SPILL BOOK REVIEW: MARTIN BARRE – A TRICK OF MEMORY: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JETHRO TULL’S GUITARIST

MARTIN BARRE – A TRICK OF MEMORY: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JETHRO TULL’S GUITARIST

MCNIDDER & GRACE

Martin Barre joined Jethro Tull after their original guitarist, Mick Abrahams, left due to musical differences with Ian Anderson. Abrahams went on to form Blodwyn Pig, while Barre was an important part of Jethro Tull until 2011. This book, A Trick of Memory: The Autobiography of Jethro Tull’s Guitarist is a very long-awaited account of his life and career. He not only provides an account of Jethro Tull, but also some insight into the split in 2011. While there is one book by the members of Jethro Tull (The Ballad of Jethro Tull: The Official Illustrated Oral History), which, as brilliant as it is, is more of a coffee table photobook, which does not go into enough detail. Barre goes into detail with this well written autobiography. It is not about Jethro Tull, obviously the band took up a pretty big chunk of his life, but rather his story before, during, and after his involvement with that band.

The book starts from his childhood in Birmingham and his family. It makes for interesting reading, given it explores life in that area of England during and post-World War II. But also, he explores his family’s involvement with music and where and when he developed an interest. From his first band, The Dwellers, until he joined Jethro Tull, Barre worked his way through clubs and began to develop a name. And he crosses paths with other artists in the beginning of their career. When recording with the band Gethsemane for DJM, a young Elton John helps the band with a recording that is sitting in a vault.

Perhaps readers will be most interested in the Jethro Tull years. He is very honest about his time with Ian Anderson and the band. He does not have any axe to grind and seems genuinely sad when the band eventually splits in 2011. It is fascinating to read about the recording of albums like A Passion Play, which are not often discussed.

Equally fascinating is his work post Jethro Tull. As someone who has all of Barre’s solos albums and who has seen him live as a solo artist, it is clear that he is an incredibly creative and talented artist. Also of interest is the band he participated in with Gary Brooker, Henry Spinetti, Chris Thompson, Martin Barre, Dave Pegg, Frank Mead, known as Classic Rock Star Tour Live. A superstar band that never received the attention it obviously deserved.

The book has many photos of Barre, his family, his bands, and documentation (i.e report cards, newspaper articles). And Barre also utilizes sidebars for, what he calls, tales. The stories are not entirely relevant to his biography but are entertaining and help illustrate points he is trying to make, for example, the first tale, “Wheels,” in which he writes about early transport for his bands (and bands in general in the 1960s in England). One of his early bands, The Noblemen, actually used an ambulance.

Martin Barre has written an excellent book with A Trick of Memory: The Autobiography of Jethro Tull’s Guitarist. There is no trick with his memory like the book title inspired from his solo song suggests. The photos add a great deal, and he tells the story in a very straightforward manner. There are funny moments and some very touching moments. It is an excellent and engaging read. One cannot help but hear his voice while reading the book, and it is like he is just sitting with you, with a cup of tea relating his story.

ISBN-10: 0857162950
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0857162953

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