Jethro Tull: Classic Artists [DVD] [2008] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Great Documentary on Jethro Tull that is a must for all Tull fans. All the materials add up to a bit, but the main documentary is about 1 hr. and 50 minutes, definitely the longest thing I've seen on Tull. This was actually done on their 40th Anniversary in 2008 and has been in release in England since then. Don't know why it took so long to officially release it here in the USA.

Jethro Tull definitely deserves a real, in-depth look at. This, as I said before, so far comes closest. Hard core fans will be disappointed that about half the documentary covers their first 5 years and they spend about a half an hour on the next 35 years. The summary in the end is excellent and best of all, all the former band members get plenty of screen time (in fact, Ian Anderson isn't really properly recognized as the true core until near the end - Dee (David) Palmer sums it up quite nicely saying how there was really no stopping Ian from being successful regardless of whoever he would end up in a band with. His determination, drive and focus are really why we ever had Jethro Tull.

As far as the music, it doesn't disappoint with lots of pieces getting their moment or two in the spotlight and in many ways the lack of the Songs from the Wood/Heavy Horses days on this is made up for with the MSG dvd that was released a few months back. In some ways that dvd along with this one and the Isle of Wight concert give us a good overview of Tull's glory days (1968-1979) and certainly my favorite period. I still wish we had a concert or two from the Aqualung or Thick as a Brick tours, but unfortunately they don't seem to exist (and it is my very personal suspicion that Mr. Jeffrey Hammond is the reason there is virtually no Tull footage from 1971-75 - Has anyone noticed that all Tull film ceases in this period and picks up again with the Tampa concert in 76?). That being said Mr. Hammond is the only band member missing from this dvd, but he was generous enough to contribute a wonderful essay that is very amusing.

All Tull fans will want to see this. It was really great to see Clive Bunker, Mick Abrahams, John Evan, Barry Barlow and especially Glen Cornick, who gets to give his whole side of the story on his mysterious departure from the band. I give this an 'A', but I would love to see a 4 hour documentary on Tull one day, like the one that was just done for Monty Python.

Mind you, this is not a stem to stern overview of Tull's recording history. One might think they went from "Too Old to Rock and Roll" to "A," which, needless to say, overlooks some fine albums. Rather, this release gives virtually everyone affiliated with Jethro Tull a part in telling the group's story. They are, as you know or would expect, intelligent and articulate people. John Evan's wry humor is delightful; Dee Palmer's insights are expert and engaging. If this group has been vital to you, as it has been to me, then you'll relish the opportunity to sit down with Mick Abrahams, Martin Barre, Clive Bunker, Glen Cornick, Barriemore Barlow, Dave Pegg, Peter Vetesse, and others involved with the performance and promotion of Jethro Tull. Honestly, I'm moved by the film's closing sequence, when each is given a chance to remark summarily about the group's legacy. I think it's Peter Vetesse who mentions Ian Anderson's sense of 'duty'--a concept not commonly associated with the entertainment industry these days. One reservation, though: since this product obviously isn't intended for the casual fan, it could have been extended in length and substance to become the definitive Tull documentary. It is not, but it's awfully good.

Enjoying this very much. Only disappointment is that there wasn't more of it. Some of their best albums are hardly even mentioned.
A very nice addition to your Tull collection and for anyone interested in progressive rock.