Jethro Tull - Living With The Past (DVD)

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Fuel 2000
Catalog Number: 302 061 201 9
Format: DVD
Total Time: 140:00:00

For progressive rock fans and the loyal followers of Jethro Tull there is a wonderful thing happening. It's called a DVD. If you have had the pleasure of seeing the group live and always wanted a memento, or if you haven't been so fortunate, this is an encapsulation of their career in a glorious audio and visual presentation. I can attest to their delightful presence onstage as it wasn't that long ago that I saw them for the first time in concert. This DVD served as a reminder of that wonderful night.

Many may think of the quirky Ian Anderson, the bands long time leader, as the lead singer. He remains that unchallenged. But he is much more than a one dimensional artist. He plays various forms of the flute, guitar, and harmonica, while adding his unique vocals to each song. The more I listen to Anderson, the more I am amazed at his brilliance. He could play in a full orchestra or rock out with the band, or whatever style he chooses it seems. Long time lead guitar player Martin Barre is also a constant rock steady influence in formulating their definitive sound. The younger members of the band, Andy Giddings (keyboards), Doane Perry (drums), and Jonathan Noyce (bass), round out the latest incarnation of the JT sound. Since the band started back in 1968 the two constants have been Anderson and Barre. With countless changes at the other positions in the band throughout the years, their presence has been crucial to their ongoing success.

This was a very entertaining production. On each song the footage cuts out to black and white shots, sometimes with different colorizations, and to a different venue with the band playing the same song note for note and word for word. It kept things spanking new and attention-grabbing at all times. There are some very special moments with members of the band in interviews, and some lighter relaxed settings of the group kicking back outside playing cards with glasses of dark ale beside them. They genuinely look like they get along quite well.

An exceptionally different side of their sound is given a different shade and color right inside the Anderson house. "Wond'ring Aloud" and "Life Is A Long Song" is set to a string quartet while Ian plays the guitar and flute accompanied by band mate Andy Giddings on acoustic piano and some young lad with a family resemblance on the drum kit. It is a beautiful set with an entirely different atmosphere than I have ever witnessed before. A very special treat is in store for long time fans, the original lineup plays a few songs in a pub. I will leave it at that and let you guess which songs they are, or better yet, just buy this DVD.

Then the concert staples, of course, rock the house. My favs were "Roots To Branches," which cuts away to the video they made for the song then back to the live footage several times, "Hunt By Numbers" is tremendous, Barre's guitar is monstrous, and "Budapest," which is a classic prog-rocker with all the multi-faceted flourishes, is an exceptional piece. The entire DVD is awesome and some of the very best concert footage I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. There is absolutely no skimping on the family recipe here; it's over 2 hours of very best of Jethro Tull, with no exceptions.

This is the quintessential Tull for all fans from the beginning to present day. It's a must have for all.

Tracklisting:
My Sunday Feeling / Cross Eyed Mary / Roots To Branches / Someday The Sun Wont Shine For You / Jack In The Green / Thick As A Brick / Wond''ing Aloud / Sweet Dream / Hunt By Numbers / Bouree / A Song For Jeffrey / The Water Carrier / A New Day Yesterday / Life Is A Long Song / Budapest / New Jig / Aqualung / Locomotive Breath / Living In The Past / Protect and Survive / Cherio

Musicians:
Ian Anderson - vocals, flutes, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Martin Barre - guitars
Doane Perry - drums
Andrew Giddings - keyboards, accordian
Jonathon Noyce - bass
Guests:

Mick Abrahams - guitar, vocals
Glenn Cornick - bass
Clive Bunker - drums

Acoustic Session:
James Duncan - drums
Brian Thomas - violin
Justine Tomlinson - violin
Malcolm Henderson - viola
Juliet Tomlinson - cello

Discography:
This Was (1968)
Stand Up (1969)
Benefit (1970)
Aqualung (1971)
Thick As A Brick (1972)
Living In The Past (1972)
A Passion Play (1973)
War Child (1974)
Minstrel In The Gallery (1975)
M.U. The Best Of (1976)
Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young To Die (1976)
Songs From The Wood (1977)
Repeat - The Best Of Jethro Tull Vol 2 (1977)
Heavy Horses (1978)
Bursting Out - Live (1978)
Stormwatch (1979/2004)
'A' (1980)
The Broadsword And The Beast (1982/2005)
Under Wraps (1984)
Original Masters (1985)
Crest Of A Knave (1987/2005)
20 Years Of Jethro Tull (1988)
Rock Island (1988)
Catfish Rising (1991)
A Little Light Music (1992)
The Anniversary Collection (1993)
25th Anniversary Box Set (1993)
Nightcap (1995)
Roots To Branches (1995)
J-Tull Dot Com (1999)
The Very Best Of (2001)
Living With The Past (2002)
The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003)
Classic Masters (2003)
Stand Up/This Was (2003)
Essential (2003)
Nothing Is Easy: Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (2004)
Aqualung Live (2005)
Jethro Tull/Ian Anderson (2005)
Extended Versions (2006)
Live At Montreux 2003 (2007)
The Best Of Acoustic Jethro Tull (2007)
Living With The Past/Nothing Is Easy (2008)
This Was (expanded) (2008)
Nothing Is Easy - Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (2004/2008)
The Anniversary Collection/A New Day Yesterday (2008)
Live At Montreux 2003 (2008)
Live At Madison Square Garden (2009)
Christmas Album (2009)
Live In Switzerland 2003 (LP) (2014)
A Passion Play - An Extended Performance (2014)
War Child - 40th Anniversary Theatre Edition (2014)
Minstrel In The Gallery - 40th Anniversary La Grande Edition (2015)

Living With The Past (DVD) (2002)
A New Day Yesterday: 1969-1994 - The 25th Anniversary Collection (VID/DVD) (1994/2003/4)
Nothing Is Easy - Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (DVD) (2005) Live At Montreux 2003 (DVD) (2008)
Jack In The Green - Live In Germany (DVD) (2008)
Live In Bethlehem, PA, 2003 (DVD) (2008)
Their Full Authorized Story (DVD) (2009)
Live At AVO Session 2008 (DVD) (2009)
Live At Madison Square Garden (DVD) (rec 1978, rel 2009)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: August 11th 2002
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.jethrotull.com
Hits: 2320
Language: english