Jethro Tull: With first ever official book

In October last year, it was announced that the first ever official book about Jethro Tull was to be published by Rocket 88. The Ballad Of Jethro Tull will be published in November, and Ian Anderson confirms it’ll contain a disc of new material. Official Jethro Tull book will feature 7-inch single of new material.

The book has been written by Mark Blake and is being overseen by Ian Anderson, who has collaborated with members and former members of the band to complete the publication.

The A-side will contain a narrative poem written and read by Anderson called The Ballad Of Jethro Tull and it’ll be accompanied by a unique and original mix of classic Tull music. The B-side features Anderson reading Walter Scott’s 1808 poem Marmion, with musical backing composed and played by John O’Hara on a cathedral organ.

It will feature memories, personal photos, and memorabilia, classic and previously unseen live photography, behind-the-scenes snaps, original press cuttings and album art. Two editions were announced: The Classic version and the limited edition Signature Edition, which will be limited to just 500 copies.

The Signature Edition will be presented in a box containing two prints specially commissioned for the book by artist Pete Klucik, who also created the cover design. Each will also be autographed by Anderson. The Classic Edition, meanwhile, will come with a download code for both of the new recordings.

Speaking previously about The Ballad Of Jethro Tull, Anderson said: «It’s been on my mind to find an effective way of telling the Jethro Tull story and as we celebrate – in slight disbelief – our 50th anniversary». «Now seems as good a time as any to draw on the recollections of the very many musicians who played a part in Jethro Tull. Some guys are sadly no longer with us and others will be hard to reach but this project will seek to provide the definitive Jethro Tull story, as told by Jethro Tull».

This flute-dominated instrumental Bourée, based on Bach’s Suite in E Minor for Lute, was a track on Jethro Tull’s excellent Stand Up (1969). Personnel: Ian Anderson (flute, vocals), Martin Barre (guitars), Glenn Cornick (bass), Clive Bunker (drums). Composer: J.S. Bach (arr. Ian Anderson).

The old but excellent Jethro Tull track Living In The Past. Living In The Past, was a bonus track on Jethro Tull’s Stand Up. Originally a single and had an album named after it.

Jethro Tull is one of the old bands that has always been there! There is of course a truth with modifications, but the precursor to Jethro Tull originated in Blackpool in England in 1963. Then it was so well-known Ian Anderson who started a band called Blades. Two years later the name became The John Evan Band, then The John Evan Smash. In time, Jethro Tull was moved to London, and now the name changed. First out was The Toggery Five, then McGrenor`s Engine, Ian Hendersom’s Bag Of Blues, Candy Colored Rain and Navy Blue. Eventually in 1968 it became Jethro Tull.

Ian Anderson personal interests, Wild exotic small kitties and chili peppers. Preferably separate. Avoiding saxophones.

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