Martin Barre and his band stormed through a marvellous performance in Wakefield last night. As a long-time fan of Jethro Tull – though one who did not get to see them in their heyday – and in particular Barre’s playing when I discovered he was to play a smallish venue down the road tickets were secured months ago.
Now I’m “rather old” I don’t get to too many gigs – though this one was not to be missed. The opportunity to see on the THE great guitarists from three yards away had to be taken.
The support – Apostles of Chaos – gave us something to listen to for half an hour or so. Steady enough yet nothing out of the ordinary. Singer was good, as was the guitarist though overall it had a feeling about it of being a bit rushed. A decision to do a cover of UFO staple Lights Out probably not the greatest idea.
Anyhoo – we came to see Martin Barre. And we were most certainly not disappointed. The man is a bona fide six-stringed master. He has a tight band too. Solid through and through. Got the impression that vocalist Dan Crisp was trying a bit too hard to be Ian Anderson during the Tull stuff and it didn’t suit his style. On the other stuff – no problem. Fine voice, strong delivery.
A blistering set ensured. Steel Monkey socked it to the crowd from the first chord. Barre’s prowess and effortless technique there for all to see. Brilliant.
For the Tull aficionados there was a fair sprinkling of surprises in the set list. In addition to Monkey (and from memory) we had Song for Jeffrey, Pibroch (Cap in Hand), Nothing to Say and Hunting Girl – possibly a couple more. All superbly delivered with Martin “all over it”. Phenomenal to watch a master at work stood right in front of you.
The stuff from the new album (Roads Less Travelled) was tasty too. Lone Wolf for example a punchy tune not a million miles away from Crest of a Knave Tull.
The rest of the set all expertly delivered and time flashed by. After an encore of (what else) but Locomotive Breath and an abridged Aqualung watches were checked as we filed out surprised to see that we’d been treated to an hour and three quarters. For a geezer in his early 70s to play such a long set, not miss a step and look like he was having so much fun doing it – fantastic.
And it was disclosed that as next year marks Barre’s half century since joining Tull, there are plans afoot for some celebratory dates. Come to Wakefield again please Mr. Barre.
Last night was a rare treat to witness an under-rated guitar genius at work. Effortless, powerful, technique, bit chords, mazy, punchy solos. As I type I can think of only two other guitarist who are so insanely talented guitarists from the same era – Donald Roeser and Bill Nelson.
Barre and the band were first class and then some. Check out the latest album if you can. I’m ordering my copy immediately after posting this up…….