Living In The Past by Jethro Tull | Nerdy Flute Player Reacts

[@fourtheye111]

Love your response to this great track. Ian Anderson truly is a genius!

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks! I agree, Ian is a musical genius!

[@yes_head]

The reason you've missed this all these years is that FM radio as a mass medium is long dead. This song got played daily on classic rock radio up until the '90s. That's 30 years of continuous broadcast to millions of ears around the world. It was one of those songs that *everybody* had heard at some point in their life.

[@CaptainNemo1701]

This was their big chart hit back in the day. Other live versions of it are pretty good.

[@maxwellshammer5283]

Love this song! It was in 5/4 time.

[@KatieShesko]

Glad to get confirmation! I'm always afraid of getting it wrong 😂😂

[@madmoody100]

There were plenty of odd time signatures in the early to mid 70's. Still not massively popular but they were a lot more popular than in the 80's.

[@rockj5093]

Living in the Past is in my opinion a very unique song and probably was the best track in the 1969 singles charts (made no 3 in June that very year). From there on I became a lifelong Jethro Tull fan.

[@bobcorbin3294]

Ian Anderson said it was a song for people with two and a half legs to dance to

[@driftinso]

Yes, 5/4 time. It should rank right up there with "Take Five" and "Theme from Mission Impossible." I would rank it # 2 behind "Take Five" as the most iconic 5/4 song of all time.

[@zenclover8468]

Correct. It was a studio version for the audio. also you would probably like the single "songs from the wood" from the album of the same name. Not quite as much flute, but some, and the kind of tune i think youd find very charming.

[@DavidTateVA]

Absolutely agree that the entire Songs from the Wood album would be right down Katie's alley. Then move on to Heavy Horses...

[@KatieShesko]

I'll definitely add it to my list! It's been suggested before so now I definitely need to check it out!

[@grayaj23]

@@KatieShesko SFTW is one of the rare albums (like its contemporary, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors") where almost every track had significant radio play. There's one song that gets into some racy content (Hunting Girl) that had limited airplay, but the rest of it were staples in the late 70's on rock radio.

[@stephensturgeon8749]

Katie, I have been listening to Jethro Tull since I was young in the late 1960's. I had Jethro Tull's first two albums at that time, that I would listen to over and over again. I was overwhelmed, as you are today at the incredibly beautiful and incredibly intricate flute music that Ian Anderson played. Of course, the rest of his band were also incredible musicians also. When I saw your analysis of Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull, who you had never listen to before, I was so inspired that you would, as a gifted young flute player would recognize how really great he is on flute and what a great all around musician he is.

[@billyz5088]

To see what they were like during this era in a truly live setting - check out; "Jethro Tull - Nothing Is Easy: Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970" -- a year before they released their breakout album "Aqualung" - and it shows the band in great form - and of course with Ian Anderson's manic flute playing on full display.

[@qhl5579]

I want her to hear studio LP versions, as we 1st heard them. It's to easy to listen to KZbin Live videos, when all we had were LPs. My take...

[@williambaldridge1203]

I think the Isle of white version of My God is not good to listen to for 1st time. It would be better to listen to My God on the Aqualung album for instance I actually think that's a much better version. I would never show the Isle of white version as an example of Jethro Tull, to A friend, or anyone who was hearing Jethro Tull for the 1st time. That's just my opinion.

[@billyz5088]

@@williambaldridge1203 ~~ the quality of the whole audio capture on Nothing Is Easy is a bit rough - about what you'd expect for 1970 I guess - but also the quality of the PA system at that festival was criticized as I recall. Ian even mentions it on stage - tells people sitting way back if they can't hear well to cup their hands behind their ears.

[@jonsmith9617]

I can't believe you did not think to mention Thick as a brick live, one of the greats.

[@williambaldridge1203]

Billy Z. I have seen that video probably a 100 times. I like it, but I don't like it as much as the later stuff. Or their studio albums. And I don't think it's really a good video to show someone who's never seen Jethro Tull before. if you try to see it through that kind of person's eyes, then you realize that it's not a very impressive video, but if you're a fan, and you know a lot about Jethro Tull , then that's a great video to watch, To show them what they were like when they were starting out. That's my opinion.

[@bleikrsound6127]

This song and the entire album encapsulates the beautiful and ‘trippy’ late 1960s sound.

[@czazozharris4083]

For some of us this was our intro to Tull. Then we were hooked for life. This was the first Tull piece to hit mainstream radio in my neck of the woods. Minstrel in the Gallery is an excellent album also

[@OliviaBurzlaff]

Ian Anderson is from Scotland, maybe that's why his flutter tongue is on point since he started on the flute?

[@KatieShesko]

Would make sense!

[@christinebakewell3475]

Ian does a great job with his version of BACHS bourree, been listening to JT since around 1969 , love 💕 life’s a long song , going up the pool, witches promise, to old to rock n roll, To many good toones to mention .

[@patrickdoake6022]

Cool tune from a cool decade ✌️🇬🇧🧐

[@UnclePengy]

One of the more famous songs written in 5/4. Something interesting I've not heard before in this song: In the flute solo at 3:43, it sounds like two flutes overlayed, one doing a third step harmonic of the other. I'm not sure if they recorded a second solo over the first, or if it's possible to play a flute and somehow get two tones out of it at the same time like you can with a harmonica? (probably not, but knowing Ian Anderson, if there's a way, he'll figure out how to do it!, but in most recordings of the song I've heard, I haven't heard the harmonic flute line.

[@bobs.2008]

This was the third of Katie's reaction videos I had seen (all to Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull videos!), and I have really enjoyed both the music selections and her knowledgeable (and also inquisitive) observations. Thanks, Katie! 🙂

[@krouac]

Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day is another studio track you should check out. Also check out Thick as a Brick part 1.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely check them out!

[@neilsullivan6416]

That was his flute, he'd only been playing about 2 years when this came out, also the laid back guitarist, Martin Barre, is also a flute player, I've seen him play onstage while Ian Played a Mandolin

[@KatieShesko]

That's amazing! It's incredible what he could do 2 years in. It's amazing that Martin Barre is also a flute player. Such a talented group of musicians!

[@talos4971]

@@KatieShesko The BEST!!!

[@shemanic1]

haha just the video I asked you to react to. Glad you Love it. It is One of my favourite Jethro Tull vinyl 45's to spin when I get the chance to D.J.

[@paulhease1007]

Katie-- I was lucky to find this amazing song in my mum's collection of 45's back in 1975. I have been crazy about it ever since!!

[@KatieShesko]

It's such a good song!!

[@peterhughes8699]

Tull were blues- jazz-rock with celtic folk rolled into 1 unique form. They never played the same thing twice so yes the bands solos are improvised. They would have played this song many times in the studio. Each take a little different and later chose their fav version for the record. Listen to it live in gigs to hear how they develop it

[@robwealer5416]

The laid back quality that marked the 60's was very unique...can't say if it's ever been replicated as a cultural phenomenon... a very different, world building era ... we are completely bathed in its influences today. Great reaction.. :)

[@yes_head]

There was a time in the 90s where bands were trying to recapture that vibe. I'm thinking of 10000 Maniacs, Counting Crows, Phish, etc. I think a lot of that was fueled by the enduring popularity of the Grateful Dead.

[@brucecronin6396]

Love it !! Love your reaction and love Tull too. I've been a fan from the beginning, 1967... just out of High School !!

[@ChuckHackney]

Nobody does flute like Ian. Brilliant and sounds like we are ready to March with the pilgrims to Canterbury...that is what their mudic makes me feel li❤ke

[@andypickle1584]

A bit of trivia. Andrew Lincoln who played the lead role on The Walking Dead married Ian's daughter. Ian, who is an avid motorcyclist, says that Andrew is hopeless at it.

[@KatieShesko]

That's hilarious!

[@n3oscavenger99]

Loved the video Lady Katie. Thank you

[@KatieShesko]

Thank you!

[@Young_Jim]

Ian Anerson is such a master showman and musician, saw Jethro Tull in the 80’s and they were fantastic to see live. They are playing a Christmas concert at Lichfield Cathedral UK (near to me) but I can’t get tickets unfortunately 😭

[@KatieShesko]

That sucks! I bet it's going to be a great show!

[@BG-id2cv]

Amazingly, this was the first ever recording that Martin Barre appeared on with Jethro Tull and it was only one of two studio tracks (the other being "Driving Song") ever recorded in the USA by Tull. Which is surprising, considering they have been around for ~53 years. Living In The Past reached #3 in the UK in 1969 and when re-released in the US in 1972 reached #11 on Billboard top 100.

[@KatieShesko]

That's fascinating! Thanks so much for that info!

[@malbug]

I know you’re a flute person, but this is also one of the best bass lines in any song!

[@everTriumph]

The instrumental version of this was used on many TV shows. Title and background.

[@Miata822]

*Improvisation Example* In a video titled "Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick (live in London 1977)" on the channel BigDaddyAEL1964 First Solo at 4:45 same as album (to my ear's memory anyway) Second solo at 6:37 & several short segments follow. Largely improvised (and at times self indulgent) Sound mix isn't great and amplified instruments are often too loud. I saw this tour later in the year in Dallas (or maybe it was in '78?). I remember being quite impressed at the time by extended improvised flute segments in several songs.

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

In the mid 80s Ian once introduced this live on stage by saying “this is a song we’ve utterly loathed for 15 long years”. Ian was pressured into writing a ‘hit single’ by the record company, so he caved in and gave them this. It was his attempt to produced a pop-hit against his will - although it’s a damned unusual time signature for a pop song. Ian was never over-fond of the song, and doesn’t enjoy playing it. But because it was such a hit the band were obliged to play it at every gig. I’ve heard so many live versions where there are really different arrangements, which makes me think Ian did that to make it more interesting to play. But I like that because there are so many different versions of the same song, which makes it fun.

[@davidpope2189]

"Bouree," from their album Stand Up. There are several live versions as well as the studio version. Take your pick and enjoy. ☺️

[@KatieShesko]

Will do!

[@dunringill1747]

Excellent Reaction and Analysis. I'm curious to ask you how many years of flute playing do you think Ian had to get to the level of skill you are hearing on this track? Would you be surprised to know that Ian got his first flute in the summer of 1967? 21:55 "pre-written or Improvised?" I don't know. I suspect a bit of both. The band was well known to change things up in the recording studio.

[@KatieShesko]

That's amazing that he could play that well 2 years in! Truly a marvel! I could believe that it was a bit of both! Makes sense for what I've seen!

[@dunringill1747]

@@KatieShesko I'm a big Tull fan. It's dangerous to get me going on the subject - LOL. *REGUARDING IMPROVISED PLAYING: Ian Anderson has done a lot of what I call "Pulling a Mozart". What I mean from that is he can listen to a musical piece only once and not only remember it, but already have ways to improve it. One example of "Pulling a Mozart" was when Ian was invited to perform live with Uriah Heep. Ian happened to be "in town" that day. The members of Uriah Heep were extremely impressed with Ian. According to them: Ian only listened and rehearsed these 2 songs with them once right before the concert. The second time they played those songs together was on stage live in the concert. You can see Ian is there to harmonize and accentuate their music respectfully without taking over. It's quite enjoyable to watch. Here is the link: Uriah Heep - Circus / Blind Eye / Echoes In The Dark (Feat.Ian Anderson - Acoustic Live) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKjTg42leKx9sKM

[@KatieShesko]

@@dunringill1747 Thanks so much for this. I definitely plan on checking it out. I keep learning new depths to his mastery!

[@stevejacobson2906]

It's in 5/4. That's why it immediately catches your ear. Ian was told to write a "hit" so he purposely wrote it in a strange time signature.

[@KatieShesko]

It works well! Not many popular songs are written in 5/4, would definitely stand out!

[@RossoCarne]

3+2

[@stefanbaartman5893]

From Wikipedia: "Ian Scott Anderson MBE (born 10 August 1947) is a British musician best known for his work as the singer, flautist, acoustic guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member of the rock band Jethro Tull. He is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays harmonica, keyboards, bass guitar, bouzouki, balalaika, saxophone and a variety of whistles."

[@kmack8634]

I love when you Rock on to the music and you are so umble and unassuming I love that you are honest about your own abilities and limitations you make me feel good about myself though I am not a musician. I would like to be but I am clumsy. Love your work

[@richardmelendez8614]

Great tune. Has Kinks "You really got me" in the flute part..

[@Mr59Kenzo]

one of my favorite Tull song I forgot about, thanks for covering it.

[@fords_nothere_100]

Lovely song choice. Was also one of the very first Tull tunes I ever heard. Note that, as far as I can tell, the audio is from the studio version and the band it just miming along.

[@giacomocapodellago3246]

Katie, Ian Anderson is as good as you're hearing. He loves when reporters ask him stupid questions and his answers can be amazing. If people want to believe that he learned the flute in 20 minutes, he loves it. Those of us who have been following him for over 50 years. adore him but don't get fooled by his sense of humor. His extensive knowledge of music, like yours, didn't come in a dream. He's defiinitely one of the best. 1969 was a magical year.

[@jenniferrock1585]

Great song, one of their best. I started listening to Tull when I was in HS, as my older brother taught himself to. Play flute based on Ian's songs. I'd like to see Teacher, by JT.. Thanks you for that. A rare review, especially currently. :)

[@christykrueger9401]

The band is called Jethro Tull. The flutist is Ian Andersen.

[@MsUrbangirl]

Love your reactions, you're awesome!

[@KatieShesko]

Thank you so much!!

[@tullfan2560]

Ian hadn't really had much practice with the flute when he wrote this song. I think he dropped himself in at the deep end and willed himself to play well really fast. Like, it was sink or swim in the music world back in those days. Much later on in his career, his daughter let him know that his flute technique wasn't too good, which he later corrected.

[@KatieShesko]

It's amazing what he was able to do with very little training. But I'm definitely a proponent of whatever gets the job done. Proper technique will only get you so far, and clearly he didn't need it. But as a mother myself with a kid who plays flute, they sure as hell will take any opportunity to tell me I'm wrong about something 🤣

[@ronaldbarnes6188]

I saw Jethro Tull in concert when I was in my early twenties in New Orleans. I’m almost 70 now. It was the Passion Play tour. One of my favorite bands.

[@rebeccasciutto2722]

I saw them as well promoting Passion Play. It was in 1973. I've this group. Saw them 4 times and would love to see them again.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

This is a studio version, just playing to it on the video.

[@jimtaylor4488]

If you have never read the incredible account of why/how Mr. Anderson landed on the flute as his instrument, please go find it. It is so worth the read, or if you can find his KZbin video telling about it, listen.

[@RossoCarne]

Incredible analysis!!!! 👁️👁️ 👄🎶🎶🎶 You are the best there ever was No one ever think to bring you down

[@n3oscavenger99]

Yep i love indepth analysis and our lady Katie does it best.

[@KatieShesko]

😘😘

[@davidcarter4247]

This song always reminds me of an early 1960s cinema cigarette commercial when smoking was a fashionable pastime of the jet set, as the the rich and famous were known. London, Paris, New York across the bottom of the screen and images of Rome or Monaco, women in white gloves holding long cigarette holders and men in suits at all times. Wonderful feel and a favourite song.

[@TheCosmicfee]

One of my all time fave tracks.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

I don't know musical theory from a hole in the ground, but I remember Ian Anderson mentioning in an interview that it was in 5/7 time...and other time signatures switched to-and-fro-from, if that makes ANY sense.

[@jamespasifull3424]

In the early/mid 1970's, this was used as the theme tune to a very early tv 'reality' show on the BBC called, of course, 'Living in the past'! It was about a group of participants spending a period of time living in the style of ancient ancestors, in an Iron-age, Bronze-age, or Stone-age setting. As well as introducing me to JT's great sound, it also sparked a lifelong interest in Archaeology!

[@KatieShesko]

That's amazing! I love how music can spark such things!

[@raymondbrush6442]

Rumor has it that someone brought an instrument he just invented to ian anderson in 1997. Ian took one look at a said "this is how you should play it, it will sound better that way".

[@MaxChessman007]

Hi Katie - I know you are a very accomplished flutist and really enjoy your reactions. I think you are correct in how this music makes you feel with it's playful time signature, it is so happy go lucky and danceable. In my very humble opinion I think the musical aspect stands in juxtaposition to the actual meaning of the song. This song was written during the Vietnam War era. Again, just my opinion, but I believe he was kind of poking at the Hippy movement that was protesting the War at that time by reverting to a simpler lifestyle, but were actually kind of sticking their head in the sand about what was really happening. This is the a fantastic song and I am an old man, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Love your reviews, and look forward to many more.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks! Didn't realize it was written during the Vietnam War era (downside of doing these reactions with no research), but I think your thoughts make a lot of sense!

[@MaxChessman007]

@@KatieShesko - Thanks for your reply. You also got me listening to Jethro Tull again, and playing some of Ian's songs.😃

[@exiledscouser99]

You have to react to Thick as a Brick live at Madison Square Garden, Astonishing performance!!

[@KatieShesko]

I'll add it to my list!

[@williambaldridge1203]

@@KatieShesko Instead of the Madison square garden video, listen to the Tampa stadium video of the same song. it's a way better version.

[@primalengland]

Sounds morbid, but I’m 69 and at my funeral I’m having Living in the Past played as I’m shipped in and Life’s a Long Song as I’m kicked out…. It’ll be so cool. 😊

[@ButternutGOLD]

Ahh coffee and Tull (that was the best cup of coffee that I’ve ever had …)

[@ArfurFaulkesHake]

I am quite certain this is the studio version.

[@NewBritainStation]

He switched to open hole flutes, you can see that on this video from ‘76: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZWZpmaehp6VobM although I’m not sure when he made that switch. From what I understand (I’m not a flute player) the open hole flute is what makes it possible for him to bend notes, which he does more in later years: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lajccnSPbrp5pdE Unfortunately, the decline of his voice is very evident by then, but his flute playing is better than ever. This is from the album Roots to Branches which I think you’ll love.

[@PeterMcCracken-n3g]

Better late then never Katie. Great work you.

[@genegibson1690]

Ian had just started teaching himself flute. Key words teaching himself!

[@johnredhd]

Love this song. There aren't many pop songs written in 5/4 time.

[@cliffordbass1212]

one of my favourite jethro tull pieces....I feel it was inspired by Bach- who is Ian Andersons interests.

[@johnnyeveritt5695]

Like ... In having taken up on JT from the first Album [ * This Was * / 1968 ]; soon to be followed by the killa Album * Stand Up * / 1969; it was onwards and upwards over the decades; with LIVING IN THE PAST remaining as a favourite ... Like ! 🤙🎵🎶💫💥

[@MrDiddyDee]

This is a studio setting but they are miming to the released track, I'm guessing it was either part of a documentary, or was made for TV shows to be show when the band were touring elsewhere and maybe couldn't make an actual appearance. Particularly when this song became a top 3 UK hit, and top 20 hit in various other countries. What I've always loved about this track is being in that jazzy 5/4 time you'd expect it to swing, but this song actually rocks too. It has that melting pot of the best of Jethro Tull tracks; rock, blues, jazz, classical, folk all in a unique blend.

[@KatieShesko]

I agree, that's what I love. It just seems to seamlessly blend so many genres. It's just so good

[@LClark-ry9to]

Great channel, from Texas.🇺🇸🎸💪

[@lewisner]

Not just the flute but the drums are amazing. They remind me of Charlie Watts drumming on "Gimme Shelter" by the Stones.

[@KatieShesko]

Very true! I often don't get to talk too much about the other instruments, the videos are long enough and I only know how to play the flute. But yeah, the whole group is amazing!

[@HeavyMetalBluegrass]

Love this tune. Thanks for reacting.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks for watching! 💜💜

[@kevinhurst3709]

It's awesome to be d enough to remember this lol

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

From those wonderful days when singles were different from album tracks

[@Mr59Kenzo]

Katie in spanish the tongue flutter is called trilling your R's Just so you know what it's called. 😍😍🌺🌺 love your dancing

[@jonnno2439]

One of my favourite Jethro Tull songs is Thick As A Brick , best live.

[@jayrayhoossongsilivedby5444]

My favorite Jethro Tull song. Listen to Marshall Tucker Band Take the Highway. You'll love it.

[@KatieShesko]

Will do!

[@andypace2233]

Nothing’s Easy is a good one to listen to. Live from the Isle Of Wight.

[@KatieShesko]

On my list!

[@tullfan2560]

The flute and the bass are really attractive on this track. Such a groovy song, but with a bluesy/jazzy feel and still with a hard edge. This was one of their only songs to get high onto the pop charts. Other Jethro Tull songs with great flute: Cross-Eyed Mary (iconic flute intro), Jump Start (monster flute solos), Bouree (JS Bach) and Wounded Old & Treacherous (great crescendo in the outro with the melodic flow flipping back and forth between flute and guitar)! Wounded, Old & Treacherous (studio) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rbcoV3lquGjtE Bouree (studio) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGO1f5hon9x7e5I

[@mikec6733]

Timeless classic.

[@iestyndavies7287]

It’s in 5/4, notoriously difficult to dance to!

[@RossoCarne]

Not to us hunkies

[@jaydMANifistation]

I'd like to see you react to the studio versions of Locomotive Breath and Aqualung. Please. You're great.

[@qhl5579]

This is studio audio. Good.

[@rubenhomez9407]

Great reaction. Reaction to Ian Anderson and Lucia Micareli.

[@KatieShesko]

Will do!

[@chrismaw5117]

Check out all his albums tull is a beast on the flute

[@johnjennings5474]

Enjoyed your reaction Katie. I have been a Jethro Tull/Ian Anderson fan since 1970 and have seen them/him live live over 30 times. Ian is my most favorite singer/song writer! Since you said you are new to Jethro Tull I thought I would mention I just watched an interview with Ian where he said that he used to travel with 19 flutes! You also may not know that in 1989 Jethro Tull beat out Metallica for Grammy of the year in the then new rock/heavy metal category for the alum Crest of a Knave. He later said " To all of the naysayers who say that Tull did not deserve to win the Grammy that the Grammy was for best rock/heavy metal album and that the flute IS a heavy, metal instrument!" A song from that album I would like to suggest is Jump Start here is a link for that kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJaolGWPeNyHm8U One more is Rock Island from the album of the same name,here is a link for that for your listening pleasure....or not! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJaolGWPeNyHm8U And if you are not aware Ian/Jethro Tull will be releasing a new album early next year and are now touring and just may be coming to a city near you! If you like the music I would highly recommend seeing the show! Looking forward to your future reactions for Jethro Tull! Also check out jtull.com for everything Jethro Tull!

[@KatieShesko]

I'm not surprised he traveled with that many flutes! Good thing they are so portable. Probably fit in one suitcase 😂 I didn't realize they beat out Metallica, that's kind of awesome. But I'm biased and think the flute is underutilized in all facets of music. I'll check out those videos, I'm definitely interested! Unfortunately it doesn't seem he's coming to the US, so no live show for me. 😭

[@johnjennings5474]

@@KatieShesko Fear not Katie! Ian will be adding more shows for the U.S. part of the tour as they are finalized. here is a small list of U.S. dates thus far and I'm sure more will be added later on! Jethro Tull - Event Tickets MAR 31 Nearest event · Everett, WA Thu 7:30 PM · Historic Everett Theatre Eventbrite VIEW TICKETS Feb 2 Wed8:00 PM New York, NY · Sony Hall · Ticketmaster Feb 4 Fri8:00 PM Northampton, MA · Academy of Music · Eventbrite Feb 19 Sat8:00 PM Annapolis, MD · Rams Head On Stage · AXS Mar 20 Sun6:00 PM Indianapolis, IN · Irving Theater · Eventbrite Jun 26 Sun12:59 AM London, United Kingdom · 100 Club · AXS this list is from any song video that is posted on Jethro Tull's KZbin channel so keep an eye out for a city near you!

[@dominictramonte2687]

I'm late the the party, but better late then never. This is probably both: a video of the studio recording the tune. Note Ian playing the flute with a cigarette in his left hand :-)

[@grayaj23]

There's a holiday track on Songs From The Wood that would be perfect to do a holiday reaction video of, called "Solstice Bells". The timing would be perfect. I don't know you, obviously, but you know how it is when you see someone watch one of your favorite movies? That's what watching you listen to Jethro Tull is like for me. They are a core staple of my entire rock music experience, and it feels like validation to see someone from a different generation enjoy it for the first time as much as we all did 40 years ago. JT is touring Europe in 2022, and given the way of things these days every show of theirs could be the last one. Please go see them live if you get the chance. As amazing as KZbin is for letting people experience the best music there is, nothing beats a live show.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks for the suggestion! I was looking for some holiday songs to cover for my upcoming Vlogmas, and that will be perfect. I saw that he was touring in Europe next year, but seeing as I'm in the US, a European trip probably won't happen. 😭😭 You're right, youtube only gets you so far with the music experience.

[@andreletourneau]

I believe he as been playing the flute for 1 year when they recorded this.

[@KatieShesko]

That's truly amazing. I was barely playing real songs a year in 😂

[@fishhookism]

I'm sure the solo was improvised.

[@73sporty]

Big Tull fan. Saw them numerous times live and they were not concerts but shows. You should listen to the whole Living in the Past album. Love your vids.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks! And I definitely plan on it soon!

[@racetime1960]

Interesting note the band "utterly loathed" this song per Ian Anderson.

[@bobsacamano2948]

Please react to witches promise

[@KatieShesko]

I'll add it to my list!

[@paullacroix527]

Great stuff Katie. I saw JT up close when they performed in Toronto in the mid 70,s. Nice to see younger fans enjoy him as well. If you're looking for a bit different Ian, on KZbin there are clips from Budapest circa 2003. Others include Tinkara f Ian Anderson, Lucia Micarelli and Ian. Ian and Griminelli lots of great music 30yrs after the great song you reacted to today. I think he's a better player at this time as well.

[@KatieShesko]

I'll definitely check them out! I can only imagine he got better with time.

[@jenniferrock1585]

I'm not sure about the prewritten or improvised, but I'd imagine both. Ps maybe you could contact Ian . He's obviously older now & has a rough time singing ,but I believe he's s very good at playing flute etc very well. Ps maybe you could. do a duet with him via the phone or something.

[@KatieShesko]

I'd probably faint if I got anywhere close to chatting with him or getting him to play a duet with me. I'm not worthy 😂😂

[@ricardoarredondo6657]

This is called progressive Rock. Like: King Crimson, Traffic, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Pink Floyd or Alan Parsons project??? Thanks

[@qhl5579]

Not album release version exactly, as that flute duet was muxed differently. Awesome song. Do the audio of the whole album, Living in the Past

[@KatieShesko]

Makes sense. I try not to do any research or listen to the songs I react to so I can have an authentic reaction. I love when people who have more knowledge come and give me more info!

[@qhl5579]

@@KatieShesko Having been a French Horn Major and singer, combined with they as my fav band, having "acquired" my Dad's albums, I know about the whole library of songs. I have only seen one channel review the early albums, the non-hits laiden albums, and the musical quality is incredible.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Jazz and Folk fusion ... totally warm jazz sound embroidered by a bunch of consumate musicians. The instrumental component was used as the Theme tune a TV series for many years in the UK if i remember right. Someone bail me out with the program im seeing either arts or current affairs?🙄

[@KatieShesko]

I could definitely see this as a TV theme! It's just so fun

[@mikeconway9103]

You should listen to Elegy and, of course, Bouree.

[@qhl5579]

You like this, you'll love Beggar's Farm, studio

[@NuntiusLegis]

This was a fine analysis, I learned details I haven't noticed myself despite listening to Tull for decades. But I must admit I didn't listen to the studio version of this often because it is too laid- back for my taste. In my opinion, and as a rule of thumb concerning Tull songs: Until 1972, later live versions are (often way) better; since 1973, the studio versions are better. I think the best version of Living In The Past is the way more energetic, instrumental version on the live album A Little Light Music (1992). Ian Anderson inspired me to learn an instrument, but the flute seemed too complicated, so I chose the Irish Tin Whistle; instinctively, I used curled fingers on the open holes which allows for playing half tones and glissando, and was quite surprised when I found out that traditionally it is played with flat fingers, as you have pointed out for the Irish Flute.

[@KatieShesko]

I'll have to keep that in mind with future reactions. Right now I usually go with what people have linked. I'm glad he's inspired you to play! And Irish tin whistle isn't easy, I've tried it and it's hard to sound good 😂

[@NuntiusLegis]

@@KatieShesko It sounds better in the bathroom. :-)

[@NuntiusLegis]

@@KatieShesko Link to the slightly less laid-back version of LITP I mentioned: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp_Qk4WtgJeVbqs

[@NewBritainStation]

More than just about any other song in their catalog, this was a song they got tired of playing over the years. So it went through a lot of different arrangements over the years when performed live. Such as this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqCoY3epnKiXf5o

[@KatieShesko]

Oh that's fascinating! I'll definitely check out other versions then!

[@NewBritainStation]

@@KatieShesko here’s another arrangement, closer to the original that morphs into a rock version for solos at the end: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjPgpR_ZdKkaZI

[@Robert-s1k8p]

You should check out thick as a brick. But you have to listen to the whole album from beginning to end. Most Jethro Tull is not that chill it kinda goes from chill to heavy and chromatic

[@paulhagan5170]

The best British band ever

[@ftlpope]

No. 3 in the UK chart at the time.