1988. It was part of the 20th Anniversary box set. It was raw and had a punch. I never heard it before. I had no idea what it was from. When I saw on Stand Up at the record store I had to get it. It mix of all these wonderful genres of music. There is even a re-working of a Bach classical piece.



So, anyone who is into classic rock will love it. Anyone who who wants to more about Jethro Tull before Aqualung, will fully understand how they got their roots. This is a true gem in the development of Rock and Roll. Enjoy a true classic.