Artist: Jethro Tull

Title: Stormwatch (1979/2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Label: Capitol/Chrysalis- http://www.hollywoodandvine.com

Website: www.jtull.com

Stormwatch is yet another underrated Jethro Tull album. This also signaled the end of an era. It would be the last album for the most effective JT lineup. John Glasock, their beloved bass player, passed away in the middle of this recording after open heart surgery, hence he played on only three tracks, some of the best ones at that, “Flying Dutchman,” “Orion” (my favorite), and “Elegy.” Ian Anderson finished the bass parts for the rest of the album.

The artwork is strikingly beautiful on this album. Ian’s cover concept was brilliant, and brought to life splendidly by artist David Jackson. Anderson truly was the key man in this band; he brought together an album from top to bottom and made it happen in a magical way. Martin Barre was typically outstanding, this entire band was special, and it is too bad it had to end; then again, Jethro Tull would not have evolved into what it is today if the history books were written differently. The two mainstays, Anderson and Barre, are managing to keep it all alive to this day thank god.

This is a very strong effort from JT and beautifully remastered for optimal sound by the label. Four bonus tracks make this reissue that much more interesting and desirable. It is difficult not to be biased when you love a band so much; however, it is easy to review such consistently great music.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

December 2, 2004

01. North Sea Oil

02. Orion

03. Home

04. Dark Ages

05. Warm Sporran

06. Something's on the Move

07. Old Ghosts

08. Dun Ringill

09. Flying Dutchman

10. Elegy

11. Stitch in Time [*]

12. Crossword [*]

13. Kelpie [*]

14. King Henry's Madrigal [*]

Rating-9/10

Credits:

Ian Anderson-violin, flute, acoustic guitar, bass

Martin Barre-Electric guitar, mandolin, classical guitar

Barriemore Barlow-drums, percussion

John Evan-piano, organ

David Palmer-Synthesizers, portable organ, orchestral arrangements

John Glasock-bass