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Post by Shutter Girl on May 12, 2005 9:49:10 GMT -5
In case you didn't already know.....
OCT 4 Toronto Massey Hall 6 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial 7 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Resort 8-9 New York Carnegie Hall 10-11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theater 13 Washington, DC Constitution Hall 15 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park 17-18 Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre 19 Austin, TX The Backyard 20 Houston, TX Jones Hall 21 Biloxi, MS Biloxi Grand Casino 22 Robinsville, MS Grand Casino - Tunica 24 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd 25 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park
NOV 8 Seattle, WA Marion Oliver McCaw Hall 10 Eugene, OR Hult Center 11 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre 12 Temecula, CA Pechanga Casino 13 Hollywood, CA Kodak Theatre 14 Phoenix, AZ Orpheum Theatre 16-17 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre 18 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre 19 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre 20 Chicago, IL Civic Opera House 22 Buffalo, NY Univ. of Buffalo Center 23 Sandusky, OH State Theatre 25 Detroit, MI Detroit Opera House 26 Benton Harbor, MI Lake Michigan College 27 East Lansing, MI Wharton Center
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Post by MaxQuad on Oct 5, 2005 21:41:02 GMT -5
A review of Tull at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada October 4, 2005
(Note: This tour has the potential to create sparks and provoke strong opinion. Feel free to offer an opinion, even if you have no intention of seeing Tull on this tour.)
For those of you abhorrent to knowledge of the setlist before experiencing a show, please stop reading this thread. For those of you who wondered about the setlist because last night was "the first date of the U.S. tour," I am happy to report that Canada, my mother's homeland, remains a free and independent country. For those of you in search of Ian from 30 years ago, keep searching. For those of you who wished for something different, there is something here for you. For those of you who are tired of the same old same old, there is something here for you. For those of you with faint hearts, beware. The evening started with a border crossing, a border crossing facilitated by the fact I was seeing Ian and the boys. Customs Officer: "Where are you going?" G: "To Toronto to see Jethro Tull." Customs Officer: "Jethro Tull? I'm envious. I have to work tonight. I remember seeing them in Buffalo. Let's see, I'm 48, I was in my teens. I do remember the big balloons. Hey, will you be listening to Jethro Tull music on the ride up? Enjoy!" So much for border security. Take note Paul Martin. Massey Hall is a venerable venue, opened in 1894 - a gift from Hart Massey in honor of his son Charles Albert Massey. It has been host to numerous prestigious performers over the years: Enrico Caruso, George Gershwin, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti - among others. It is small (2700 seats), relatively intimate, and has very good acoustics. It is old and classic. Kind of like Tull. The house was packed and anxious. Rhythmic clapping periodically before the show in hopes of hastening the onset of the show. Whether the clapping influenced it or not (we know the answer to that, don't we?), the lights went down at 8:15 PM and Ian made his way to the dark center stage to begin Life's a Long Song. As on the previous tour (When have we heard that before?), each member of the band quietly strode on stage to join I an at the appropriate moment. Ian outlined the evening at the outset: acoustic dominated first half, ear splitting music in the second half, and performance of every song from Aqualung by the end of the evening. Well, the first half had a few loud ones, the second half had a generous portion of quiet moments and Wind Up was nowhere to be found. I will not give a blow by blow review, but here are a few notable memories: Slipstream is a joy to hear. Its ephemeral nature makes it special. Beggar's Farm was very good. Always a favorite. Up to Me is one I loved on Aqualung and loved hearing last evening. Wond'ring Aloud was greatly enhanced with Lucia on violin. As it should be. Love Theme from the Godfather: My deceased Sicilian father was likely smiling from his grave. "Finally G. is listening to good music." Kashmir was, if nothing, a helluva lot of fun. Those percussive moments with Lucia on violin; Ian's flute substituting for Plant's vocals at others. I smiled and had a laugh or two. It was so un-Tull, it was great. Mother Goose - still fun, but the comic relief angles need to vary. Bouree, again? Second set openers, Nocturne/Bohemian and She is Like the Swallow, are fairly quiet initial songs for the blistering set Ian promised. It will be interesting to see if other audiences are as restless at this point in the show as they were last evening in Toronto. Casual fans wondering what happened to those classic rock guys. Hymn 43 - the jiggified version. Empty Cafe - glorious with Lucia on violin, as it becomes her song with Martin graciously relinquishing the tastiest parts to her. My God and Budapest: just an incredible one-two punch. Budapest had moments of sheer brilliance with the addition of the violin. Ian had a bit of a screw up on the guitar intro to My God, but he persevered. Appropriate Ian waves, as traditional in My God. Aqualung: Martin always shines on the solo, and get ready for a shock, Ian spent the full time during the solo out of the spotlight, allowing Martin the focus of attention as he rightly deserves at that point. Ian's pseudo-jump at the end of Aqualung well preserved. No chance of injuring any of those knees again. Encore: I didn't see an official setlist, but I wouldn't be surprised if Wind Up was on it and cut because of time. The show eventually ended about 10:50 PM. As the show ended, a balloon ended up back on stage and Ian made an incredible catch of the balloon with his head - the most agile I have seen him - before he sent it back into the crowd. Other thoughts: The band looked tired. First night playing with Lucia, so not surprising it was a bit less fluid than it likely will be later in the tour. Lucia is adorable - petite, full of energy and movement - and damn, she can play the fiddle. I think as they work to balance the sound and become more comfortable with the flow of the songs with her onboard, it will prove very exciting as the shows build. She, surprisingly, is incredibly prominent for a great deal of the set (including her physical presence on stage - up front, Andy's side, in front of Jonathan). The boys seemed to relish her youth and enthusiasm - and perhaps it was in contrast to that the Tull boys looked fatigued. Ian looked "sturdy." (How was that for a physical description?) His voice was average, neither good nor bad. The set obviously had no real surprises, mainly the songs Lucia brought to the set. Take away those songs and it is same old same old, with the recent predominance of Aqualung holding sway. New material? Thanks Lucia. Overall it was a reasonable first night. A bit sluggish at times, but those few moments of Tull being Tull were wonderful. As I made my way across the border again at 12:30 AM, the much younger U.S. Customs Officer asked where I had been. "To see a concert in Toronto." Customs officer: "Which concert?" G: "Jethro Tull." She looked quite unimpressed, and based on the grumbling and mumbling heard from many in the crowd at Massey Hall, I think that sentiment was shared by many. However, I, for one, have high hopes for future shows. There is promise in this experiment - and the day is young - something I didn't think I would say about current era Tull. Griff Massey Hall Toronto 10/4/2005 Life's a Long Song Skating Away Slipstream Beggar's Farm Jack in the Green Up to Me Weathercock Wond'ring Aloud* Theme from the Godfather** Kashmir** Cheap Day Return* Mother Goose* Bouree* Intermission Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody** She is Like The Swallow** Cross-eyed Mary Serenade to a Cuckoo Hymn 43 Empty Cafe* Lucia solo** My God Budapest* Aqualung Encore Locomotive Breath* Protect and Survive* (Balloons) Cheerio *Lucia Micarelli with band **Lucia Micarelli featured
MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 6, 2005 9:25:20 GMT -5
A great review as always, Max!
Looks like the boys are taking a different road during the first half of the tour, I'm sorry I won't be seeing this version. I think it's good that Ian recognizes talent (and beauty) and wants to incorporate both into their set. I'm sure it's quite a shock to fans of traditional Tull and not much more, but for those of us who have been going with the flow of ever-changing musical styles and experimental music then this is a real treat.
Will be nice to see the boys again, no matter what incarnation they take.
Enjoy the rest of the tour, Max, and please feel free to post more reviews of the other shows as well!
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Post by stubedoo on Oct 10, 2005 11:33:10 GMT -5
I'm back after many months of lurking. Max, I enjoyed your review. Do you think it'll be the same show when they come to Oakland?
Who is Lucia?
For those of you who still have their nose in the bootleg trade, can you keep an eye out for me for a copy of a show where Tull plays Kashmir?
Thanks Stubedoo
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Post by MaxQuad on Oct 10, 2005 12:48:14 GMT -5
Jethro Tull at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York )ctober 9, 2005
Sunday's performance at Carnegie was spectacular - nothing less than spectacular. Every musician on stage was playing at the top of his and her game - and having fun. Whereas Toronto revealed a tentative and tired band, the second night at Carnegie was filled with confidence and energy. Ian's movements, which can become quite rote and mechanical during some performances (Toronto being one), were fluid - with a bounce in his step and passion in his eyes. There was not one weak performance of a song in the set - and as Cary has pointed out, some restructuring of the set list smoothed the flow of the show. I hate to admit this, but I even enjoyed Bouree last night, despite hearing it ad nauseam for decades. Sound problems from Saturday were essentially solved on Sunday. Ian's voice was clear and strong. Martin's guitar and mandolin were crisper and more prominent. The balance of sound was right, with each instrument given its due in each song. Lucia was warmly received (an understatement) both evenings. Kashmir has been moved to the second half and delivers in full force. The standing ovation is well deserved. For those concerned about Tull doing a cover of Zeppelin, set your concern aside and indulge. It is a powerful version, especially when you hear the "bonus" Jimmy Page snippet played by Lucia mid-song. Hymn 43 began the final onslaught: a powerful version. My God was blistering. Budapest was brilliant - absolutely brilliant. Martin played his Aqualung solo with as much passion as I have seen in years - to the point of ignoring Ian's photo gag and running to Andy's side of the stage to grace those fans with the second half of the solo. I have never seen him do that before - and it was a joy to see. Wind Up returned to the encore - so the full Aqualung album was heard this night. My sense that the Carnegie shows would be special - the Tull return to such a landmark venue after 35 years - was validated in full force last evening. The band may have a difficult time matching the energy, passion, and musicianship of last night during the rest of this tour, but if they even come close, you are in for a memorable treat. Griff Setlists below. Saturday 10/8/2005 Life's a Long Song Skating Away Slipstream Beggar's Farm Up to Me Weathercock Aurora** Griminelli's Lament* Wond'ring Aloud* Theme from the Godfather** Cheap Day Return* Mother Goose* Bouree* Intermission Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody** Kashmir** She is Like The Swallow** Cross-eyed Mary In The Grip of Stronger Stuff Hymn 43 My God Budapest* Aqualung Encore Locomotive Breath* Protect and Survive* (Balloons) Cheerio *Lucia Micarelli with band **Lucia Micarelli featured Sunday 10/8/2005 Life's a Long Song Skating Away Slipstream Beggar's Farm Up to Me Weathercock Aurora** Griminelli's Lament* Wond'ring Aloud* Theme from the Godfather** Cheap Day Return* Mother Goose* Bouree* Intermission Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody** Kashmir** She is Like The Swallow** Cross-eyed Mary In The Grip of Stronger Stuff Hymn 43 My God Budapest* Aqualung Encore Wind Up Locomotive Breath* Protect and Survive* (Balloons) Cheerio *Lucia Micarelli with band **Lucia Micarelli featured
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Post by poodledoo on Oct 10, 2005 15:37:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the review Griff. JT have always managed to rise to the occasion especialy when it is a special one.
I'm curious about Ian's new love and and about his new love for Led Zep as well. Maybe I'll start selling my JT CD's on ebay so that I can afford the Hollywood gig a month from now. ;-)
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Post by MaxQuad on Oct 10, 2005 17:45:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the review Griff. JT have always managed to rise to the occasion especialy when it is a special one. I'm curious about Ian's new love and and about his new love for Led Zep as well. Maybe I'll start selling my JT CD's on ebay so that I can afford the Hollywood gig a month from now. ;-) Poodle, It is Lucia's love of Zeppelin, not Ian's, that provides the impetus for Kashmir to be on the set list. As far as I know, Lucia is only on the first half of the tour (the October dates), so (to quote Ian from the XM Then Again Live), it may be a "very different kettle of fish" by the time Tull makes it to the left coast. (Or with Lucia gone, it may be the same old kettle reheated.) As for Ian rising to this special occasion (or special guest?), I will remain silent. MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 11, 2005 18:54:29 GMT -5
As for Ian rising to this special occasion (or special guest?), I will remain silent. MQ Er... um... Great reviews, Max, thank you! I'm so sorry to be missing these shows, I'm afraid we'll be getting the same old, same old.... Time will tell, eh?
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Post by MaxQuad on Oct 13, 2005 15:09:56 GMT -5
I'm so sorry to be missing these shows, I'm afraid we'll be getting the same old, same old.... Time will tell, eh? SG, I just happened upon the UBCFA site for information on the performance in Buffalo late November and there is mention of "Special Guest Lucia." In Toronto, Ian also said in passing that Lucia will "be joining us for the rest of the tour." (At the time I dismissed it as a mis-statement.) Not sure what to make of the above pieces of information, since the official Tull website still lists Lucia as joining Tull for the first half of the North American tour only. Yes, time will tell. MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 14, 2005 6:46:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the update, Max! Maybe Ian liked the fan reaction to the recent shows and decided to keep her along. I've realized that it's sort of useless to rely on the information on the official site, a lot of times the information is incorrect. You heard it here first, folks!
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Post by stubedoo on Oct 14, 2005 13:02:01 GMT -5
In Toronto, Ian also said in passing that Lucia will "be joining us for the rest of the tour." (At the time I dismissed it as a mis-statement.)
MQ[/quote]
Well, now I'm really looking forward to Oakland. Let's hope she's still there.
Anybody know of any show recordings available yet of them playing Kashmir?
Stubedoo
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 14, 2005 22:14:00 GMT -5
Anybody know of any show recordings available yet of them playing Kashmir? Stubedoo As a matter of fact.... A mutual friend of ours captured a little bit of Kashmir on video! I'll shall talk more of it via email.
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 16, 2005 12:24:32 GMT -5
Anymore Tull tour reviews anyone? What's really funny about this is that for some reason our header is now advertising Atlantis Gay Cruises.
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 27, 2005 12:15:13 GMT -5
Willow and I were lucky enough to attend the show in Buffalo. The performance was at the State University of New York at Buffalo Center for the Arts - a fairly new, plain and clean looking venue. A far different venue than the old, ornate theaters built in the 20's and 30's that have been host to many of the recent shows. As I mentioned before, the show was the best I had seen this tour (having seen 4 others). It matched some of the best shows over the last few years. The band had a day off between Chicago and Buffalo - and I believe that day off helps Ian's voice. I think his voice has generally been good this tour - but it was better that particular night in Buffalo. The turtling was rare - and when there was, sound still came out - not the painful silent grimace often seen when he can't quite get there from here. The sound, in general, was very good. All instruments well heard - balanced well. Ian was in good humor - which always makes a difference. He had energy in his step and movements - not the caricature of motion often seen from him these days. The full band seemed to be playing with a joyfullness and intensity. No one was going through the motions. The crowd was very respectful of Lucia - with silence greeting her quietest of moments. I believe both she and Ian appreciated that - and they gave back many-fold for that audience effort. The setlist was much the same as more recent shows. Lucia's violin adds so much to songs like Wond'ring Aloud, Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose, and Grimminelli's Lament.The second half of the show a tour de force. Nocturne started the second half and the crowd went wild with the recognizable first notes of Bohemian Rhapsody. Kashmir was not introduced by name (which is absolutely the right move) - and again the crowd displayed tremendous enthusiasm with the onset of Zeppelin's great tune. Ian's vocals on Cross Eyed Mary were absolutely excellent. The full second half kept a pace that was remarkably full of energy. The jiggified Hymn 43 was full of energy - both parts shining brightly this evening. My God was excellent (as usual). Budapest gets more powerful every time I hear it live - and this was no exception. Martin was enjoying himself immensely, once again running away from Ian during his solo in Aqualung - running from Stage Left to stage right and completing his solo with Ian unsure of what just happened. All in all - incredible energy, wonderful musicianship by all, better than average vocals, and a sense of fun exhibited by the band. Lucia added immensely and did not detract at all. It was a great night of Tull music. Cleveland the next night was good - but not as good as Buffalo. The audience less respectful, in fact rude at times. Ian slightly more self-conscious in attitude and movement - playing Ian instead of being Ian at times. Lucia slightly less obvious in the mix on some songs - unlike the incredible balance of sound in Buffalo. One nice change - hearing Nothing is Easy at the onset of the second set was a treat - always one of my favorite Tull tunes. Though it is nice to hear the wave of recognition for Bohemian Rhapsody, I think Nothing is Easy was a more than worthy replacement. No Wind Up in Cleveland - whereas Buffalo had the full encore: Wind Up, Locomotive Breath, P&S/Balloons, and Cheerio. After the Toronto show, I voiced the opinion that this experiment with Lucia held great promise - and that with more time together a rhythm and flow would develop that would be wonderful to behold. The performance in Buffalo brought it to fruition. It was Tull with energy - and a new dimension. By the way, in an interview with a music critic from the Buffalo News, Lucia announced that she is joining Tull on the UK tour. Hopefully some of you in the UK will be looking forward to that.
MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Nov 28, 2005 10:29:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the great review, Max! I'm sorry I had to miss this tour but it sounds like you made up for it in spades. I'm glad that they performed well in your hometown and really glad that you were able to be there to see/hear it. I think they could use a good permanent violinist, what say you?
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