After two previous (and somewhat patchy) solo albums of original material, Martin Barre finally has offered a truly excellent batch of instrumental rock (there's one vocal track) with an emphasis on Mental. Blistering progressive rockers sit comfortably with gorgeous acoustic pieces that stand as a testament of his important contribution to that classic rock institution Jethro Tull. This is a very consistantly good recording and one that I highly recommend. If you're a guitar player (and who isn't...) you will enjoy the inner sleeve photos of each guitar, mandolin and bouzouki used in the sessions - and he plays flute! There are shades of Michael Brook and Dan Ar Braz in places - but let's face it, it's pure Martin Barre - and no one plays or sounds like Martin. Martin should be proud of this CD, and I'm definitely happy I bought it.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost as good as hearing it live...., 16 Mar 2004

By	Mr. Jonathan Clark (London, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had the good luck to see Martin Barre supporting his own band Jethro Tull recently. The set he played was mostly the songs on this album and on the strength of the gig I went and purchased this cd the next day.

Each of the 14 songs features a different guitar/mandolin/bazouki. The sleeve notes name the instrument used and tell a little story about it.

The music is mostly rock and anyone who knows Tull will recognise the styles. This album shows the contribution Martin makes to the arrangements and what a talented musician he really is. I have all his solo albums but this is the best. Play it LOUD and appreciate how underrated this man is.

Thanks Martin.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The sublime and under-rated Martin Barre, 24 Nov 2004

By	Wales "552" (Wales) - See all my reviews

I suppose that many might say "if you like Jethro Tull then this CD is for you" and whilst that is entirely true this CD deserves attention in its own right. It's fascinating to hear how the different makes of guitar vary, and the sleeve helpfully tells you which guitar was used on each track. For me the highlights are a couple of acoustic tracks. I have never heard better. When Martine Barre and his band played as a 'support' for Jethro Tull in Cardiff, the highlight of the evening was the Martin Barre Band (with Willy Porter). It was a virtuoso performance playing the tracks on this CD with precision and yet with the excitement of a live perfomance. I cannot praise this CD too much.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink

Comment Comment

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 4 customer reviews...

Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Martin's Best So Far...
An absolute blinder of an album. Almost entirely instrumental (ironically, only track 14, "Don't Say A Word" has any wordage) the playing is spell-binding and meticulous. Read more

Published on 10 Mar 2004 by S. Jones

› See all 4 customer reviews...

.jsOffDisplayBlock { display: block; } .jsOffDisplayInline { display: inline; } .jsOffVisibility { visibility: visible; } .jsOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jsOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jsOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; } .jsOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jsOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jqOnDisplayBlock { display: none; } .jqOnDisplayInline { display: none; } .jqOnVisibility { visibility: hidden; } .jqOnDisplayNoneBlock { display: block; } .jqOnDisplayNoneInline { display: inline; }

Customer Discussions

This product's forum

Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight

Start a new discussion

Topic:

First post:

Receive e-mail when new posts are made

Prompts for sign-in

Guidelines

Active discussions in related forums

Discussion	Replies	Latest Post
music Sir Rolford Harris..Renaissance man or Australian?	64	47 seconds ago
music Stackridge - the best band in the land?	0	1 minute ago
pop Crack the code II	4267	19 minutes ago
rock Pooper groups	3	26 minutes ago
rock What are you hearing at the moment???	2875	1 hour ago
pop Song Ttitle	1509	1 hour ago
blues What are U listening these days	12	1 day ago

Related forums

blues (9 discussions)
music (1023 discussions)
pop (432 discussions)
rock (402 discussions)

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	74% buy the item featured on this page: Stage Left 5.0 out of 5 stars (4)
	7% buy Rupi's Dance 4.8 out of 5 stars (14) �22.99
	3% buy Thick As a Brick 4.6 out of 5 stars (17) �8.98
	3% buy Roots to Branches 4.7 out of 5 stars (3) �5.78