The flute-playing prog-rock frontman brought “Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera” to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday night, with his vocals getting an assist from video accompanists. (Review, photo gallery)
Video-Enhanced Rock Opera: Ian Anderson and his band performing “Jethro Tull” on Saturday. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
It’s impossible to predict how 18th century agriculturist Jethro Tull would have reacted to 20th century rock band Jethro Tull adopting his name, let alone how he’d ever even fathom something like the multi-media-enhanced “Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera” tour.
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But I’m guessing the farming pioneer who invented the seed drill couldn’t help but be tickled by the flute-playing Ian Anderson’s inventive reimagining of his life amid modern agricultural trends through Jethro Tull’s progressive, classic rock songs and a faux documentary of sorts.
‘Aqualung’ and More: Ian Anderson on stage at DeVos Performance Hall. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
The most fervent West Michigan fans in the crowd at DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday night certainly seemed smitten by the unusual rock show-meets-video-accompaniment — especially by familiar 1970s Jethro Tull classics such as “Locomotive Breath” and “Living in the Past,” the two songs that served as the evening’s bona fide, audience-pleasing highlights.
Yet there also had to be disappointment in realizing that Anderson’s voice is a shadow of its former self, often struggling to be heard during iconic songs which get much of their power from the frontman’s perceptive, unique and socially conscious lyrics.
To be sure, Anderson’s cleverly conceived road show and rock opera has him sharing lead vocal duties with pre-recorded “virtual reality” singers appearing on the screen behind him, allowing the artist to concentrate on his flute-playing and leave the most demanding vocal lines to his avatar-like accompanists.
Still, with all of the programmed vocals synced perfectly to the live band’s performance, there were times when the carefully constructed production (employing a storyline that could be difficult to follow, ranging from songs about Tull’s treks to commentary on bio-engineering) had a sterile feel, largely because there was no stage banter and no extended jamming.
PRECISION AND UNRIVALED ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FLUTE
Nevertheless, Anderson’s current touring band – guitarist Florian Opahle, bassist David Goodier, keyboard player John O’Hara and drummer Scott Hammond – served the production and that approach quite well, pulling off precise renditions of Anderson songs new and old with enough stage flair to keep things interesting.
Flute Rock: Anderson displayed nimbleness and dynamic flute playing. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
And there is still no rock ‘n’ roll flute that resonates with the power and savvy of Ian Anderson’s flute, especially when the 68-year-old singer and guitarist still exhibits plenty of nimbleness and stage energy, frequently perching on one leg while playing his flute, a familiar pose that’s long served as Jethro Tull’s official calling card.
The second set in the two-hours-plus show boasted the most vibrant and satisfying moments, including renditions of “Living in the Past,” “Jack-in-the-Green,” “Witch’s Promise,” “Cheap Day Return,” “A New Day Yesterday” and an extended, muscular “Locomotive Breath,” which had the DeVos Hall crowd of baby boomers on their feet and cheering heartily.
It was an entertaining, if odd, take on what Anderson himself has called his “oddball” rock music, material that’s unique in the annals of contemporary music in that it bridges English folk music with progressive rock led by a flute-playing singer.
It’s also music that’s cultivated legions of uber-devoted fans who don’t mind spending the night “Living in the Past” with one of their heroes — along with his virtual reality pals.
PHOTO GALLERY: Ian Anderson’s “Jethro Tull” photos by Anthony Norkus
