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Ian Anderson / Jethro Tull
Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull features in our instrumental, progressive, and classic rock sequences.
Elder statesmen of rock maybe, but there seems no slowing down for Ian Anderson.
Ian Anderson M.B.E. started out musically in the early sixties in Blackpool and formed the first line-up of the Jethro Tull band in 1967. He has been the mainstay ever since. The band’s album highpoint is generally perceived as “Aqualung”, released in 1971.
In spite of many line-up changes through the years, the band have retained their signature sound: a mixture of English folk, rock, blues and progressive. In the late eighties they even surfed the tide of popular taste and received a Grammy for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” for the album ‘ Crest Of A Knave’ (1987).
With a band famed for its longevity, inevitably there have been several key anniversary releases: in 1988 a boxed set “20 Years of Jethro Tull” included BBC sessions and outtakes whilst in 1993 the 25th Anniversary celebration came in the shape of a sumptuous cigar box.
Separately, Ian Anderson released his first solo album in 1983 ‘Into The Light’, a collaboration with Peter-John Vitesse who at that time was also keyboard player with Tull. In 1995 came ‘Divinities: Twelve Dances With God”, and later ‘The Secret Language of Birds’ (2000) and ‘Rupi’s Dance’ (2003).
A multi-instrumentalist, Anderson is best-known for his flute playing and almost single-handedly brought that instrument into a rock format, allied to his very visual approach which although easily parodied remains an iconic image of 1970’s rock music.
Broadcast history
“The Pete Feenstra Feature”
First broadcast 3 September 2017 “50th Anniversary”
Pete Feenstra chats to Ian Anderson about the forthcoming 50th anniversary
“The Pete Feenstra Feature”
First broadcast Sunday 12 March 2017 “The String Quartets”
Pete Feenstra chats to Ian Anderson about the new album with The Carducci Quartet
“The Eclectic Mix”
First broadcast Sunday 11 May 2014 “Life Is A Long Song”
David Randall chats to Ian Anderson
“Live From London”
First broadcast Sunday 14 July 2012
Peter Ross chats to Ian Anderson
“Assume The Position”
First broadcast Sunday, 28 August 2011
Ian Anderson chats to David Randall about his hatred of festivals and his forthcoming tour in the UK.
“Heroes”
First broadcast Sunday February 28 2010 “Life Is A Long Song”
David Randall chats to Ian Anderson
“The Pete Feenstra Feature”
First broadcast 13 September 2009
Pete Feenstra chats to Ian Anderson
Featured Artist, February 2010
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