Nerdy Flute Player Reacts (and Analyzes) Jethro Tull Flute Solo Tampa Florida

[@jimijammer59]

As a 62 yr old who was there that night, Tull is still one of the best and my heart sings to see you love this.

[@OhAncientOne]

When my GF & I got there, all kinds of people were leaving cuz Johnny didn't show up. I managed to get 4 people to see the show, the last thing I said was "Don't you know who Jethro Tull is? (lol wanted to see if he did, hoping for a reaction) YOU ARE GOING TO MISS THE CONCERT OF YOUR LIVES ! Did you see the guy (not me) who was standing on the milk crate, center front?

[@OhAncientOne]

perfect description of how I feel about her reaction.

[@petem.3719]

Missed that one but we went across the bridge to the Bayfront Center to see him in 74 or 75. Best concert ever, even if we hadn't done the acid.

[@patrickgiroux7596]

I was 12.Just moved to Bradenton. Wasn't there. I have one question, did you know what you were witnessing when you were witnessing it? You were lucky. I d like to shake your hand someday.

[@dcmoore8937]

He has an issue with his Pinky. He can still use it, but for the most part, he doesn’t! He has learned to not have to.

[@bjhellstream]

Ian Anderson is approaching the flute playing like Hendrix did with the guitar. Just exploring the possibilities of the instrument.

[@KatieShesko]

I like this analogy!

[@SirManfly]

@@KatieShesko Apparently he's self taught too !!

[@1SonorGirl]

Couldn't have said that any better! Great analogy!

[@BST-lm4po]

JT should be in R&R Hall of Fame!

[@1SonorGirl]

@@BST-lm4po absolutely!

[@daloki349]

What a lovely, generous reaction. It's so nice to see talented people appreciate other talented people.

[@drew2370]

Ian Anderson has been hailed as a musical genius, the flute, mandolin, guitar, and others are all self-taught he plays with such ease. He creates a mood, it's hypnotizing .

[@ronweber1402]

Ya a very few people are like this. Roy Clark, Prince and Ian Anderson are in this class of people that can basically master any instrument they pick up and put their mind to.

[@stephenpain9236]

No E's in those days. Probably acid.

[@chosen_ones777]

@@stephenpain9236 No, he is very much against drugs and fired band members if they did drugs.

[@single55]

He also grows a shitload of salmon

[@bokononbokomaru8156]

@@chosen_ones777 true. While so many rock stars blew their money on drugs, women, etc. , Ian invested in fish hatcheries and made a fortune. Smart man.

[@federicolegrand863]

So it took almost 40 years for people to realize how good was Ian's flute playing! I grew up being told that he's not a flute player, but now, almost 40 years later a lot of the pros (like you) thinks that he's awesome! And he is 😀Thank you for your wonderful reaction!

[@mcwulf25]

Damn right. From a classical standpoint his technique is poor. A flute teacher would correct a few things. But, hey, what a great range of sounds he produces.

[@federicolegrand863]

@@mcwulf25 Damn right answer!

[@Pamledger478]

And he is a great songwriter

[@Pamledger478]

@@mcwulf25 He is a songwriter. Most people could not write a melody

[@clydekimsey7503]

You say his critics said he wasn't a flute player? Well, it sure wasn't a guitar😂

[@johncamarano183]

Don't forget, this is a rock concert not a classical one and he has 55k rock fans enthralled by a FLUTE solo.

[@johncamarano183]

Oh, and "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen" is the song you didn't know.

[@KatieShesko]

Very true! That makes it more amazing!

[@sclm55]

Yes. Very good and important point.

[@darktoranaga]

I think being a rock musician forced him to be that good. You need to be that good to keep a whole bunch of maniacs, that generally don't care about classical music, enthralled with your flute. I mean nothing in a derogatory way, I know many metalheads love classical music (I'm one), but, again, he is not playing for a few people in a music hall, most of them with at least an idea of how the instruments have to sound.

[@KatieShesko]

@@darktoranaga I definitely agree with this take!

[@markburger3017]

I believe the Christmas song is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen "

[@davidbarker77]

The whole Christmas album is fantastic.

[@waterking9814]

100%

[@EiriUesugiKun]

My favourite "version" is Loreena McKennitt's: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJPHhXyDgr97f6M

[@LordEriolTolkien]

for whatever reason i have phrases in my memory from this song, and Good King Wenceslas ... weirdly muddled together

[@KatieShesko]

Same! And I knew it wasn't right so it was breaking my brain

[@michaelperrillo5420]

He at a genius level writing, singing, playing, performing etc... one of the top talents in rock history.

[@KatieShesko]

He really is. I'm just sad I haven't listened to him sooner!

[@phytheshyguy]

@@KatieShesko Listen to Thick As A Brick all the way through, its amazing.

[@staberdearth3130]

Yet criminally ignored in the Rock and Rap HOF. Think of all the, relatively speaking, musical meatheads that are in the hall. He’s denied honor to be ahead of them? Destroys the credibility of that honor.

[@heavenbound358]

@@staberdearth3130 hey, they are jealous of the extent of his success with unorthodox rock instrument

[@mauriceclemens3286]

What I want to know is why Jethro Tull isn’t in the Rock Hall Of Fame?🤔🤔🤔

[@WorldSpectator705]

The Christmas song he played was "God rest ye merry gentlemen". Nice reaction, I know nothing about flute playing, so great to hear how technically what he's playing is so difficult. I've always loved his playing, but had no idea how hard or easy it was to accomplish from a technical point of view, so thanks for that, really enjoyed it!

[@bobbiebastin5423]

I'm 70, his whole concert is fun, I've seen him 12 times, 8 of them in the front row right in front of him, his singing, dancing, conducting his fabulous band, great memories!!! Thank you Ian and band !!!! Check out the whole band , they are one of the best !!!!

[@peterburke9028]

The first album I ever bought was Stand Up by Jethro Tull over 50 years ago. I now have over a dozen Tull albums. I've deliberately avoided going to any Tull live shows after seeing recordings of live appearances. For me Anderson is a musical genius but his attempts at being funny or humorous during live appearances fail miserably for me.

[@Steve-hf6ox]

Twice I was front row centre, both at the Forum in Montreal: Asia, and Tull. And I'm 69 years old. Cheers!!!

[@spazimdam]

Being a child of the 70s who was steeped in hard rock, this, to me, is just the way flute is supposed to sound. Ian Anderson's playing is such an integral part of my musical background. I chose guitar and organ and synthesizer to play, but the classical sensibilities in Jethro Tull's music influenced me a lot. As did Mike Oldfield. It's awesome to see a beautiful young woman, who is classically trained, enjoying and being impressed by Ian Anderson. Cool channel you've got here.

[@KatieShesko]

I mean, there is absolutely nothing wrong with thinking this is the way a flute is supposed to sound 😂 He's a fantastic musician and really pushed the bounds of flute playing and making it more mainstream than just in a symphony. I'm just sad it's taken me this long to watch him! He definitely paved the way for flute players like me who don't (or can't) be in a traditional symphony. Happy you're here!

[@bobschiller6435]

It's a good possibility that the reason you hear "advanced techniques" in contemporary pieces is BECAUSE of Ian and JT.

[@KatieShesko]

That is entirely possible and wouldn't surprise me!

[@stanhegeman8751]

Eh.

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@KatieShesko ok Katie.... don't get banned .... for a second there........ you know what I mean

[@davidstanton1261]

Right On Bob!

[@andymilic4093]

just like Yngwie Malmsteens blistering fast scales , & classical guitar work, nody s ever heard it done like he was playing, incredible !!, showing how technical those symphonies really are

[@andrewrolfe8857]

Tull is the greatest band that many people have never heard of.

[@jimj4583]

Tull and Yes

[@TT-ij5qe]

Best concerts ever. What a show.

[@TT-ij5qe]

@@zendae54 I saw that concert at the L.A. Forum. Three encores, it was unbelievable. Glad that you enjoyed it also.

[@SquirrelMan1332]

Tull, SRV, Deep Purple (so underrated) & Chicago

[@graemeyetts3465]

How about Gentle Giant?

[@SilentBob731]

Ian Anderson is absolutely one of the greatest musicians of all-time. It's a damn shame he's essentially lost his voice at this point due to the stress he put on it during his career and COPD. Also, if nobody else mentioned, the X-mas song was "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". 😉

[@tomm9493]

Thank you. I had wondered what happened to that great and unique voice of his.

[@markhulett6129]

Parts of this song seems to come from Bouree, which is on Jethro Tull's second album, Stand Up

[@snoopstp4189]

He injects so much of his personality into his performance it's almost impossible for the average musician to even imagine. One of a kind and most likely never another.

[@tommyrawlings3046]

Ian is the greatest all around rocker ever! No one is even close!

[@cherylgalleran6602]

The song is actually called: “comfort and Joy”!

[@steveh7108]

Beatboxing that's a really good way to describe what he does in between notes. I never heard anyone describe it that way but that is exactly it. He was beatboxing before it was a thing.

[@KatieShesko]

Definitely!

[@mikebunner3498]

One of my favorite quotes by Ian was when he was asked why a flute. Mr. Anderson said a flute is easier to carry than an piano. I do believe that many people did not take the time to realize just how good this was. Love it to this day...

[@KatieShesko]

😂😂 How true it is. I love that quote so much

[@robertchronos1021]

Good reason. Harmonica next??

[@lancevaughn432]

1971 I was 13, my first rock concert was Jethro Tull, The “Aqualung” Tour. Great times.

[@imme.7106]

In 1971;I was 11. As a "jazz"flutist (good ear and natural ability with poor"technique!) I was asked frequently to perform the"aqualung"solo. It requires the player to do 2 things simultaneously; play the flute,and sing into the flute...... hopefully,with the same notes converging!! I am grateful to Ian,in spite of his limited abilities at that time, for introducing this wonderful technique which is now been emulated by so many flutists since then!. Since then, I have been able to play chords on the flute!. Yes; two notes, and even three notes at once!. And no, I can't do it standing on my 🤸🤣

[@grandwaha]

Had the opportunity to see them around 97' in a 1500 seat theater. Mind blowing

[@KatieShesko]

I bet! I did the singing technique when I was learning an Ian Clark piece. It is not easy to do! I'm impressed you can do chords! That's amazing!

[@imme.7106]

@@KatieShesko No one will pay us large sums of money because we can sing into a flute..... but when it creates a "listenable" sound;it can be quite wonderful! I'm currently working on becoming proficient on the bass flute; and (because of the range and Sonic Dynamics of a larger body);it lends itself nicely to this"singing/humming technique"! How nice that your video gave a platform to discuss this topic!; Thanks flute playing pal! I will certainly pass on any "passable"recordings I'm able to make........ I do this not because it's cool; but for knowing that a flute can sing!

[@KatieShesko]

Bass flute is its own beast. I routinely borrow my teacher's bass for some of the arrangements. I'd really like to own one, but I want to get an alto first.

[@stevekanakanui7033]

Maybe one of these days classical musicians will come to realize that rock and roll holds some of the best and talented musicians in the world ...Ian Anderson is a good example

[@KatieShesko]

Absolutely! So many talented musicians that play more than classical music!

[@normsky1000]

And what continually amazes me is that he was not classically trained when he was young!

[@jeffreymccain2639]

I think some are coming around. You now see videos of teachers having their students playing Ozzie or Iron Maiden in classical versions. I also follow a couple of classical composers who do reaction videos to rock & metal. There’s a reason these rock & metal bands have been around for 40+yrs. They are exceptional musicians🤘🙂

[@paulsmith2516]

Exactly! AND NOT A SCRAP OF SHEET MUSIC IN SIGHT!

[@rohanroll]

Well, I'm pretty sure most of them who can reach out of the box, know that for sure.

[@anthonymorales842]

He is a living legend for a reason. So glad you appreciate him and the band

[@arthurrubiera8029]

The most amazing thing to me is that he just keeps going and going, no breaks!

[@jenndavin]

Ian Anderson is a master stage presence. In their prime, there wasn't a better live act. I was blown away the first time I saw them way back in the early 80s before his voice began to struggle. He made the crowd feel like they were a part of the show. I miss musicians who are true performers.

[@ScotlandSword]

I agree completely; it’s not just that Ian Anderson was a virtuoso but he was also a true entertainer and a great storyteller and he absolutely had the ability to suck tens of thousands of people into their musical universe like a journey to a new land, it is captivating in every sense of the word. His versatility was just stupid.

[@rogerspice7743]

Agree 💯

[@tengu190]

He and Roland Kirk are how the flute ended up in a lot of prog.

[@bilgekagan7285]

I went Jethro Tull concert last summer. And he is still amazing :D

[@tengu190]

@@bilgekagan7285 How is his voice? Is it still getting worse?

[@synkraut9633]

If you think his flute playing was athletic then you should watch concerts where he spends like 20 minutes playing on just one leg

[@davidleamore8074]

Songs to check out by Jethro Tull; Locomotive Breath, Thick as a Brick, My God (live at the Isle of Wight) and Nothing is easy to mention a few.

[@KatieShesko]

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

[@storbokki371]

@@KatieShesko Jethro Tull, My God (live at the Isle of Wight) is great!

[@talos4971]

@@KatieShesko Tull is my favorite band of all time...welcome to the club!!!

[@RichieG]

@@storbokki371 ​ YES! Seconded.

[@leemundoartist9932]

My God at the Isle of White. Anderson was only 23. A phenomenal genius.

[@davideckersley9930]

He is such an underrated musician period. His acoustic guitar playing is also sublime. I never get tired of listening to “ life’s a long song” A major talent.

[@billrobbins5874]

Saw them in concert 77(?) PHENOMENAL!

[@davideckersley9930]

@@billrobbins5874 sadly he’s lost his voice now but he keeps playing. Like I say I’m amazed that he’s not considered as a great acoustic guitar player.

[@billrobbins5874]

@@davideckersley9930 Awesome talent for sure!

[@carrietide]

TRUTH BE TOLD ❤

[@ytnsanw]

Putting aside the flute playing, IA is one of the most accomplished and literate narrative songwriters to come out of the UK, a great singer (in his day - voice sadly gone now) and one the most dynamic stage performers in music history. Innovative genius and brilliant man.

[@siobhanvictorian3669]

Ashley, his voice is not gone now. Jethro Tull will be here in Italy in November and touring most of Italy even for next year. Am I going to see him? The answer is simple, yes!

[@lbd-po7cl]

Regarding Ian's pinky, he apparently has a slightly deformed pinky, making it hard to use, so when teaching himself he just did without it. However, when his daughter started flute lessons he realised how "incorrect" his overall technique was, and so has since made the effort to effectively retrain himself

[@RichieG]

Indeed. I was just going to say the same thing.

[@knowhere60]

Yes, he has a shortened right pinkie. It's quite visible on the video. Also, he began performing like this already in 1970.

[@NewBritainStation]

@@knowhere60 yes, it was deformed at birth, but he can use it. After he learned (when his daughter learned how to play flute) that he was “doing it all wrong” he relearned it and uses his pinky much more in later years.

[@JesseABarrett]

@@NewBritainStation No one but a daughter could have handed Ian effing Anderson a basic fingering chart and said 'Daddy, you're doing it wrong.'

[@kentclark6420]

I bet his daughter is a dandy flautist as well!

[@edwardthorne9875]

Please try more Tull. One of my favorite live performances is the shortened version of Thick as a Brick at Madison Square. Anderson just was an incredible frontman - eyes ablaze controlling the audience. And you should hear the rest of the band! All of them are masters of their instruments.

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely will!

[@chuckbeecher2099]

My favorite version of that Masterpiece

[@reedhaley15]

My first rock concert was the Thick as a Brick tour in Bangor, Maine, I believe was in 1971. Been a Tull fan ever since.

[@Sp33gan]

Absolutely! Martin Barre, for one, is an incredible guitarist and often overlooked in the lists of the greatest Rock guitarists!

[@Rassskle]

Martin Barre is a great guitar player and can play with a blues feel when he wants to, but unfortunately he shows little respect for tone and all too often ignores clarity of individual notes. Most of the time he is happy to just make noise in time to the melody. lol

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Ian is why I took up flute back in the 70’s. Still playing and jammin' in my "senior years" 😉

[@KatieShesko]

That's awesome! I always like to take about my buddy Joe who was the young age of 79 decided he wanted to learn flute, and boy did he learn! One is never too old to play!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Also here's another fascinating new flute technique I've yet to try. Beat box and loop recordings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqWwfpZqebN8kJo

[@KatieShesko]

I'll have to check this out. I haven't gotten into the beat boxing or looping yet. But I might have to!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

I’m going to disagree on the male flute players being rare. As a female, back in the 70’s there were no female rock flautists. Other popular musicians I looked up to were Moe Koffman, , Henry Mancini, James Galway, Paul Horn, and Jean Pierre Rampal

[@ruzo64]

I think God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen... The light in your eyes and spontaneous and exhuberant reactions were refreshing and contagious. Thank you for making my day by being yourself and letting your personality come through your reaction. So many people try to be someone else or be so stuffy and intelligent and it is fake-you were humble and responsive which I bet speaks volumes about the high level of your own skill. =)

[@kritterkult1318]

He's an extremely good acoustic guitar finger picker too. He seems to be a multi-genius. This period in rock music had the most highly skilled musics of the genre, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is the song.

[@charlesberton2581]

When you say that a lot of his techniques were uncommon in the 70s, that's because Ian was blazing that trail in the progressive rock genre at the time. He inspired what is now considered contemporary flute playing. He, in turn, was inspired by Roland Kirk who was blind and died in 1977.

[@surfeit5910]

Self taught musicians are the ones who make an impact in this day and age. One three member band considered the absolute best musicians in their field, consisted of only self taught players for almost 40 years. Like Anderson, it was only after they were considered masters, that they sat through any official lessons for some extra tips to improve themselves.

[@M11969]

Love me some RUSH.

[@redrick8900]

You can call any musician the best in their field.

[@timflaherty8389]

“God rest ye merry Gentleman” Ian traded his Guitar for a Flute at a Pawn shop back in the day. The Flute was the only instrument the Pawn Broker would give for even trade. Anyway Ian literally taught himself how to play the Flute in only 6 Weeks. That is crazy but that’s how it happened. Ian is also quite the accomplished player of the Acoustic Guitar as well. Jethro Tull at one time toured with Jimmy Hendrix.

[@zendae54]

And the guitar he traded in he originally bought from Motorhead's Lemmy.

[@stevebagnall1553]

They also toured with Eagles for a year across the USA in 73.

[@stevelawrence4722]

I remember the same thing..like he was a guitar player till the band had a real guitarist so he said ,how about the flute.

[@YUHJKT]

Wow! That is a fantastic story. What a master musician.

[@schumi9xwdc]

Ian said he wasnt going to be Eric Clapton on the Guitar so he traded it for the Flute

[@gregallan2842]

IA is one of the greatest muso's ever because without fail he gives you absolutely everything he has. Brilliantly.

[@novom2001]

Ian Anderson's musical abilities are what I consider magical. His song writing and musical styling are like none other and the way his brain works blows my little mind. How can one man do the things he has done? The complexity of his music and the flawless way the layers all fit together. I have been a fan since his first album and my appreciation for his music has done nothing but grow since then. The man just intuitively understands music, it is something in his DNA. It was very interesting to see your reaction as you watched him play. I am happy for you that you have finally been exposed to the talents of Ian Anderson.

[@jeffgagen3561]

Ian & Jetheo Tull where so underrated. The people who really listen to them loved them.

[@schumi9xwdc]

Intellectual people enjoy JT

[@Deebemc]

Got good news for you Katie. I was at Jethro Tull’s Prog Years gig in Brighton, UK last week. 45 years on, the man still performs! Only his voice is a bit worn but that flute is magnificent still. Love your vid which shows a beautifully open mind. Ian Anderson’s lyrics are the best you will find in any rock bands repertoire. Good luck in your career. 👏

[@KatieShesko]

That's amazing! I really want to see him in concert now. I bet the show was fantastic!

[@usmc6243]

@@KatieShesko I saw him in Honolulu in 1972 while I was in the Marine Corps. He and the band were stunning! Just the best show I have ever seen.

[@stephenslade6753]

Was there as well. He's changed some of the songs to better suit his voice now and didnt struggle as much as in previous recent tours but as you say his flute playing as good as always. IA is a genius.

[@Izabella907]

He's incredible. He often balanced on one foot while playing the flute! Not for long solos like this, but his regular solos within songs were still insanely hard to play, even on 2 feet. About his pinky, I think the last joint didn't bend or something like that. That's why he didn't use it as much. I think the Christmas song is God rest ye merry gentlemen. That's the 1st line, if I remember correctly, and I think it's the title. The last words are comfort and joy, I think. But I'm not an expert on Christmas songs, obviously, so I might be way off.

[@KatieShesko]

Really? That's amazing about balancing on one foot. I can't do that, but I do play in heels occasionally, does that count? 🤣🤣 Makes sense about the pinky. Honestly, as much as it's pushed in classical flute, it's not overly important. Especially since his playing is so stylized. The minor intonation difference it makes is barely noticeable for stuff like this.

[@martinsteffens8668]

@@KatieShesko If you play the flute in heels standing on one leg you beat Ian Anderson.:-) I love it when young folks appreciate real music.

[@krkhns]

About the pinky - there's nothing wrong with it. You're right, its because he is self taught. Years later, his daughter (maybe granddaughter?) actually took lessons and had to show him how to hold it properly and to use his pinky. If you watch his later performances, he uses it. There is a video of an interview where he explains it. He said he tried once or twice when he was learning and said screw it.

[@massecarlson1185]

@@KatieShesko 😀🙂 Playing in high heels definitely counts. I mean.... everything must be difficult to do in thoose shoes.😂🙂

[@KatieShesko]

@@massecarlson1185 Oh my gosh, it's so hard to do! 🤣 Thankfully I only do it for music videos so if I don't sound good, it's fine because the audio is replaced with the released song 🤣🤣

[@RobShinnick]

This is my favorite Tull reaction from any flautist so far. Thanks.

[@bill8384]

You need to listen to the album version of "Thick as a Brick!" This could've been part of the concert version of this song.

[@karitane]

I think one of the highest reactions to have is to be inspired. That shows real greatness and Ian has it, and you were inspired.

[@claytonst.pierre2256]

If you are that interested in Ian's flute playing you have a treasure trove to choose from. Start with "My God ",live at the Isle of Wight from @ 1970. Check out "Habernero Reel " & "Panama Freighter " from The Secret Language of Birds solo album as well as that title song. Next check out "Jack-a-Lynn" from The Jethro Tull Acoustic album, for a stunning flute, vocal tradeoff to end it. Then end your early Ian research with "Calliandra Shade " & "Raft of Penguins " {Ian's irreverent view of fronting classical musicians, which he has done frequently} from the album Rupi's Dance. Seeing your enthusiasm this should be a good start for you. From a 50 year Tull fan. Missed 3 years because I was too young.

[@daveburgess]

Clayton St.pierre - My two favourite Anderson solo albums: Secret Language of Birds and Rupi's Dance. Not heard as much, but there's some GREAT songs on both albums.

[@UnclePengy]

Kids in the 70s: "Let's form a rock band!" "YEAH!" "Let's have the lead instrument be... a flute!" "YEA... wait, what?"

[@kevinhurst3709]

You give an amazing tribute to this musician. It's refreshing and gives this senior citizen hope for young people lol

[@alanmills3767]

He broke his pinkie. It isn't a flaw; it's an accommodation

[@martinunwin9654]

The 'Christmassy song' was 'God rest ye merry gentlemen , let nothing you dismay'.

[@cherylgalleran6602]

The song is called: “Comfort and Joy”.

[@Rar9866]

i love his music, i know technically he is no were near the best but its his style that i love, sometimes u have a singer who does not have a beautiful voice but when u hear it u feel something and straight away u know who the singer is, to me the music of jethro tull is like that

[@KatieShesko]

I think he's an amazing player. The techniques he uses is so challenging to make sound great and many classical flutists can't do half of what he does. But you're right, doesn't matter if they don't have a traditionally beautiful voice, it's if their voice moves you

[@ljsites]

Joe Cocker comes to mind.

[@richdiddens4059]

Today, at 72, he suffers from COPD which limits his ability to sing and play. For a long time their on-stage persona was that of a band of medieval minstrels. Not only was he self taught in his early days but he did it in just a few weeks.

[@KatieShesko]

Yeah, I can imagine. How frustrating to be limited because of medical issues. I really like that idea - a rock band of medieval minstrels. He learned in a few weeks?!?! That's even more amazing!!

[@F.Wormsworth]

@@KatieShesko Blackmore's Night - Richie Blackmore and Candice Night

[@hampyonce]

He had only been playing flute for like two years in this show, I believe.

[@stevet7487]

@@hampyonce At least 8 yrs. Their first album, This Was was released in 1968. It doesn't change his brilliance playing the flute. He sounded amazing when I first saw him in 1972.

[@davidmc3262]

@@KatieShesko he,s just brought out a new Jethro Tull album I've only heard it once but I don't think he plays any flute on it. you can tell his voice has gone also but its still quite good. . I think it was after thay brought out the album Crest of a naive that his voice went on that tour. still such a great band though

[@kevinharper8880]

I just loved your reaction to Ian Anderson and Tull. Welcome to the club. I have been a huge fan since 1969 and seen them many times in concert. On one of their albums, Living In The Past, Ian plays 18 instruments, wrote all the music and sings as well. Genius is an understatement. I think they are the best band of all time without a doubt. I introduced my nephew to them around 15 years ago and he loves them and last Christmas I played them to my 12 year old neice and she couldn't believe it. Tull will live on long after I am gone. I suggest you listen to Bouree, Hymn 43, Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, We Used To Know, Budapest, Wond'ring Aloud Again, Minstrel In The Gallery and Nursie. These are my favs.

[@kevinharper8880]

I forgot to mention Thick as a Brick 🧱

[@rosswhittingham770]

Living in the Past is one of my all time favourite albums and Jethro Tull are my favourite band (outside of a few Australian bands of the same vintage). Ian Anderson a true musical genius. I was turned on to JT in 1971 by a friend and have loved them ever since.

[@derekfabbro9075]

I dated a floutist over 20 years ago that never heard of Ian or Jethro Tull. Blew my mind. I have been a fan for as long as I can remember. I'm an 80's child raised in the 60's. Its incredible how all the greats I was raised on and never stopped listening to, are getting recognized again for the massive talents they have. I will never forget seeing Jerry Garcia for my 7th birthday in 91.

[@heathjeppson5669]

I had the opportunity to see him live in 2019 here in Italy in a small venue... he has lost NOTHING! He still can blow like a madman.

[@goytabr]

Talking about Ian Anderson in Italy, I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I found here on KZbin a video of Ian performing with Premiata Forneria Marconi! Music simply doesn't get any finer than that!

[@davelister2961]

Phrasing...

[@mrk6599]

tull is one of the most underrated bands in music, if you listen to all the albums you will see that it is so solid, better than 99% of bands that have one or two good cds and nothing else.

[@sandrachristiansen1404]

I began playing the flute in 5th grade and was only a "marching band" flute player in the end, but I found Ian Anderson and was in heaven! Wonderfully, I got to see him twice in his heights in the 70's when he played to huge stadiums and arenas. He and Queen fostered my love for classical crossover. And now Dimash does it for me!

[@kendavy57]

Don't forget Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and also ELO. Also Focus incorporated a lot of classical techniques.

[@sandrachristiansen1404]

@@kendavy57 OMG, how could I forget ELO! They were my favorite band during high school and college. I've seen them 3 times. Thanks for reminding me!

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

That was a fun analysis in watching this Ian Anderson solo with you. I appreciate your humility to in pointing out how good he is and what he does that is exceptional. This is a great way to go back and hear this music again and realize that Ian Anderson is also better then I realized!!

[@czazozharris4083]

One of my favorite bands of all time! Ian Anderson never ceases to amaze! Great to hear your reaction as in the 70s, many of us were also gobsmacked at his talent. Never a bad performance, no matter the instrument, he is incredible.

[@davidpeck9834]

Yup, I was privileged to see JT live many times. Love it.

[@brucereidelberger2154]

So glad you did this reaction to Ian. I have been amazed by him for over 50 years!

[@KatieShesko]

I definitely plan on doing more and listening to him more. He's fabulous!!

[@toddylu6869]

What a precious reaction!

[@marcusaurelius5576]

What a massive talent. Iran Anderson is not only a phenomenal flute player but plays many other instruments. A true creative musician with a fantastic medieval zany bent to his performance. Have been a fan of Tull since at least 1970.

[@uralgone]

Watching this almost brought me to tears. I remember the having the same reaction that you had when I first heard him play in '82. Thank you.

[@KatieShesko]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's amazing how much emotion and connection can be felt from a love of music.

[@ccwilliams2]

Ian's awesome. Apparently, in the 90's, his daughter took up flute and told Dad he was fingering wrong. He actually relearned to play, which I'm sure made runs a lot easier.

[@fezzypepper8525]

I saw Ian Anderson and Tull twice, once at the Providence Civic Center in 75 before his Madison Square Garden concert. In Anderson is a genius. His knowledge of so many genres of music including Old English 14th and 15th century folk music, classical, prog rock, rock and roll is astounding in itself. A true MASTER.

[@aaronarnold7653]

Awesome reaction...lovely Nerdy girl...my 1st concert

[@williamfinamore4623]

Ian Anderson one of the Best musicians on the planet. Yet Jethro Tull still is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Unbelievable.

[@Vercingetorix061983]

Nice reaction! To dive a little into: This is a medley. The main song is My God, from Aqualung (1971), but between improvisation you can find: 6:04 - Improvisation over Bach's Fugue on D minor. 9:14 - Traditional: God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman ( from The Christmas Album, 2003). 15:32 - Bourreé. Bach's Lute Suite BWV 996 (Stand Up, 1969). 16:15 - Quartet (Nightcap, 1993) The post 1976 albums are Unreleased pieces. I recommend you other band also with very good flute in it from the progressive genre: Camel, Focus, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Genesis, King Crimson. Also Jethro Tull's The Christmas Album is amazing!

[@KatieShesko]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! That's the downside to doing this on the fly with no research, I don't get to deep dive and map it all out! I'll check out your suggestions!

[@fostercathead]

And Gentle Giant!

[@chuckschussman]

Very nice reaction and analysis. Enjoyable. The song you are trying to remember is "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen".

[@KatieShesko]

Thank you! I love that song so much, and I knew as soon as someone said it, I would remember and feel very silly!!

[@olafurunnarjohannsson8928]

Great analysis. On Jethro Tull first album Ian had never tried to play the flute. He played harmonica on it, and did it brilliantly. On their next album 10 months later he played the flute like a grandmaster.

[@schumi9xwdc]

1) This Was, 2) Stand Up, 3) Benefit, 4) Aqualung, 5) Living in the Past, 6) Thick as a Brick 7) Passion Play

[@Milewskige]

Anderson had only been playing the flute for a few months when their 1st album (This Was) was recorded. Anderson decided to play the flute after hearing Roland Kirk. He even recorded one of his songs (Serenade To A Cuckoo) on their 1st album.

[@rogerspice7743]

It was amazing to hear the positive reaction from a professional. I was fortunate to attend several Tull concerts in the 70's. They were a unforgettable once in a lifetime experience. Nice to see the extraordinary talent recognized so many years later.

[@Dragonsinger71]

"Bourée" was recorded by Tull on their second album, "Stand Up", one of my all-time favorite Tull albums, along with "Benefit", and, of course everyone's fave, "Aqualung".

[@ellavader4411]

Jethro Tull's Bouree was played at my wedding as my fiancee and I walked down the aisle together instead of the traditional wedding song. Our first dance was Reasons For Waiting.

[@jima6545]

Ian is THE Minstrel. Not only a master flautist, but a fantastic guitar player, drummer, keyboard player, singer and songwriter.

[@carrietide]

Drummer????

[@jima6545]

@@carrietide he did some drumming and percussion on Crest of a Knave, some other albums as well

[@Zeno_Evil]

I loved every concert I attended and it's nice to see a younger generation discover "our" music.

[@payres48]

Another example of vocalising through the flute is a track called The Dawn by the band Osibisa. You will find it on Spotify.

[@robohippy]

I got to see him 3 times in concert in the early and mid 70s. Stunning for sure. He was doing themed shows at the time and they were extremely well presented. Not sure if he tours any more.

[@originalchilehed]

That was the first concert I ever saw, and it's still a standard by which I judge a rock concert. The entire evening was a nonstop display of staggering musicianship. He even danced a prisyádka whilst playing the solo to Locomotive Breath!

[@rogerspice7743]

Loved that concert! The best live performance ever. Unforgettable!

[@PriyaThiele]

First concert I ever saw too!

[@Frank-pe9pk]

I was at this concert and have every album! First time I heard them was 1969 and followed them for many years.

[@KatieShesko]

That's amazing!

[@sherryarflin726]

You should see him live.....I was lucky enough to see him in concert three times in the seventies. Anderson once said that until his daughter started taking flute lessons, he didn’t realize he had been holding it all wrong, since he was basically self taught.

[@enorbet2]

The first song snippet was "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and the 2nd was "Bouree". I saw the Jethro Tull Band 3 times on each tour supporting "This Was", "Stand Up, and "Benefit". There were a few personell changes in those 3 tours but every member was a master. The first tour was before sound reinforcement did much more than mic vocals and kick drum, but Ian held his vocal mic on Abrams Marshall Stack and it sounded amazing. Then, the original drummer, Clive?, did a solo on a child's toy drum set over which he absolutely towered but the solo was jaw-dropping. The Stand Up tour was a tour de force and the Benefit tour was sublime. Much later I was SO disappointed in The Grammys when they even nominated Tull for "Heavy Metal" let alone got #1. I suppose they meant it as a tribute but it hurt them both. Metal has a huge number of sub-genres but Tull is not one of them. They are a Blues-based Hard Rock band, not metal although one might call that a sort of Proto Metal.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Think you'll find Tull genre'd under Prog(ressive) Rock. This Was (Mick Abrahams on guitar) and Stand Up(Martin Barre), both with Glenn Cornick on bass are still two of my favourite albums after 50 years! Saw Blodwyn Pig (Abrahams band) and Wild Turkey (Cornick's band) as a double bill at the London College of Printing after they'd both split from Tull. Another great night.

[@Bogie3855]

I am now 72 and have been to EVERY Tull concert since he started touring in Canada. Tull is by far my most favorite group and I must have at least 100hrs of his music. Never fails to entertain. Listening to my CDs brings back so many wonderful memories. Not only is he massively talented but he is also very much the entertainer. His concerts are full blown shows.

[@darrylbuckett5380]

Ian's flute playing brings me a lot of "Comfort and Joy" especially at Christmas. Cheers

[@KatieShesko]

I see what you did there 😂😂 Thanks for the laugh

[@darrylbuckett5380]

@@KatieShesko Your welcome.Cheers

[@johncampbell2979]

@@KatieShesko you named that tune in fun, well done.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

Ian’s more than just a flute player, he plays guitar and writes most of the bands music. He’s a true genius.

[@gregc2467]

He's also a business genius,he owns the biggest salmon farm in Scotland,it has made him a multi-millionaire.

[@djclabbe88]

Jethro Tull is just amazing! :) Sooooo many good songs. With a lot of classic influences. Bourée is one of my favorite :)

[@KatieShesko]

Couldn't agree more!

[@butchherring5663]

I saw Ian in concert live twice in my life and I still have goose pimples on my neck and my arms from memory of listening to him. I think the Christmas song that you're thinking of is comfort and tidings of joy

[@petermccarthy4525]

I’m glad you liked it. I’ve seen him many times and emulating his playing for years. It did take its toll on his voice. He uses his pinky in recent years. Cheers

[@amandagrice7717]

I was lucky enough to see him perform a couple of weeks ago on the UK leg of their current tour and he is still brilliant. At 64 it made me want to go out and buy a flute, last instrument I played was a recorder in school.

[@KatieShesko]

That's awesome! I bet the show was amazing! And definitely learn flute. I always like to mention my buddy Joe who started playing flute at the young age of 79!

[@paulkerr9128]

To be honest, the worst thing Anderson did was learn proper technique. He was a much more dynamic player/performer when he was simply making up his own playing style.

[@KatieShesko]

I could see that. Don't fix what isn't broken!

[@VivaLaDnDLogs]

But it doesn't set a great example for his daughter to listen to her teacher. "Do it like your teacher says" "Why don't you?" "Because I'm a famous musician." "So the rules of proper technique don't apply to you because you're famous?" "No....listen, I don't have the lung capacity to argue, we'll *both* play it like your teacher says, alright?"

[@whistlerwind7422]

I disagree strongly, he became ten times the flute player he was. His solo endeavors (The Secret Language of Birds, and Divinities) are easily some of his best work. The work on the Christmas album is great too.

[@zenclover8468]

Disagree ! He became a much more fluent player. He did all he could with his original style in the first ten years tull was around. He branched out much more and became a more well rounded player and musician and has a ton of music from "roots to branches" to his solo stuff that shows my point quite clearly.

[@CaptainNemo1701]

Locomotive Breath, Aqualung, Living in the Past all brilliant...(do Locomotive Breath studio version first). I like to describe Tull to new fans is imagine an amazing prog rock band, who just happen to live in the middle ages:).

[@schumi9xwdc]

Minstrel in the Gallery is JT's best Album, Hard Rock to Folk to Classical is ALL covered

[@muchkneaded]

Wow! I'm 2 years late to this party, but I'm SO glad I got to hear this for the first time! I attended Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick" concert in Detroit, not long after they released that album. They came on stage an performed the entire 45-minute album without stopping (like when you had to get up and flip the record over to play side 2), with NO breaks between songs (also like the album). When they finished, the crowd went wild. Ian Anderson then walked up to the mic and calmly said, "Now, for our second song..." They continued to play their other hits for another 30-40 minutes. Awesome show!

[@leonazg82]

Hi Katie. Thanks for that video. You've probably learnt by now that the Christmas tune was Jethro Tull's rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. It's also somewhat funny you didn't recognize that the tune Ian Anderson started at 15:30 was the beginning of famous Bach's Bourree. It's a classical Jethro Tull piece released on their 1969 album "Stand Up" and their concert favourite which they have performed countless times up till now.

[@terryallen7356]

I discovered you reacting to Dimash and I'm so glad you reacted to Ian Anderson. Saw Jethro Tull twice in concert and they were fantastic.

[@KatieShesko]

I bet they were fantastic shows!

[@paulejrlawson3278]

Tidings of comfort and joy. Have seen JT and Ian Anderson in concert more,than any group. It’s not just a concert, it’s a troubadour show. Like “ A passion play. Welcome new fan, I am closer to 72,& I hope I have many more years of listening pleasure.

[@davemadman7093]

I'm pleasantly surprised to see your reaction to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Indeed he's a master of flute playing. 😃👍

[@JabrHawr]

@Katie Shesko the Christmas piece is 'God Rest You Merry Gentlemen'. Jethro Tull has a complete studio recording of it - look it up, it's very nice

[@ontherun9510]

Hi Katie! About the use of pinky, read this. Anderson relearned everything after her daughter went to learn flute herself. Read this: 'When Ian Anderson, then an itinerant guitar player, decided to focus on the flute, he did it in a largely self-taught way. As a result some unorthodox elements found their way into his style - not that you could initially convince the Jethro Tull frontman of that. “I was a huge success as a flute player, playing it entirely wrongly,” Anderson tells Ken Bruce, laughing heartily. “I discovered, when my daughter was learning to play flute at school, that she was using different fingering for some of the notes. I told her: ‘This is wrong; it should be like this.’ She said: ‘No, it’s not; look, it says so in the book!’ I had to come to the unnerving conclusion that she was right, the books were right, and I was most embarrassingly wrong.” So, Anderson ended up settling into a scholarly pursuit of his signature instrument in the early 1990s - well after Jethro Tull’s initial heyday of Aqualung and Thick as a Brick from some two decades before. “Being self taught, and never having had a lesson, I was playing a lot of the notes using incorrect fingering,” Anderson says. “I had to relearn it again, in about ’91, I think. … It taught me to take a little more seriously. In relearning my own repertoire, it was a good lesson in mid life - not quite a crisis, but damned close to it.”

[@tango_uniform]

Hate to say it but classical training is all about staying in your lane and obeying the speed limit. Violists who learn by the Suzuki method take forever to master the instrument (unless you're Mark O'Connor). On the other hand, country blues, the only original American music was developed by people who could not read or write, rarely met each other, and did not receive any training on guitar or harmonica. They created 12-bar blues at the juke joint cutting heads on Saturday night. Were it not for these ignorant people and Alan Lomax who recorded them for the Library of Congress, we would not have the British Invasion or rock and roll.

[@WoohooliganComedy]

I've been a huge Tull fan for a long time. :D Check out the album Songs From the Wood in particular although of course you can't go wrong with their Greatest Hits album either... Locomotive Breath has a banger solo if i remember correctly, also the Whistler and maybe Thick as a Brick... it's been a little while since I've listened to them tho. I say "Tull", because that's always been the band name, but really, Anderson is the only member who's been with the band from the beginning -- every other instrument has been replaced numerous times by new members.

[@KatieShesko]

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

[@MaxPulse1]

In the 70's when prog rock was really moving, Anderson was the train driver! Love your reaction by the way.

[@ThomasParis]

Ian's performance did come after a LOT of practice. I've long known how much I loved Jethro Tull but it's still nice to see a classically trained musician react the way you did. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@georgesheffield1580]

I've had a number of Jazz ,rock ,and blues player playing the flute . All attribute this to hearing Ian .

[@rhsmonsterboys]

This is what reaction vids should be about….. true stunning reaction…… love watching people discover new experiences 👍👍 Excellent reaction👍👍👍

[@KatieShesko]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lateralus138]

The wassail song? "here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green...". I grew up on Tull, I was named after Ian :D