Anderson performing with Jethro Tull, Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada 24 March 1977 Photo: Jean-Luc
Otherwise known as the face – and the flute -- of classic rock band Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson was one of my musical heroes during my formative years.
As a high school flute-player, I was accustomed to a repertoire of conventional orchestral pieces: the Grand Canyon Suite, Peer Gynt, perhaps a little Mozart.
The marching band got a little funkier – we regularly brought the hometown crowd to their feet with our version of the Theme from Shaft.
But Ian Anderson brought flute playing into a whole new realm of rock and roll. Folk rock, hard rock, prog rock – Jethro Tull blended them all together to create a unique sound, distinctly their own.
While their influence has been seen in the work of many other musicians, they were outstanding in their field – and in my heart.
As a high school flute-player, I was accustomed to a repertoire of conventional orchestral pieces: the Grand Canyon Suite, Peer Gynt, perhaps a little Mozart.
The marching band got a little funkier – we regularly brought the hometown crowd to their feet with our version of the Theme from Shaft.
But Ian Anderson brought flute playing into a whole new realm of rock and roll. Folk rock, hard rock, prog rock – Jethro Tull blended them all together to create a unique sound, distinctly their own.
While their influence has been seen in the work of many other musicians, they were outstanding in their field – and in my heart.
Thank you, Ian Anderson, and many happy returns of the day!
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