Thick as a Brick

This special limited edition release of THICK AS A BRICK - 25TH ANNIVERSARY contains one previously unreleased live track and interviews with Ian Anderson, Martin Barre and Jeffrey Hammond.
Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson (vocals, flute, guitar, violin, saxophone, trumpet); Martin Barre (guitar, lute); John Evan (organ, piano, harpsichord); Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond (bass); Barriemore Barlow (tympani, percussion).
Recorded at Morgan Studios, London, England.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Personnel: Ian Anderson (vocals, acoustic guitar, violin, flute, saxophone, trumpet); Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond (vocals, bass guitar); Martin Barre (electric guitar, lute); John Evan (piano, harpsichord, organ); Barriemore Barlow (drums, timpani, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Steven Wilson.
Audio Remixer: Steven Wilson.
Liner Note Authors: Robin Black ; Dom Lawson.
Recording information: Morgan Studios.
Photographers: Robert Ellis ; Didi Zill.
Arranger: Jethro Tull.
While never as high-minded or technically facile as the likes of Yes or ELP, Tull began incorporating complex time changes, sophisticated harmonic structures and highly developed lyrical themes on THICK AS A BRICK, the realization of the artistic growth begun on AQUALUNG. It's here that Tull finally bursts into full-blown prog-rock mode. While AQUALUNG was a group of discrete compositions united by a theme, THICK AS A BRICK consists of one extended piece that occupies the length of the album.
Lyrically, Anderson's intentions are a bit more obscure here, but the sophisticated arrangements and virtuosic performances are enough to carry the show. John Evan's piano and organ are at the heart of this complex piece, which moves through an endless succession of tempos, moods and modes in a manner similar to vintage Genesis or the aforementioned Yes, but with a grittier edge. Most importantly, the whole things flows in a cohesive manner. THICK AS A BRICK demands close attention, but rewards the same handsomely.