Release Date: March 7, 2025
Label: Inside Out
As most fans have become intimately familiar with Ian 2.0 and
his voice, the music's strength carries him into the future. He sings/talks his
way through his storytelling, a familiar and comforting journey that works just
fine as far as I am concerned.
The subject matter presented here can be deep and reflective for
a man nearing 80. He hints in the liner notes that he is still here and plans
to continue, but you never know what tomorrow may bring. So, as a long-time
fan, I appreciate what he continues to do more with each passing year.
Curious Ruminant is an excellent addition to the
Jethro Tull catalog. The one song that amazed me was the nearly
seventeen-minute "Drink From The Same Well." It was on the
level of some lengthier prog rock classics, such as Thick As A Brick. It was not nearly as long,
just reminiscent of that musical muscle stretching out like the earlier version
of the band, and what it was known for.
"Puppet And The Puppet Master" kicks off the journey
with a soft beginning, then into a flute intro. His playing of that instrument
remains captivating. The pace gradually increases with fluidity, yet is
restrained and quite effective. A splendid solo from the electric guitar is a
highlight, albeit short, as the other positions also get their chance to
announce their arrival to the mix.
"Curious Ruminant" begins with an excellent bass and
guitar. The music is fantastic and rocks, with some holding back on exuberance
and intensity. Acoustic interludes find their way into the mix, and the
electric guitar lines weave into the tapestry of multi-hued sounds. A melodic
flute coursing through brings pleasantries as more electric guitar fills the
space.
"Dunsinane Hill" features a mellowed-out flute piece
casually inviting you in. Intricate guitar notes float over that beautiful
instrument as the bass and drums precisely keep the path clear for Ian's
skillful approach to every composition. Some catchy rhythms and lovely flute
passages keep your interest.
"The Tipu House" immediately starts with a faster
tempo with the flute. A tempered guitar lends elegance as the bottom end holds
on strong and true. Keyboard flurries are catchy here and firmly in place,
giving it all a prog-like feel. A "shut the door" ending finishes out
the track.
"Savannah Of Paddington Green" immediately brings the
acoustic guitar to the front, accompanied by Ian's lyrics. The tempo increases
with a colorful amount of music, changes direction, and returns to where it
started. The lyrics reach you through the perfected instrumentation and Ian's
subdued delivery. It's important to note how understandable Ian is, which is
key in interpretation, where he is coming from, or always implying, to make you
feel and reflect more.
"Stygian Hand" rang out in a celebratory atmosphere as
if the court jesters had entered to entertain the royal family. It felt like an
old English setting in the days of castles, moats, and drawbridges. Some
rhythmic guitars, acoustically driven, take hold with superbly magical flute playing.
Andrew Gidding does a fantastic job on the keys, as he always does. A
well-placed electric guitar, albeit just a taste, closes out this side of the
platter.
Side B is where things get more interesting, intense, and
colorful from start to finish. The first side set the tone, and now they take
it all to the next level.
"Over Jerusalem" begins the second half of this
musical journey with acoustic strings accompanied by the flute, a perfect
marriage. Soft backing music prevails as Ian sings. The halfway point brings
some great electric guitar kicking in, with the flute blended in nicely. This
is very JT-like as the electric guitar lets loose for the first time for some
exciting licks. The mix is extraordinary as the flute and acoustic guitar answer
each other. The best of both worlds comes at you, bringing a wonderfully
energetic opener.
As I mentioned, "Drink From The Same Well" is
impressive. A beautiful flute and an acoustic piano introduce this multiverse
of music. The changes in direction during the track's run are significant. The
flute takes a more aggressive stance with consummate elegance and precision,
and as the changes develop, you recognize the instrumental bliss of it all.
Sudden stops provide more turns in the road as the flute is dancing its way
into your heart. This is an instrumental work of art. The bass then becomes
prominent. As if to say, "I want to let you know it is still a key
component in driving this musical ship."
A lovely piano interlude adds an extra layer of ambiance. Then,
there is a short pause as Ian begins to speak and offer the words of
importance: "I drink from the same well as you." This is a prolific
humanitarian message to us all. The energy shifts yet again to a more upbeat
tempo as the flute sounds inflected with jazz for a short period, which was an
entirely different twist. After that, it returns to the more colorful notes we
enjoy. The track turns into an excellent mover with varying tempos and tones.
The progressive rock holds you spellbound as there is another pause, then Ian
goes into the closing out of the recording, reciting "Interim Sleep."
Curious Ruminant features all the facets of a Jethro Tull album you would expect, including acoustic and electric guitar moments and embellishments of many other instruments for color and texture.
This is everything one could ask for at this point in the band's career, including moments of progressive rock that you will remember fondly. That is very satisfying as a music lover and a lifelong band fan.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-PMR Reviews Founder
May 28, 2025
Tracks:
Side A:
Puppet And The Puppet Master [4:04]
Curious Ruminant [6:00]
Dunsinane Hill [4:17]
The Tipu House [3:31]
Savannah Of Paddington Green [3:13]
Stygian Hand [4:16]
Side B:
Over Jerusalem [5:55]
Drink From The Same Well [16:42]
Interim Sleep [2:33]
