The lights went out and the band took their place on the stage. There was no opening introduction and it wasn’t necessary. The packed house cheered and waited for the band to start. When the stage lights came up, the band immediately jumped in with “Nothing is Easy,” and the crowd went wild. Everyone in the place was grinning from ear to ear as Jethro Tull started up their show. It was a fantastic night for music.
Now with over forty years as a successful touring band, performing shows in five different decades, this bluesy progressive rock band has impressed the hell out of millions. Sunday night at Ravinia was no exception what so ever. Five men took the stage with a job to do; to entertain the audience and that is exactly what they did.
The up scaled outdoor theater was a great setting for Tull to perform some of their great hits as “Thick as a Brick,” and “Aqualung” that everyone would expect to hear in their concert. They also dug down deep and pulled out some “B” side material that impressed the true fans. One of the big surprises of the evening was “Farm on the Freeway.” It was a very nice piece from the album Crest of the Knave.
Ian Anderson throughout the show played tough flute pieces as he danced around the stage. He performed his signature step for brief moments, standing on one leg, kicking through the air with his unique version of an Irish jig. His playing as a flautist has changed over the years from his beginning comical days into a highly sophisticated musician. His runs have become fluent as they flow so wonderfully within every piece of music. He kept the crowd’s attention as he hammed it up on stage doing his best to gain the award of entertainer of the year. Most of the fans that attended would gladly present him with a trophy.
Martin “Lancelot” Barre is still one of the most under-rated guitarists to ever pick up a six string. His ability during the entire show was mighty powerful from every note that he played. His solo capabilities are far past what most other guitar players can do and he has the ability to play rhythms that most musicians can only dream about. The intricate display on stage was superb and scary that someone could become so much a part of his musical instrument. For the guitarist who has influenced so many players over the years, hats off to you.
Doane Perry kept the meter going during the concert never missing a beat. This rock band would not be the same without this man behind the drum kit. His triumphant displays come across so effortlessly showing his talent within everything that he plays. His precise engagement with percussion instruments is a delight to see and hear. His drum fills at this show were so amazing, in sync, and to the point. The dynamic range of Doane is unbelievable for the fan and by your average four-four timing drummer. His elevated playing skills have far passed what other drummers have done in Tull and live he has been doing it for over twenty-five years.
John O’Hara had a solid keyboard performance during the show on each and every song. One of most important parts of Jethro Tull music had become their keyboard player even though they didn’t even have one when they first started out. They have gone through so many keyboardists over the years and this guy had to duplicate what so many competent musicians have done before him. He pulled off everything without even appearing to sweat. His musical knowledge was apparent as he pulled off the classical runs during the opening to “Locomotive Breathe” and the middle jam in “Thick as a Brick.” He proved that he is more than capable of doing his job as a member of this band and he fits in well.
David Goodier provided the low tones that were felt deep down within your body and soul. Approximately a half dozen bass players have taken the stage with this band since 1968 and none of the previous ones may be in the same league. The master of the low end showed his skills during “Bouree” as he displayed sweet bass parts. His quick and finesse like attack kept everyone supplied with the most pristine bass lines within a live setting that anyone could possibly ever imagine. He was sporting a monster of a six string bass that sounded as good as it looked.
The night consisted of songs being played such as “Beggar’s Farm” and “A New Day Yesterday.” The sound mix of the group, as always, was just a clear and perfect presentation of music. For the awesome display the band played their fingers to the bone. Ian presented the audience with two giant balloons that he balanaced on his head during “Locomotive Breathe” before throwing them into the crowd. The balloons were knocked around above the crowd like a giant beach ball. Their final song played and Tull put on another tremendous show that could go down in the record books. One of the balloons popped as the fans grabbed for a piece of the souvenir and two small children got the other one to take home. Their final song played and Tull put on another tremendous show that could go down in the record books. Ian and the rest of the band said, “Bye – bye! Bye – bye!” The lights came up and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong played through the theater giving everyone their walking music.
Ravinia was an excellent setting for this concert to take place. Jethro Tull had a beautiful setting to display their music. The band as always played some of the most difficult music done by any band that ever existed. They came, they played, and they conquered their fans. They brewed the songs of love and hatred as the crowd hummed along and kept on going. It was truly a magical evening.
