Jethro Tull
The Zealot Gene
Inside Out Music/Sony Music
Ian Anderson has released several solo albums in the past 19 years. However, with The Zealot Gene being the first album by Jethro Tull in almost two decades, expectations are high.
Ian Anderson has come up with a wonderful album, having written all the songs himself. This is a Jethro Tull release that not only meets expectations but surpasses them. It is a concept album, of sorts, and a return to form for the band. It isΒ twelve rock tracks that fit very nicely together. They do not sound dated, but rather current, yet would not have been out of place in the late 1970s.
The Zealot GeneΒ open with Andersonβs fantastic flute on βMrs. Tibbetsβ. Next comes the voice, Ian Anderson in all of his glory. The flute gives way to power chords and it is on its way. There are some great surprises, such as Andersonβs harmonica on βJacobβs Talesβ , which is far too short, the moody background on βShoshana Sleepingβ, the English folk genre of βThe Fisherman Of Ephesusβ and the hard rock sounds in βBarren Beth, Wild Desert Johnβ.
Florian Opahle is a fantastic guitarist. He provides strong guitar solos, especially in βMrs. Tibbetsβ,Β but more often provides a steady backing. The majority of the solos are from Anderson on his flute. Special mention should also be made regarding Andersonβs acoustic guitar performance.
The Zealot Gene just may be the album fans have been waiting for for a very long time. It is a classic Jethro Tull album. For the most part, the album was recorded with all the members being in the same room, and at times, live off the floor. This energy and band unity is felt throughout. This is also an album that Jethro Tull could tour and would sound fantastic live. Fans should enjoy The Zealot Gene. It is beyond words how good it is to have Jethro Tull back.
SPILL FEATURE: NOT A BIBLICAL ALBUM, BUT A CONCEPT ALBUM WITH THE BIBLE AS ITS SOURCE – A CONVERSATION WITHΒ IAN ANDERSON OF JETHRO TULL
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JETHRO TULL – THE ZEALOT GENE
Aaron Badgley