Flutist reacts to Jethro Tull - Songs from the Wood (1978)

[@robertjewell9727]

This live recording is more a "preview" interpretation of the song Songs from the Wood. The studio version is more song-,structured and more complex. There are also other live versions of SFTW that follow a much different setup. For instance here, the baroque beginning here is from the Tull song "Pibroch (Cap in Hand)" from the same album, which on the studio version of SFTW starts with the a cappella and develops from there.

[@matju2]

If the date 1978 is correct, it's after the album was released, so not a preview...

[@kiernanthomas6006]

Heline, I'm sure if you contacted Ian Anderson and made a video interview with him he would love that ! He's a very nice man ! You two could jam on some imrprov Flute together ! I'd love to see that !

[@huskytully3887]

... 🙄

[@brianwilcox3478]

I bet he would.

[@DrinkingmeadwithsamAdams]

Oh heck yes , Ian would in a heart beat

[@astrospy001]

Great idea!

[@pallhe]

I laughed when Ian began playing the flute and Heline said "Yes!" and took a sip from her mug. Impressive piece of music.

[@dalelemke5786]

I laughed when she said "Pinky"

[@blortmeister]

Ah, my Significant Other's favourite Tull album --mostly because of the deep folk roots. Fun to see you checking out Tull again.

[@MermaidmomUP]

I'm with your SO! Huge fan of it too ever since I was a teen. ❤️🥰

[@divermike8943]

My favorite Tull album as well. I even love the art work on the back cover. A sophisticated tone arm from a turn table running on the grooves of a tree stump.

[@melissayost4888]

This is one of the finest albums ever made. It draws more from English folk music as does Heavy Horses. You really need to listen to the entire album. There is bunches of flute in Bungle In The Jungle.

[@dennishinkle5010]

Bungle was on Warchild.

[@lucobo4847]

The ecologist Trilogy, Heavy Horses, Songs From the woods and Stormwatch

[@joebloggs8636]

Bungle not on this, also one of my least favorite of Jethro Tull songs

[@NickBR57]

My favourite Tull era and Songs from the Wood my favourite album (but doesn't include Bungle from the Jungle)

[@Aryaba]

My favorite album of all time.

[@cosmicdebris5260]

Hi Heline!🦄 brings back such wonderful memories! I've seen them 11 times over the years! I forgot how much I enjoyed them until I started watching your channels! Thank you!🎶

[@spriggan3935]

The classical intro is composed by Tull member David (now Dee) Palmer, and it's an excerpt from "Pibroch", another song taken from the album "Songs from the Wood". The guy imitating Ian on flute is drummer Barry Barlow. It's because the acapella section is mainly nothing but the recorded version itself, with added live voices. Of course Ian couldn't sing and play flute at the same time... ;-) Regards Helen.

[@RelUnrelated]

I'm always happy to see new videos from you, whether your own music, or an analysis of other tunes. Keep up the great work!

[@jaybax2083]

I was at this concert, Unforgettable for a few reasons, most noticeable a speaker broked right in the middle of Ian's flute solo while broadcast live via satellite to at least 16 countries, but on the bright side many of us thought it was a part of the music 😎

[@desertweasel6965]

The Whistler is really great too!!

[@markchip1]

An fine example of "Baroque and Roll'!

[@olafsrensen9578]

great observation.

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

With Jethro Tull there are two things you must know about their live recordings: 1. They are as good as the studio recordings (playing-wise at least, maybe not production-wise). 2. The song arrangements change constantly. They are nearly never played as they are on the record and not even the same as on the concert before. They change sections around, add new stuff, mix it with other songs, leave stuff out, change the instruments, whatever. Never twice the same.

[@NuntiusLegis]

Later live versions of pre-1972 songs are usually better than the studio recordings, but later they got so good in the studio that it was hard to match live. This here of course is also quite shortened compared to the studio version.

[@Dude_Slick]

@@NuntiusLegis I disagree whole heartedly. The studio is where the artist can hone the song to perfection. Live is great if you're there. It's part of the whole experience. But listening to the live version of a song you love, can be very disappointing. And when I see reactors hearing a song for the first time, and not hearing what made the song so iconic in the first place, I can't help but think what a hugely missed opportunity it is. Case in point, is how in the live version, you do not get the iconic solo from Jimmy page that you get in the studio version of Stairway to Heaven.

[@NuntiusLegis]

@@Dude_Slick So you only disagree concerning pre-1972? - Only that older stuff was inferior in the studio I think, with some exceptions like Bourée. Listen to the live versions of Sweet Dream, A New Day Yesterday, and Cross-Eyed Mary on Bursting Out (1978), don't you think those are more energetic and polished than the studio versions?

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

​@@Dude_Slicklisten to the alchemy live version of Sultans of Swing and tell me it is worse than the studio version.

[@Dude_Slick]

@@Leon_der_Luftige I've heard it. There are exceptions to every rule. This is not one of them. I Think it's a solid live performance, as live shows go. What about it do you find better than the studio version? Was it the way Mark's vocal timing was just a bit off? Or perhaps the way the lead had some nifty little extras and was extended, but far less refined and articulated than the studio version? Why do you think they didn't do it like this when they unlimited takes? Probably because they wanted it perfect.

[@BrianMorrison]

Ian Anderson is a quite extraordinary fellow, multi-instrumentalist and all-round madman on stage. Self-taught flautist and a most intelligent man. So pleased to see you enjoying Tull during their most expansive period.

[@kajlennartsson4234]

This is a wonderful reaction video.❤ Ian Anderson and Heline ❤ Two of my favourit flutists. Thank you Heline for your wonderful reaction videos and your beautiful music 🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@McMurphyKirby]

On the concert ticket it stated that the holder agreed to be televised live via satellite to Europe. Uriah Heap was the opening act, and the show was called TULLIVISION...to be continued...

[@maximmunity2059]

The other flutist was the drummer, Barrymore Barlow. First time I saw them do this, that was such a suprise.

[@ianpark1805]

Guitarist Martin Barre also plays flute - I’ve seen them live when he played flute when Ian played acoustic guitar. Might have been on ‘Reasons For Waiting’, but it was along time ago, so don’t quote me!

[@rick49]

When I saw it live, I was so thrilled to see Barlow pop up from nowhere to fill in that little harmony riff. And it never gets old. It's always a highlight of the song.

[@normsky1000]

Always makes me smile!

[@leonazg82]

But you can clearly hear two flutes playing that titbit, not one. And the playing is just as precise as on the record. I have a suspicion that in reality it was a playback while mr. Barlow was just mimicking the playing. Note that there was no microphone near his flute, not even a cord attached.

[@bobfoale3000]

Ian Anderson has stated that the acapella vocals were prerecorded and the rest of the band were miming (you can hear Ian contributing to the backing vocals, too). The second flute would be the same

[@keithcarper8809]

🎶 Tull always put on a great show. Ian was very into English folk music, baroque, madrigals and minstrels. The second flute player was the drummer, standing one legged on his drummer's seat! I'm guessing the bandage was tape to keep the headpiece from flying into the crowd. 😆

[@bobbrenna9507]

I remember this album came out when i was in high school and I heard it in my '57 Chevy with my friends, who were blown away by it. Thank you Heline, for your reviews of Jethro Tull music. I respect your point of view as a classical flutist.

[@keithlw1873]

This was the first Tull song I ever heard. I went and bought the album and have been a fan ever since. This album is still my favourite.

[@kevinjordan1146]

I am so glad I found this website

[@russelljackman1413]

It is nice to see you again, Heline! I love this whole album (as I do, many of his other albums)! Thank you! Take care!

[@jah0524]

A total and complete showman, and a true privilege to witness in the 1970's.

[@anonymeister123]

Almost 10am here, getting a bite to eat and watching before my first meeting!

[@diverbob33]

Always brightens my day to hear your new reactions! Beautiful content.

[@urbanmetro]

This was the first concert I attended at 16 years old. It was awesome.

[@Kellen_Quigley]

The entire "Songs from the Wood" album is so great and every track is a classic, in my opinion. If you come across any other live performances of any songs from it, it would definitely be worth doing a reaction video.

[@simonsavard1172]

Thank you Heline for your react

[@BC-ui9yt]

It's been far too long since I've seen one of your reaction videos. And I forgot how wonderful you are, Heline! Looking forward to more

[@fostercathead]

I love your reactions!

[@fostercathead]

Heline. Have you ever considered reacting to Gentle Giant? There is a great live recording of them playing, "On Reflection." There isn't flute, but Gary Green does a marvelous job of playing the recorder. It would be great to see your reaction. Love from Texas!

[@chrisharris5497]

I don’t know quite how to put my finger on it Heline but in the 18 months or so I’ve been following you you seem to have grown, not only as a creator but as a person,I don’t even think grown is the right word but you seem to shine nowadays and it’s really lovely to see. I guess the more you’re in front of the camera the more confident you get but I have no doubt that you are extremely confident young lady anyway as you have such a talent and that in itself brings confidence I should imagine. I can’t play any instruments myself but I’d have loved to have learnt to play the piano in my younger days, that said I have pretty small hands for a bloke which isn’t good for the piano I understand. I used to be a bit of a legend at playing Frère Jacques on the recorder when I was in junior school lol. Have a fantastic weekend Heline 👍

[@daveking9393]

Oh my goodness this is my favorite album, by JT. I love every song on this album I hope you listen to it studio version one day completely. Thanks for sharing enjoy all you do

[@prophetsam]

:::Smiles::: Love watching you Experience Jethro Tull, & your Reactions! (Especially your explanations, commentary, etc....) Was lucky enough to see him live, in a fairly intimate Venue, that I'm pretty sure was in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, when I was 14-15, - the first Live Show I covered as a Freelance 'Gonzo Journalist;' - it was an Amazing show, & shockingly he was actually in a Wheelchair, as he had fucked up his knee, jumping from speakers to stage to speakers, apparently he had miscalculated the end of the stage, in an Earlier show: not Surprisingly, esp. when you look at how 'Animated' he is On Stage, he was "Showboating" in the Damn Wheelchair, lol! I swear, I can't count the # of times it looked like his Wheelchair was going to go Careening Off the Stage at Full Speed, but as soon as he got near the edge, he'd apply the Brakes, very Forcefully, on one side, so he'd come to a Skidding stop; peeling out, right at the Edge of the Stage, & whip out his Flute, & start really 'Getting Down!'

[@williamweiss6128]

Nice, the live version. One ofthe best bands you could have ever seen. Great live sound every time.

[@elpelp1878]

From 1:34... It's made by them, dear. And it's not the beginning of a song. In fact, it's a solo inside the track "Pibroch" from the same album.

[@alwilson3204]

Yep.

[@ZalMoxis]

These bands were cutting edge progressive back in the day.... just listen to the crowd.... and their vocals were excellent too....

[@richardtaylor6187]

The beginning passage was theirs, from a song on that same album: Pibroch - Cap in Hand. The drummer, Barriemore Barlow, did the Ian flute impersonation, pose and all. Very cool!

[@denisrichardson3260]

this song is one of my favourite songs period It's so strong and earthy, life-affirming..put it on if you feel depressed it'll pick you up!

[@redhen2123]

That and "Fire at midnight".

[@bocephus1911]

A great stage presence, seen him 6 times and every show was so different,

[@CGRREDACTED]

Another great reaction I'm so glad you're exploring jethro tall the 70s were an amazing time filled with amazing music and it's great that he's we're still singing into 2000s anyway I love listening to your analysis and your videos keep up the good work

[@ricka.4758]

Thanks!

[@HelineFay]

Thank you! 😊🎶

[@divermike8943]

From one of the best, most amazing and possibly most overlooked Prog Rock albums of all. The whole album is an experience not to be missed. It's one of those few albums that thrilled me from beginning to end.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Glad to have you back!

[@ttrguy9952]

Heline Great video Lady! I was at that concert and the next one he did was in my home state of CT here in the USA. I saw this concert 2 times in one week! Be safe Lady!

[@denbones1234]

this is near the top of my favourite songs period, it's just so uplifting ..i'm 72, and I still play this regularly whenever I need a lift

[@sobella75]

Hi Heline. Thank you for kind input on flute. I love your channel

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks I was around in the 70's and saw them a few times Ohio USA the best stage show by far. Also like your series on camping and travel but Jethro brought me here the first time years ago.

[@tarakb7606]

A very enjoyable upload, thank you. That concert must have been great.

[@jefffisher1045]

When you went to one of his shows, you got one hell of a show, just fantastic, plus the music was quite new and innovative.

[@Nichols_Santa]

I used to know a guy who worked on Tuning and setting up one of Ian's concert flutes. they are hot soldered into one piece, and the tape you see is grip tape. soldered so they don't fly apart while he is spinning and waving it about so wildly on stage, and the tape is a soft grip tape to prevent blisters from the spinning. (back in the 70's I think it was white colored hockey tape, but that stuff leaves residue so I think he went to a kind of medical grip tape... I can say for sure)

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great reaction Heline, many thanks for sharing. Songs from the Wood was my first album purchase from the band if I recall correctly, a very complex musically and time signature shifts drew me to it. Could I suggest for sometime in the future reacting to Heavy Horses (or other tracks on the album of the same name) that is of a similar genre. Thanks again.

[@HelineFay]

Thanks! I'll write that down so I'll remember to check it out!

[@pskully57]

I saw this tour, it was awesome! I wish you would do Living in the Past, it's not flashy, but it's very tasty.

[@MarionJInce]

Hello Heline- please show us how you dance around with your flute like Ian Anderson. I’d really like to see that! I enjoyed your hiking trips in Norway and Finland. Looking for more content!

[@Letha-AnnCooper]

I always enjoy your commentary

[@deltabilly1]

I'm stumped by the drummer (Barlow?) "playing the flute. For one thing, there were two flutes being played, and Ian was not playing one. Keyboards?

[@tracymitchell7494]

Seeing Barrimore Barlow (percussionist) play the flute always got a pop from the audience. The guitarist Martin Barre is also very accomplished on the flute. Keep going down the rabbit hole of Jethro Tull you will find more real gems

[@danieljreilly]

Welcome back. We missed you.

[@MarcusBarnabassisSystersSonne]

yes my favorite! Heline and Tull!

[@stefanboster5728]

I always thought that when the drummer does that little flute break, it’s actually the keyboard playing a ‘flute patch’.. You can hear it elsewhere in the song, when Ian is singing..

[@allans2642]

Glad you are back 🎉

[@OnlyLookIrish]

I was at that concert. It was awesome.

[@joekelly345]

Heline Welcome back we missed you

[@vanrose9857]

5:06 I've always assumed the head of the flute was taped onto the body because he swings it around so much and needs to keep it in tune.

[@michaelrue1400]

Songs From the Wood was my favorite album of the three my dad had when I was a kid. I've helped him add to his collection quite a lot over the years. My favorite now is Broadsword and the Beast.

[@michaelrosel1951]

I have not commented for a while. I hope all off your followers, patrons, and fans enjoyed the holliday season. I know I did. Keep up the good work.

[@OzarkTroutBum]

Welcome back!!

[@whistlerwind7422]

I always thought that the tape on the flute was for tuning purposes. So he could set it in the same spot with only minor adjustments. Also, during performances, he sometimes would lose the mouthpiece part of the flute while spinning it about. Makes for a quick recovery.

[@bustedfender]

Dee Palmer, that first keyboardist, studied at the Royal College of Music and is an absolute polymath. Check her biography out.

[@truthseekerKJV]

Ian handled the flute like Bruce Lee handled the Nunchucks. Second to none.

[@chalkywhite7482]

I watched Jethro tull in three concerts in manchester in the 90s, brilliant musicians.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

This is a short version of the song they played live at the time. The outro before this was called Pibroch and played in full when I first went to a Tull concert back in 1982 and well worth a listen.

[@lilybrown4593]

The white band on the flute is tape to keep the head joint from moving or flying off whilst Ian is twirling the flute like a baton.

[@Bogie3855]

Tull concerts are not just concerts, they are full blown shows.

[@stephenspark9358]

Great video welcome back

[@emergencynurse02]

Go get the Record ....Songs from the Wood ....the gem on there is Velvet Green

[@badplay156]

The best description of Jethro Tull's music is the name of their first album "That Was". Every album is different from every other. It is a portrait of who they were when they made the album, but is not who they were when they made the next album.

[@dennishinkle5010]

The BBC radio version of Stormy Monday Blues was some of his very best. Thank you.👍♥️

[@DennisHufford-nm8de]

Was there at msg in 78 ,great concert still have t-shirt tull was and is my favorite rock band

[@cadleo]

Great you did the whole song.

[@bullwyrk]

Hello Heline! Songs from the wood is my favorite Jethro Tull album and my favorite song from this album is Pibroch (Cap in hand). That being sayed they just released or are about to release a new album RokFlote. In another note I saw you reacting about a year ago to Omnia and was hoping you might react to them more, they have a very flute oriented song named Bran. Have a nice day!

[@valentinepfaff9778]

I Love your Warm Approach to This JT Music ! .. You're Such a Talented, and Sweet Artist .. It's Fun watching your videos ! Thanks from N.J. - Val 😊👍🎶

[@backtoobasics]

🎶🎶🎶songs of the wood.. to make you feel better!!!!

[@richardlayne5378]

Wow, I swear if there was a category for best reaction at whatever awards show you'd win very easily. :- )

[@coryzane.]

I have totally loved watching your Tull reactions. I was fortunate enough to see them live twice in the 70’s simply amazing shows. If you haven’t already you should watch the Tangle-wood concert, one is on KZbin now that was remastered.

[@MisterKnightly]

Nothing better than Jethro Tull.

[@marysweeney7370]

A song with more flute performance is With You There to Help Me, a performance at the Beat Club in1970. It has fair amount of flute playing in the song. There is a piano interlude and then Ian rejoins with quite lively playing. I'm not sure if the second half with the interlude is part of another song or if it was just developing at the time into a later song. Maybe some Tull fans would know.

[@stpnwlf9]

Songs from the Wood has long been my favorite Tull album. As much as I love other LPs of theirs, Songs from the Wood captures the English folk essence that has always infused their music. I do believe the adhesive tape connecting those two sections of the flute is to keep the instrument from flying apart with some of his wilder stage antics.

[@karinwolf3645]

I really love musically complex rock or folk rock! The best live show I ever saw was Jethro Tull live at the Los Angeles Forum in the early 1970's. I've been to lots of shows, but they were the best! 💋💖💋💖💋💖💖💖💖🎉🎉

[@jermaschinot]

Howdy! The a cappella singing is pre recorded and is all Ian. Barrie’s flute is also pre recorded and is Ian. This is noteworthy, in their 50 year history Tull only used pre-recorded music, a handfull of times. Thanks!

[@wardka]

And we fans were all okay with it. We could recognize Ian's voice anywhere. There would be no other way to come close to the album version with all the overdubs.

[@jermaschinot]

@@wardka it’s kind of interesting, the last couple of years when they play it live they actually all sang the parts live. The only one who doesn’t sing it will these days is Ian!

[@HomeStar369]

Welcome back , love Jethro Tull

[@simesh1547]

Seen Tull live on stage a few times & they were brilliant! & Ian Anderson is just a natural front man & entertainer!

[@Randsurfer]

The beginning is a portion of another song (Pibroch) from the same album (Songs from the Wood).

[@markgullick1725]

Your channel is great. I love Tull. How does he do that sort of purring sound? Brrrrrrrrrr!

[@HelineFay]

Rolling R while playing. Very common technique in some newer classical music, too :)

[@markgullick1725]

@@HelineFay Thank you! I have been listening to Jethro Tull for nearly 50 years and I didn't know that.

[@martinwhitt5079]

I think the tape on the flute is around the joint so that it doesn't fly apart when he's throwing it about?

[@kbrewski1]

You really need to hear and react to the studio version on the fairly recent 40th anniv edition. The reason is because the studio version is so detailed and well put together, while it's done well live, it loses some subtlety live. The entire album is very medieval/Renaissance English folk progressive rock. Its a very "woodsy" album. And yes, Tull uses many classical themes and influences in their music.

[@alpine1600s]

Can't go wrong with Jethro Tull. They focused more on electric guitars in the '80s as was the trend. Many mistake them for Dire Straits, but Tull has a different sound.

[@marceldagenais1893]

My favourite album of all his work has a real minstrel pace Victorian .

[@kesleycottrell1416]

I remember watching an interview with Ian Anderson. He was told by a concert flutist what he was doing wrong. Ian informed him that his band made over 10 million dollars that year so he didn't want to take his advice.

[@paulcollins5586]

Great reaction, great song, great band..

[@wardka]

I'm pretty sure the background vocals are also Ian on a backing track and the others were miming just for show. It was always about the epic grandeur and silliness of the show.

[@josephbuckley1574]

I've wondered, has Ian Anderson ever contacted YOU to discuss the flute and your analysis of his playing? I'll bet the two of you could have a great conversation. THAT would be a great interview on your channel. Cheers!