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| Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses |
 Released: 1978/2003 Label: Chrysalis/Capitol Cat. No.: 1175 / 581571 Total Time: 49:53 | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, November 2004 I consider this one a companion to Songs From The Wood in both style and substance. The cover art may contribute as much to how the music is perceived as the songs themselves. These two releases are often described using terms such as "rustic" and "folksy." Ian's acoustic guitar lays the foundation, running through almost every arrangement. What's interesting is how complicated the songs are musically. Ian fools us by creating melodic, sit-around-the-fire-telling-stories type songs, but the intricate detail contained within should not be ignored. The rhythm section of Barlow and Glascock provides some amazing interplay. Not to overstate, but at times you would think you are listening to Bach. Bach's music always has the most incredible bass lines, and with Glascock's playing, he is always providing a separate melody that does not disturb the song but works perfectly within it. Barlow's varied percussion also provides a spark; this is not just a guy spinning around the drumset, these are well thought out drum patterns. It is the mark of an accomplished drummer that one can take songs like this and make them as smooth as playing a simple 4/4, nothing is forced for the sake of complexity. Songs such as "No Lullaby" and the title track are constantly changing time and dynamics. "Moths" and "One Brown Mouse" provide us with those beautiful acoustic treats that Ian is so good at, with Palmer adding some orchestration. Guest violinist Darryl Way (formerly of Curved Air) fits in perfectly, showcasing another instrument that could have been right at home in the Tull family. The addition of David Palmer expands the band, now using two keyboardists, allowing for a bit more orchestration. The title track seems to be a confession of Ian's love of country living, and the noble work of the farmer, but it is dedicated to a variety of working horses that are used for farming. An incredible tour de force of everything in the Tull bag of tricks, acoustic guitar, flute, incredible dynamics and musical muscle are flexed. "No Lullaby" also has some terrific instrumental breaks that revolve around Martin Barre's guitar licks. "Rover" reminds me of how Gentle Giant often conjured up a medieval sound, with the keyboards, flute, and guitars accompanied by some orchestration, this is another monster musical track. Heavy Horses consists of short concise musical statements, with only two tracks going over five minutes, but there is a wealth of music to be heard. Another feather in the band's cap. [See also Keith's review -ed.] More about Heavy Horses: Track Listing: …And the Mouse Police Never Sleeps (3:12) / Acres Wild (3:24) / No Lullaby (7:54) / Moths (3:27) / Journeyman (3:57) / Rover (4:17) / One Brown Mouse (3:22) / Heavy Horses (8:54) / Weathercock (4:06) / Bonus Tracks: Living in These Hard Times (3:10) / Broadford Bazaar (3:38) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.jethrotull.com Discography
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