Jethro Tull - Jack In The Green: Live In Germany 1970-93

A fan’s must-have, though Joe Average may be bemused

Predictably, this footage of five shows spanning three decdes is all about mainstay Ian Anderson. While bass player Glenn Cornick’s worrying trousers and pianist John Evans’ contributions to a lengthy instrumental coda are highlights, a two-song slot on Beat Club, transmitted from Hamburg, is most notable for the singing flautist’s vagrant attire. His mobile mouth, wild hair and muttered directives kick off a truncated Nothing Is Easy during, and beyond, the closing credits. More heavily bearded and gorgeously dressed, he’s centre of attention in the 1982 outdoor event that fills half of the running time; as he is three years later in baseball cap and puffa waistcoat.

While you’ll find it hard to fault Anderson’s choice of musicians (including Fairport Convention personnel), ultimately you’ll either like a fully developed nasal and stentorian baritone or you won’t. It’s almost the same equation as Roger Chapman’s trademark nanny-goat vibrato, which, tellingly, was also selling out the Fatherland’s post-punk stadiums. Nevertheless, Anderson’s vocal extremities are modified for this diverting package’s most recent selection, a cabaret performance concluding with the quasi-skiffle So Much Trouble, embracing two guitarists in white overalls and miner’s helmets, and the old lad himself proving no slouch as mouth-organist.

Eagle Rock | ERDV 689

Reviewed by Alan Clayson
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