Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson: The Daily Vault Interview

When you think of the big names of progressive rock in the 19'70s -- the bands that really defined the genre -- you can't help but land on the Big Five: Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and Jethro Tull. Tull was always a bit of an outlier, manifesting both a cheekier sense of humor (much of it self-deprecating) and a wider musical range (embracing folk music and the use of woodwinds, for example, to a much greater degree than its peers).

The Vault's own Bruce Rusk recently had the privilege of interviewing the man whose name has been synonymous with Jethro Tull for more than 40 years, renowned singer-songwriter-flautist-frontman Ian Anderson. Their interview was candid and revealing on many levels, offering Ian the platform to comment on subjects as varied as his reasons for composing a sequel to 1972's classic Thick As A Brick album, his argument with organized religion, his father's homophobia, and why he hates the name of his own band.  I could say their interview is a great read for any fan of Jethro Tull or '70s prog, but there's really no need to qualify it -- it's a great read, period.

Modern prog retrospective

Our March retrospective -- kicking off today with dueling reviews of Dream Theater -- finds the Daily Vault exploring the fertile soil of modern progressive rock. All those fans who think prog began and ended with Pink Floyd, Genesis, King Crimson, Tull, ELP and Yes should sit up and take notice, for there's plenty of fine recent work to be discussed by the likes of Porpcupine Tree, the Flower Kings, Cairo, Circa and Spock's Beard. From now until March 31, prog once again rules the Vault...