People say he's underrated, not well known, but that's maybe how he likes it. When it comes to fame and fortune, it could be a case of You have the fame, I'll have the fortune. Not everyone wants to be a front man. Great player. One of the best.
Agreed. Ate and breathed Martin and Tull, starting age 12 (1972), into my 20's. Attempted to learn every tune on Aqualung, got some down. Huge influence on my guitar playing.
I have heard plenty from Florian Ophale. And I won't trash him because he's a fine player himself, but even a few years after this video, Barre has lost nothing. Ian Anderson was and is a sensational musician. Today he severely underestimates what Martin Barre contributed to his success.
What I really love about Martin Barre's playing is that he really delivers the below the belt, punchy rock elements and blends it beautifully into JT's prog rock framework. Some prog rock guitarists--brilliant players though they were--seemed to avoid head-on rock, and side-step that visceral drive for more esoteric flavored guitar work. But Martin's playing is so satisfying because it hits your ear and thumps your chest like a force of nature.
I know what you mean... He's got that beautiful raw, emotive feel. The solo on we used to know can put a lump in my throat every time. Not just dead sounding prog twiddly diddly like .. (insert many well known names here)
I love what Martin says about everyone having to learn how to play the material they were composing, which means they were pushing to improve themselves as musicians.
I have listened to progrock, metal, jazz, blues, swing, classical but Tull is my GO TO band. My stereo is built around reproducing the complex rythems and intricate bits that make it what it is. My neighbors get to hear a lot. I am closing in on 70 now so, of course, I have to turn it up more to hear better..... Yeah that works for now.
@@neilangus4401 I have a Bryston 4B 500w amp and a pair of Axiom heavy magnet speakers that sound quite good. I listen at near concert levels. Yeah I am happy with it. I have a LOT of Tull and Anderson CDs to keep me amused.
I am 69, my grandson (15) loves metal. And when I took my guitar to play Locomotive Breath, he was amazed and said : "Oh cool, you like Helloween too?" Finally I just knew that Helloween, Metallica and Iron Maiden also covered JT tunes. I love being a grandpa cooler than grandson., and he just knew that the original songs were JT's released 50 years ago.
Well, Minstrel is one of those rare pieces of music of surpassing beauty. It's epic. And while everyone in the band played an important part, Martin's part is clearly the greatest. The guitar part is like bells ringing out over a city, overarching everything else. It's just stunning. The melody comes, of course, from Anderson's singing, but the fabric of the song is Martin's work.
No way. Jethro Tull was Ian Anderson's band, and the other members were little more than session musicians. Martin Barre was no more important to Jethro Tull than the various session musicians that Fagen and Becker hired were to Steely Dan.
For rock and roll a singer almost always needs the right guitarist for the chemistry to really spark. It's almost like having a foil in a comedy duo. Jimmy had Robert, Mick had Keith, Roger had Pete, Ann had Nancy, Sting had Andy, Pat had Neil, (Steve had a Neil too) Bono had the Edge and, of course... Ian had Martin. Perhaps you can think of more examples. I think without the singer and guitarist duo challenging one another, usually they don't achieve quite as much. Of course, there are exceptions, such as Jimi, possibly Frank; but not many. Even Eric was always better with a band.
I believe Jethro Tull to be the tightest rock band, ever, along with Rush. Just the scope and complexity of the music, and the underlying spirituality that came with it, was incredible. I've seen Tull many times live. I'll never forget!! My favorite album- Thick as a Brick.
+Wallace Callow (london2z) Yes, I agree. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Anderson after a show in New Haven Ct during the Rubbing Elbows tour. A high point in my life.
Was fortunate to see Martin with Tull 8 times from early 70's into the 80's. I remember buying 'Aqualung' album at a local bodega in NJ of all places, In 1971 for like $5 when I was 12. Took it home & never stopped playing it........still have the original album in 2019. However much Tull progressed or changed their sound, Martin's playing always kept it rooted in rock with his terrific tone, style & ability to never over play, even on the fast complicated progressive stuff Tull was capable of. a true legend.
Not quite a definition of powerchords but the opening chord structure with its inversions and sus 7s always sent a chill down my spine ever since I first heard it as a 15 year old back in ‘75
True..Ian produced so Martin was toned down in mix..Live he soared and Ian was humbled.along with Rhythm section..Live was great and up front in sound..Glenn Cornick eyes were glued to him as much or more than Ian on stage..Ian resisted and had him dismissed by Terry Ellis..not Ian..so Glenn got shafted by his old mate that hurt him a lifetime..
Lancelot never overstated his playing, if anything he understated it leaving you always wanting more and anticipating the next great riff that would fit perfectly with the music.
While I totally enjoyed the video, listening to Martin reflect upon his work w/ Tull, to use the moniker, "Masterclass," is a total misnomer. It's not a masterclass at all ... but an interesting interview. A TRUE masterclass of this song would demonstrate, in a methodical manner, how to play it. Having said that, as a bassist, I've taught myself.
Always appreciated the possibly and unfairly underrated Martin Barre. I felt that he always held the groove of the music over fancy and fast riffs. I'll take toe tapping involvement over deadpan "wow he's fast" any day.
Martin's playing was probably solely responsible for th bands Grammy award in 1988,Ians voice was shot by then but the guitar gave the band a new lease of life after UWraps
van doosel To me the voice was different but still more interesting than most rock singers, and of course Anderson still wrote the songs and played a mean flute.
I've been going to rock concerts since the very early 70s and Jethro Tull, along with Heart were the two tightest bands with the best musicians of any I've ever heard live and Barre wasa cornerstone of Jethro Tull.
I dont think Underwraps was a downer on many of us at all. The UK music press of the day was maintaining its agenda but the album and UK dates made it for me, a really strong release and period.
Under Wraps has some good songs on like Martin said but the keyboards are totally OTT and the drum machine is dreadful ,that is probably what most Tull fans dont like about it.
van doosel I always thought the drum programming was dull on SOME tracks but MAGNIFICENT on most tracks - really getting the most out of it, stuff which a human drummer could not accomplish.
Yes the programming was good but a human drummer would have gave these songs a much more organic feel,i listened to some today and it just sounds stale with the robotic feel of the songs i.m.o.
NuntiusLegis Thankfully Doane Perry joined TULL for the Under Wraps tour rather then a drum machine. I like the album although it wasn't what people wanted to hear from the band.
stephen brown Live versions of older songs from the Under Wraps tour are great, but I prefer the studio tracks of 1984 with the superhuman drums any time.
Martin Barre is such a class act.. and a very good guitar player. He tends to be known just as "the Tull guitarist", but I think his playing is fantastic regardless of who he's playing with! His contributions to Tull are major (he made the band heavy), but as a player on his own he's still great. I am a weird Under Wraps lover as well. Fantastic album just bursting with great songs and ideas. I want Steven Wilson to remaster the album and have someone like Gavin Harrison come in to overdub some organic drumming to it... then I think more people will recognize it as the classic that it is!
+Brad Bridges Certainly one of my favorite albums, although it took many listens to fully appreciate the complexity of the songs. I still go back to it as often as Benefit or Songs from the Wood. Sadly, fans heard the keyboard dominance and never gave it much of a chance.
I have been a total Tull fan since 1973 when I saw them live at the age of 13. It was the first live rock concert for me. I didn't realize that they were so incredible until I so other concerts that just did not compare. My experience with Tull's music is that you have to listen to it a few times before you can fully appreciate it.
I agree with your idea of overdubbing real drums onto Under Wraps. Years ago Peter Hammill took one of his 1980s albums (House of Usher), stripped the dated drum machines off it, and reissued it with real percussion. What an improvement it was!
I think the this to me was the classic lineup of Tull and it's obvious to me that there was more input from ALL members than Ian would eventually give credit for on the album sleeve. It's only my humble opinion but I don't think that Barriemore, John, Martin or Jeffrey ever pushed themselves forward for the credit they were due on ANY of the albums they involved in. Anyway, it's highly unlikely that we will ever be lucky enough to hear this lineup live again.
Glenn Cornick and Clive Bunker Martin Barre..John Evans..69/71.were Tull..Ian took all the credit and money..fired them all and lost his hair/ voice/and magic..out
Martin Barre said in an interview that he owed his success largely to Ian Anderson for his writing, coreography, and his ability to bring out the best in all of them. Ian is definitely the driving force behind Tull and all of his crew have pretty much said that at one time or another. Just watch Ian on stage- he is all over the place, working the crowd. He is quite the adept showman. And EVERY show is different. You have to watch the stage to see the antics going on.
@@Bogie3855 ya More theatrical is what screwed alot of band's..less quality music creations..that. The goosebumps I lived for..saw Tull '69'70'71..Then theatrical..TAAB..Passion Play..ect..peter pan pop prog poppey voice and cod piece..then no hair no voice and fade away..out
"Minstrel in the Gallery" was one of my favorite albums. I also liked "Thick as a brick", "Aqualung" and most of all "Passion play". What followed in the later years after 1978 was not my "cup of tea" anymore.
"The Broadsword And The Beast" (1982) has sold more copies in Germany than any JT record. It is a fantastic record, but not popular in the United States. For some reason, some folks just have issues with synths and hard rock guitars. The band wrote and recorded two double albums worth of material. A lot of it has been released, but more is to come on the 2022 Steven Wilson remix box set. Despite what some Tull fans feel, a lot of members of the band, as well as many outside musicians, appreciate the musicality of the followu-up album "Under Wraps" although for me even that album is overly electronic. "Crest Of a Knave" is a great comeback record from 1987. Ian Anderson has said that "Budapest" is by FAR AND AWAY the greatest song he has eve written and recorded with Tull. Better than "Aqualung," "Living In The Past, "Thick As A Brick, "Skating Away" - any of those hits. He feels nothing even approached "Budapest".....that he wasn't a good enough composer and musician in 1971 to write a tune like "Budapest."
I saw Jethro Tull in Seattle 3 times 1972,73,75. Or there bout ... hells age ago nonetheless. Phenomenal show. The last was the Warchild concert ! Martin's guitar playing , brilliant even in live performance, the tight riffs, extenuating spaces, spin up the intensity. To this day, Stand Up, Living in the Past, and especially BENEFIT are favorites ! Great band !
Tull was at the peak of its powers when MITG was released and the band were touring it. Ian was a monster, a beast-like self-assurance incarnate. When he'd lean over the monitors to deliver a line you could see the people in the front row shrink back, intimidated as though they were terrified he'd leap in like a lion. He had that much an aura of power about him. Martin's guitar complemented and augmented that persona, as indicated and delivered by the song and its lyrics, perfectly. It still manages to come through somehow, on the fuzzy old video from the 1975 Paris show: th-cam.com/video/JTWI0TvnfQ8/w-d-xo.html
I loved Tull back in the day. Still do. Only saw them twice. In 73' on the Passion Play tour then the following yr. for War Child. Both in Nashville. I think it was the War Child show ( I caught it on film ) two guys in a zebra costume come out. One guy is in the front half and another in the back. I think it was the bass player who then got right behind the zebra, who tossed out a few tennis balls. The balls came out from the tail section implying they were "droppings". Bass player caught them then started juggling the balls. Very funny to see.
Saw JT in 1977 touring with Minstrel in the Gallery and Passion Play. They had a string quartet on stage. Minstrel has a baroque Fanfare quality to it . . . great show. The drive to 'learn' is best exemplified as Ian Anderson didn't know how to play flute at all when they started.
@@ianwilkinson4602 What a genius, and it translates also through the pipe, piccolo, and he also excels in acoustic guitar. But, this is about Martin Barre (a perfect name for a guitarist). MB's genius drives the music even further forward. After all, what would Aqualung be without Martin Barre's guitar riffs?
@@ianwilkinson4602 Underrated? Guitar World ranked his guitar solo on Aqualung as #25 in the top 100 solos of all time. I've seen JT four times live, and it is one of the few bands that sound as good live as their studio recordings.
Martin is so Humble and genuinely nice guy.Ian took all the credits of writing and producing Tull..and now look..Msrtins gone too..Tull 69'71...after that ..Ian Anderson Band..out
Dear Martin Thank you for the beginning of MITG. I always knew you wrote it, not Ian. Then again, Ian claimed he wrote Bouree too (I believe some guy named Bach wrote it). From one professional musician to another, all due respect to your work, it's meant a lot to me for 40 years (and I'm a keyboard player!)
I was so blessed to just happen to be a 14 year young Roller skate groupie but one day our Rink booked by 2 bands. Had no idea who Tull were but had heard Aqualung on the radio. So we went in anyway for $5. Amazingly YES were opening finishing there last 2 songs, Perpetual Change & Starship Trooper. I was on another planet then TULL came out and just sent to another galaxy. It was best surprise experience & shock of my young life & turned us into heavy Prog freaks instantly. Completely by accident
I have had similar epiphanies when accidentally discovering new sounds as the years have gone by, now I trawl through TH-cam looking for inspiration. What a lucky coincidence for though,I never got to see them in their early years but much, much later,still great. Cheers.
Another great guitar player and modest man is Andy Latimer of Camel, like Tull, most of their albums had a theme or story, and although both bands sounded very different they had a lot in common.
Wow, Great band, Fantastic song. Love the live or long version of it. Funny he mentioned Underwraps and that was the last tull album (cassette actually) I bought of theirs. They lost me there. I didn't play an instrument back then but have been playin guitar for 25 years now. I had no idea how progressive they really were. Some of their jams are just Insane. What great talents they all are. Seem like real nice people too.
Good stuff. I would have also appreciated some hints about the amazing instrumental bridge after the minstrel's sung introduction. Medieval, classic and hard rock, perfectly blended as I've never heard before nor later... and that's been a while since then
Tull's early blues-tinged LPs were my favorite. This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Living in the Past. They sorta lost me with the "Progressive" push the boundaries stuff.
_One_ of the best? "Barrie Barlow is the greatest rock drummer England ever produced." - John Bonham www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Barriemore_Barlow.html
You got the right amount of master, and plenty of class -- but I was sort of hoping a master class would be the kind of thing where I could walk away learning how to play the riff.
Minstral is my favorite Album. Been listening to it for years. I think almost all the songs on that album are great, complex, but highly musical. I'm going to save this video and study what Martin has shown us. Has anybody written the tabs as he' plays it here?
I thought the way Ian Anderson handled Martin Barre's dismissal was cold and callus. Barre's statement on his website (that he took down a week later) clearly showed he very hurt. While I admire Anderson as a song writer, musician, and performer, he is not someone I would trust if he were my boss.
Ego"Ian Anderson..started his mistakes in 1970..after "Benefit" having their Manager fire Glenn from Tull and it hurt the bottom end magic only he could have brought that heavy but nibble technic..Then Clive left to live a normal life without touring and to settle down..Martin ever loyal for his chance to play and get on board as Tulls guitarist ..on stage Martin was Ian's" Larry stooge" to slap down in live stage situations..i never liked or thought was funny..just insulting in manner.
Anderson helped Martin all the way thru and even helped write stuff for him when he left the group. Martin is MUCH happier with a handler like Ian and is comfy with that. He really just wants to play.
@@davelogan9221 I believe I read or saw a video that Glenn was let go from Tull for substance abuse issues. Ego Anderson (I like that btw) had issues with anything like that. I believe I'd also heard that it's because he liked to smoke a lot of weed OMG REALLY 😳?? If that's true that's beyond sad. Glen was beyond just a great bass player and it was weed "the horror" 😬
People say he's underrated, not well known, but that's maybe how he likes it. When it comes to fame and fortune, it could be a case of You have the fame, I'll have the fortune. Not everyone wants to be a front man.
Great player. One of the best.
Martin Barre one of the Best guitarists on the planet..And he's practically unknown.
Not to people who know better!...just saw Martin 2 night ago and sat in the 3rd row.
Agreed. Ate and breathed Martin and Tull, starting age 12 (1972), into my 20's. Attempted to learn every tune on Aqualung, got some down. Huge influence on my guitar playing.
For me, part of the Jethro Tull experience always included the guitar playing of Martin Barre.
I have heard plenty from Florian Ophale. And I won't trash him because he's a fine player himself, but even a few years after this video, Barre has lost nothing.
Ian Anderson was and is a sensational musician. Today he severely underestimates what Martin Barre contributed to his success.
X 1 Million. Well said Rob
What I really love about Martin Barre's playing is that he really delivers the below the belt, punchy rock elements and blends it beautifully into JT's prog rock framework. Some prog rock guitarists--brilliant players though they were--seemed to avoid head-on rock, and side-step that visceral drive for more esoteric flavored guitar work. But Martin's playing is so satisfying because it hits your ear and thumps your chest like a force of nature.
I know what you mean...
He's got that beautiful raw, emotive feel. The solo on we used to know can put a lump in my throat every time.
Not just dead sounding prog twiddly diddly like .. (insert many well known names here)
I’ve admired and enjoyed his music for 50 yrs. Thanks Martin!
Just go down the lineup of Jethro Tull one by one and you're astounded at their level of musicianship. Martin Barre was ALWAYS a delight to listen to.
I love what Martin says about everyone having to learn how to play the material they were composing, which means they were pushing to improve themselves as musicians.
I have listened to progrock, metal, jazz, blues, swing, classical but Tull is my GO TO band. My stereo is built around reproducing the complex rythems and intricate bits that make it what it is. My neighbors get to hear a lot. I am closing in on 70 now so, of course, I have to turn it up more to hear better..... Yeah that works for now.
Paul I reckon you have a great system to play Tull on
@@neilangus4401 I have a Bryston 4B 500w amp and a pair of Axiom heavy magnet speakers that sound quite good. I listen at near concert levels. Yeah I am happy with it. I have a LOT of Tull and Anderson CDs to keep me amused.
@@Bogie3855 at least it isnt boring huh?
I am 69, my grandson (15) loves metal. And when I took my guitar to play Locomotive Breath, he was amazed and said : "Oh cool, you like Helloween too?"
Finally I just knew that Helloween, Metallica and Iron Maiden also covered JT tunes.
I love being a grandpa cooler than grandson., and he just knew that the original songs were JT's released 50 years ago.
Well, Minstrel is one of those rare pieces of music of surpassing beauty. It's epic. And while everyone in the band played an important part, Martin's part is clearly the greatest. The guitar part is like bells ringing out over a city, overarching everything else. It's just stunning. The melody comes, of course, from Anderson's singing, but the fabric of the song is Martin's work.
Martin Barre defined Tull as much as Ian Anderson, yet stood in his shadow for the long ride...
You don't deserve a break. Of course there would not have been a JT were it not for Ian Anderson. My statement still stands though. Get touchy much?
No way. Jethro Tull was Ian Anderson's band, and the other members were little more than session musicians. Martin Barre was no more important to Jethro Tull than the various session musicians that Fagen and Becker hired were to Steely Dan.
i auditioned for em once..quickly found out whose fucking band it was..took an instant dislike to Anderson..the rest were great
+lostnfound21 Can you get this keyboardist an audition with Jethro Tull?
For rock and roll a singer almost always needs the right guitarist for the chemistry to really spark. It's almost like having a foil in a comedy duo. Jimmy had Robert, Mick had Keith, Roger had Pete, Ann had Nancy, Sting had Andy, Pat had Neil, (Steve had a Neil too) Bono had the Edge and, of course... Ian had Martin. Perhaps you can think of more examples. I think without the singer and guitarist duo challenging one another, usually they don't achieve quite as much. Of course, there are exceptions, such as Jimi, possibly Frank; but not many. Even Eric was always better with a band.
I believe Jethro Tull to be the tightest rock band, ever, along with Rush. Just the scope and complexity of the music, and the underlying spirituality that came with it, was incredible. I've seen Tull many times live. I'll never forget!! My favorite album- Thick as a Brick.
+Wallace Callow (london2z) Yes, I agree. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Anderson after a show in New Haven Ct during the Rubbing Elbows tour. A high point in my life.
Tull and Rush were MY BANDS, especially 1973-1980. Barre and Lifeson influenced my playing a ton.
Was fortunate to see Martin with Tull 8 times from early 70's into the 80's. I remember buying 'Aqualung' album at a local bodega in NJ of all places, In 1971 for like $5 when I was 12. Took it home & never stopped playing it........still have the original album in 2019. However much Tull progressed or changed their sound, Martin's playing always kept it rooted in rock with his terrific tone, style & ability to never over play, even on the fast complicated progressive stuff Tull was capable of. a true legend.
Thank you Sir Lancelot Barre for all the tasty riffs I have bouncing round my noggin all these years. Thank you
One of my all time favourite guitarists, legend.
Minstrel in the gallery kicks ass , a masterpiece
defenitly
Written and composed by Ian Anderson
I really like this guy. I always did. A very familiar face in a group that makes music you love, you have to admire him.
He's a very good interviewee. i really like his voice.
Baker Street Muse is one of the greatest song I've ever heard
Not quite a definition of powerchords but the opening chord structure with its inversions and sus 7s always sent a chill down my spine ever since I first heard it as a 15 year old back in ‘75
Still does 💪💪💪🤛
It's f****** brilliant !!
Out if the box Barre works it💥💪💖
Hearing Martin on the Tull records did not do him justice... it was when you saw him/Jethro Tull LIVE that u saw the monster guitar players he was/is.
True..Ian produced so Martin was toned down in mix..Live he soared and Ian was humbled.along with Rhythm section..Live was great and up front in sound..Glenn Cornick eyes were glued to him as much or more than Ian on stage..Ian resisted and had him dismissed by Terry Ellis..not Ian..so Glenn got shafted by his old mate that hurt him a lifetime..
"Barre"none, the best guitarist of the 70's. I loved J.Tull Still do!
I saw Martin a couple of months ago. Was fortunate to be able to meet him afterwards in the lobby of the arena. Real nice guy!
Just saw the band in Tucson. He and the band rocked it. So instrumentally tight and professional. And clean, just two guitars, bass and drummer.
Wonderful storyteller, fantastic guitarist
A brilliant, brilliant guitarist, and a really nice guy.
My favorite Tull album.The music and lyrics are extraordinary.
Lancelot never overstated his playing, if anything he understated it leaving you always wanting more and anticipating the next great riff that would fit perfectly with the music.
I wish Martin and the 2003-04 etc lineup with Perry, Giddings etc would get back together the were excellent together and very fun on stage ! : )
While I totally enjoyed the video, listening to Martin reflect upon his work w/ Tull, to use the moniker, "Masterclass," is a total misnomer. It's not a masterclass at all ... but an interesting interview. A TRUE masterclass of this song would demonstrate, in a methodical manner, how to play it. Having said that, as a bassist, I've taught myself.
+Robert Kaye Myself as well. Always a treat to listen to past legends "story tell" about experiences from rock history!! Cheers
Robert Kaye: I'm a bassplayer to and...we have to taught ourselves quite often :o)
Love Martin! I agree with most here...-his playing defined the Tull sound. I think he played a Les Paul during "Minstrel of the Gallery."
Really can't understand how Ian treated his mate...Martin was Jethro Tull since 1969!
Always appreciated the possibly and unfairly underrated Martin Barre. I felt that he always held the groove of the music over fancy and fast riffs. I'll take toe tapping involvement over deadpan "wow he's fast" any day.
Martin's playing was probably solely responsible for th bands Grammy award in 1988,Ians voice was shot by then but the guitar gave the band a new lease of life after UWraps
van doosel Indeed and I agree it was certainly relevant.
van doosel To me the voice was different but still more interesting than most rock singers, and of course Anderson still wrote the songs and played a mean flute.
Great to hear his commentary. Minstrel has always been one of my favs.
Loved me some Martin Lancelot Barre since 1969 when I was 17. Humble genius
Listening to Martin talk about the inner workings of the music of Jethro Tull is an education itself.
I love Martin's intro to MITG.
I've been going to rock concerts since the very early 70s and Jethro Tull, along with Heart were the two tightest bands with the best musicians of any I've ever heard live and Barre wasa cornerstone of Jethro Tull.
I dont think Underwraps was a downer on many of us at all. The UK music press of the day was maintaining its agenda but the album and UK dates made it for me, a really strong release and period.
"Under Wraps" was a great record - so much music in that album. Lots of cool jazz, really nice music.
Under Wraps has some good songs on like Martin said but the keyboards are totally OTT and the drum machine is dreadful ,that is probably what most Tull fans dont like about it.
van doosel I always thought the drum programming was dull on SOME tracks but MAGNIFICENT on most tracks - really getting the most out of it, stuff which a human drummer could not accomplish.
Yes the programming was good but a human drummer would have gave these songs a much more organic feel,i listened to some today and it just sounds stale with the robotic feel of the songs i.m.o.
NuntiusLegis Thankfully Doane Perry joined TULL for the Under Wraps tour rather then a drum machine. I like the album although it wasn't what people wanted to hear from the band.
stephen brown Live versions of older songs from the Under Wraps tour are great, but I prefer the studio tracks of 1984 with the superhuman drums any time.
Saw Tull live around '76 in Portland. In my opinion, Martin's work nearly stole the show.
Amazing to hear this great musicians perspective on jt and the creative process
Interesting interview Martin...just wish the masterclass had kicked in, having said that, i enjoyed listening to what you had to say...many thanks!
Killer guitar tone.
Sir Martin "Lancelot" Barre....The Guy.
I saw you playing alive 2 times....here in São Paulo....I wished that Glenn was there too
Heavy Horses & Song from The Wood. 2 Best Tull record’s Ever ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bloody fantastic ✌🏻I wish Martin still wore the monacle though 😉
Martin Barre is such a class act.. and a very good guitar player. He tends to be known just as "the Tull guitarist", but I think his playing is fantastic regardless of who he's playing with! His contributions to Tull are major (he made the band heavy), but as a player on his own he's still great. I am a weird Under Wraps lover as well. Fantastic album just bursting with great songs and ideas. I want Steven Wilson to remaster the album and have someone like Gavin Harrison come in to overdub some organic drumming to it... then I think more people will recognize it as the classic that it is!
+Brad Bridges Certainly one of my favorite albums, although it took many listens to fully appreciate the complexity of the songs. I still go back to it as often as Benefit or Songs from the Wood. Sadly, fans heard the keyboard dominance and never gave it much of a chance.
I have been a total Tull fan since 1973 when I saw them live at the age of 13. It was the first live rock concert for me. I didn't realize that they were so incredible until I so other concerts that just did not compare.
My experience with Tull's music is that you have to listen to it a few times before you can fully appreciate it.
I agree with your idea of overdubbing real drums onto Under Wraps. Years ago Peter Hammill took one of his 1980s albums (House of Usher), stripped the dated drum machines off it, and reissued it with real percussion. What an improvement it was!
I think the this to me was the classic lineup of Tull and it's obvious to me that there was more input from ALL members than Ian would eventually give credit for on the album sleeve. It's only my humble opinion but I don't think that Barriemore, John, Martin or Jeffrey ever pushed themselves forward for the credit they were due on ANY of the albums they involved in. Anyway, it's highly unlikely that we will ever be lucky enough to hear this lineup live again.
Glenn Cornick and Clive Bunker Martin Barre..John Evans..69/71.were Tull..Ian took all the credit and money..fired them all and lost his hair/ voice/and magic..out
Martin Barre said in an interview that he owed his success largely to Ian Anderson for his writing, coreography, and his ability to bring out the best in all of them. Ian is definitely the driving force behind Tull and all of his crew have pretty much said that at one time or another. Just watch Ian on stage- he is all over the place, working the crowd. He is quite the adept showman. And EVERY show is different. You have to watch the stage to see the antics going on.
@@Bogie3855 ya
More theatrical is what screwed alot of band's..less quality music creations..that. The goosebumps I lived for..saw Tull '69'70'71..Then theatrical..TAAB..Passion Play..ect..peter pan pop prog poppey voice and cod piece..then no hair no voice and fade away..out
They have been on the road a looonnnngggg time Dave. I am happy to have what we got.
Masterwork. Very nice and interesting interview, thank you very much for sharing
"Minstrel in the Gallery" was one of my favorite albums. I also liked "Thick as a brick", "Aqualung" and most of all "Passion play". What followed in the later years after 1978 was not my "cup of tea" anymore.
Yes Gerhard
I have to agree
After songs from the wood all the real classic Tull was starting to evaporate
"The Broadsword And The Beast" (1982) has sold more copies in Germany than any JT record. It is a fantastic record, but not popular in the United States. For some reason, some folks just have issues with synths and hard rock guitars. The band wrote and recorded two double albums worth of material. A lot of it has been released, but more is to come on the 2022 Steven Wilson remix box set. Despite what some Tull fans feel, a lot of members of the band, as well as many outside musicians, appreciate the musicality of the followu-up album "Under Wraps" although for me even that album is overly electronic. "Crest Of a Knave" is a great comeback record from 1987. Ian Anderson has said that "Budapest" is by FAR AND AWAY the greatest song he has eve written and recorded with Tull. Better than "Aqualung," "Living In The Past, "Thick As A Brick, "Skating Away" - any of those hits. He feels nothing even approached "Budapest".....that he wasn't a good enough composer and musician in 1971 to write a tune like "Budapest."
He played this three nights ago in Portland!! Had been waiting to hear this live since getting Bursting Out in middle school.....
I love Martin Barré guitar play !
I saw Jethro Tull in Seattle 3 times 1972,73,75. Or there bout ... hells age ago nonetheless. Phenomenal show.
The last was the Warchild concert !
Martin's guitar playing , brilliant even in live performance, the tight riffs, extenuating spaces, spin up the intensity.
To this day, Stand Up, Living in the Past, and especially BENEFIT are favorites !
Great band !
Martin Barre is an excellent guitarist. Just a shame the world treats him like he doesn't exist as a guitarist.
The beginning gtr instrumental in that song is amazing. What a guitar sound as well ⚡️
Tull was at the peak of its powers when MITG was released and the band were touring it. Ian was a monster, a beast-like self-assurance incarnate. When he'd lean over the monitors to deliver a line you could see the people in the front row shrink back, intimidated as though they were terrified he'd leap in like a lion. He had that much an aura of power about him. Martin's guitar complemented and augmented that persona, as indicated and delivered by the song and its lyrics, perfectly.
It still manages to come through somehow, on the fuzzy old video from the 1975 Paris show:
th-cam.com/video/JTWI0TvnfQ8/w-d-xo.html
I loved Tull back in the day. Still do. Only saw them twice. In 73' on the Passion Play tour then the following yr. for War Child. Both in Nashville. I think it was the War Child show ( I caught it on film ) two guys in a zebra costume come out. One guy is in the front half and another in the back. I think it was the bass player who then got right behind the zebra, who tossed out a few tennis balls. The balls came out from the tail section implying they were "droppings". Bass player caught them then started juggling the balls. Very funny to see.
As a teenager through the seventies,Tull were for me the quintessential band and love a lot of albums they put out, still to this day.
Saw JT in 1977 touring with Minstrel in the Gallery and Passion Play. They had a string quartet on stage. Minstrel has a baroque Fanfare quality to it . . . great show. The drive to 'learn' is best exemplified as Ian Anderson didn't know how to play flute at all when they started.
He doesn't "play" the flute , the flute plays him and uses his mind to get the sound it wants :-)
@@ianwilkinson4602 What a genius, and it translates also through the pipe, piccolo, and he also excels in acoustic guitar.
But, this is about Martin Barre (a perfect name for a guitarist). MB's genius drives the music even further forward. After all, what would Aqualung be without Martin Barre's guitar riffs?
@@leonarddaneman810 Absolutely, a grossly underated guitarist and team player within Jethro Tull, and an alround nice guy to boot :-))
@@ianwilkinson4602 Underrated? Guitar World ranked his guitar solo on Aqualung as #25 in the top 100 solos of all time. I've seen JT four times live, and it is one of the few bands that sound as good live as their studio recordings.
That was the Warchild album and the year 1974 when they had the String Quartet
Excellent clip Martin, thanks. yes, this is challenging stuff!
Cool interview, thank you for posting it.
Ian you should have never dumped Barre . Was it because he came forward while you receded because of your voice ?
LOVE you both !
Met u 3years ago in Woodbridge N J. Great show..hope to c u soon again...rts
One of my faves. He has plenty of virtuosity, but it's his STYLE that grabs me. Which is also the key to his contribution to JT.
So many great musicians came out of Birmingham around that time. Martin was definitely one of the best of them.
So very, very cool! Hail, Martin!
Martin is so Humble and genuinely nice guy.Ian took all the credits of writing and producing Tull..and now look..Msrtins gone too..Tull 69'71...after that ..Ian Anderson Band..out
Dear Martin
Thank you for the beginning of MITG. I always knew you wrote it, not Ian. Then again, Ian claimed he wrote Bouree too (I believe some guy named Bach wrote it). From one professional musician to another, all due respect to your work, it's meant a lot to me for 40 years (and I'm a keyboard player!)
I was so blessed to just happen to be a 14 year young Roller skate groupie but one day our Rink booked by 2 bands. Had no idea who Tull were but had heard Aqualung on the radio. So we went in anyway for $5. Amazingly YES were opening finishing there last 2 songs, Perpetual Change & Starship Trooper. I was on another planet then TULL came out and just sent to another galaxy. It was best surprise experience & shock of my young life & turned us into heavy Prog freaks instantly. Completely by accident
I have had similar epiphanies when accidentally discovering new sounds as the years have gone by, now I trawl through TH-cam looking for inspiration. What a lucky coincidence for though,I never got to see them in their early years but much, much later,still great. Cheers.
Wow YES & Jethro Tull 😳 ......it doesn't get much better than that ☮️
Martin Barre is an amazing player putting all the right riffs in the right places!!
Another great guitar player and modest man is Andy Latimer of Camel, like Tull, most of their albums had a theme or story, and although both bands sounded very different they had a lot in common.
Martin definitely was a prime mover of 60's & 70's rock guitar - in the early post-Beatles 70's particularly.
Great band from 'this was', through TAAB. The early band: Bunker, Barre and Glen Cornick..Great rockers!
Into a Blackstar Series 1 combo. Awesome tone. Great playing.
The interesting fact statement at the end suggests the researcher never heard Benefit or Aqualung and the folk bit is just baffling!
gorgeous person, I met him at a concert, great
Wow, Great band, Fantastic song. Love the live or long version of it. Funny he mentioned Underwraps and that was the last tull album (cassette actually) I bought of theirs. They lost me there. I didn't play an instrument back then but have been playin guitar for 25 years now. I had no idea how progressive they really were. Some of their jams are just Insane. What great talents they all are. Seem like real nice people too.
Minstrel to the galey, one of the best Jethro Tull Lp and Martin Barre one of the best guitar man
Sensational sensational sensational
The only way to describe Jethro Tull
And in my personal way Martin
My favorite Tull albums "Minstrel in the Gallery" & "Songs from the Wood"
Good stuff. I would have also appreciated some hints about the amazing instrumental bridge after the minstrel's sung introduction. Medieval, classic and hard rock, perfectly blended as I've never heard before nor later... and that's been a while since then
Tull's early blues-tinged LPs were my favorite. This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Living in the Past. They sorta lost me with the "Progressive" push the boundaries stuff.
Oh hell yeah, one of my favorite songs ever!!
When I want a challenge band to practice to, these guys never disappoint. Barriemore Barlowe....one of the very best drummers of all time. Cheerio ;)
_One_ of the best?
"Barrie Barlow is the greatest rock drummer England ever produced."
- John Bonham
www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Barriemore_Barlow.html
Very tight group of people ! How many band members have there been
You got the right amount of master, and plenty of class -- but I was sort of hoping a master class would be the kind of thing where I could walk away learning how to play the riff.
Minstral is my favorite Album. Been listening to it for years. I think almost all the songs on that album are great, complex, but highly musical. I'm going to save this video and study what Martin has shown us. Has anybody written the tabs as he' plays it here?
Under Wraps was the first Tull album I ever bought and I liked it just fine.
Master Martin Barre!!!A genius of music!!!
Legend has it he was the first guitarist to play barre chords--hence the appellation
Fantastic human being!
A true legend
One of the best guitar riffs ever. And interesting topics.
Martin is so underrated !!!!! Thanks Martin !
I love this guy!
Sir Martins input was VITAL to the Tull sound, Anderson has forgot the value of this man, his loss!!!
I thought the way Ian Anderson handled Martin Barre's dismissal was cold and callus. Barre's statement on his website (that he took down a week later) clearly showed he very hurt.
While I admire Anderson as a song writer, musician, and performer, he is not someone I would trust if he were my boss.
Ego"Ian Anderson..started his mistakes in 1970..after "Benefit" having their Manager fire Glenn from Tull and it hurt the bottom end magic only he could have brought that heavy but nibble technic..Then Clive left to live a normal life without touring and to settle down..Martin ever loyal for his chance to play and get on board as Tulls guitarist ..on stage Martin was Ian's" Larry stooge" to slap down in live stage situations..i never liked or thought was funny..just insulting in manner.
Anderson helped Martin all the way thru and even helped write stuff for him when he left the group. Martin is MUCH happier with a handler like Ian and is comfy with that. He really just wants to play.
@@davelogan9221 I believe I read or saw a video that Glenn was let go from Tull for substance abuse issues. Ego Anderson (I like that btw) had issues with anything like that.
I believe I'd also heard that it's because he liked to smoke a lot of weed OMG REALLY 😳??
If that's true that's beyond sad. Glen was beyond just a great bass player and it was weed "the horror" 😬
I love Martin's playing. He is just as important as IA.
Love it. Thanks Mr Barre for your music!
Absolutely A Master. I have Your 4x12 Marshall. Cabinet !!! Want it Back. ? It’s Yours Martin. In Los Angeles. Love ❤️ Cheers
I could listen to Martin all day talk about Jethro Tull.
Man I love listening to him talk Tull and guitar..!
It's interesting to realize that the name of Ian Anderson did not come up once in this interview. I enjoy Martins playing too.
Love his playing