Ian Anderson
Grove of Anaheim – Anaheim, Calif.
November 5, 2009

Never Too Old To Rock and Roll – Too Young to Stop

—By Steve Triolo

Ian Anderson, known throughout the world of rock music as the flute and voice behind the legendary Jethro Tull, celebrates 41 years as a recording and performing musician in 2009. Still enjoying a lengthy and ongoing career as one of the most hyphenated musicians of all time. Jethro Tull has released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies since the band first performed at London's famous Marquee club.

The evening embarked on a world-wind of songs from the most recent versions of compositions to the days of the Marquee Club. As the houselights went down the spotlight shed light on the duo of Ian Anderson and Florian Opahle as they stood center stage to open the show with a tune from the 1979 album Stormwatch, titled Dun Ringill. The audience paid close attention to Florian, the 26 year old guitarist from Rosenheim, Bavaria in Germany, who’s resume includes playing with Ian, Greg Lake, Chris Thompson, and has shared the stage with Al DiMeola at a guitar work-shop setting, but is mostly involved in writing and orchestration as a session musician. For the most part, Florian seemed to hardly feel the pressure having to fill the shoes of Martin Barre, as he soared through the most beautiful, and sometimes attacking riffs. Ian also gave Florian his own solo spot to display some incredible classical aptitude.

As the show moved forward, Ian was in rare form, witty, with boundless vocals and showmanship, and simply doing what he does best … it seems that nothing has changed over four decades.

The stage began to fill with an amazing lineup of tour de force musicians, including Jethro Tull’s current keyboardist John O’Hara, and bassist David Goodier. Mark Mondesir, jazz drummer and composer from London, took over the kit, and violinist Meena Bhasin.

The next special guest played out the “beauty and the beast,” of the night, as Meena Bhasin graced the stage with her violin, and gorgeous youth and presence. Yes, she took everyone aback. Ian also gave her the spotlight for an exhilarating feat.

The evenings song list was exquisite, as Ian took us all on a journey of time with such songs as Serenade to a Cuckoo – 1968, Mother Goose – 1969, My God – 1971, Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day – 1974, Jeffrey Goes To Leicester Square – 1969, Rocks on the Road – 1991, Jack In The Green – 1977, and more through the two-in-a-half-hour set. But we all knew as the whole lineup joined Ian for an extraordinary version of Aqualung, the show was near end … and it was. The full house stood on foot and roared on the cast of this engaging evening to “please” take the stage for an encore, and they did, closing the night with Locomotive Breath.

Leaving the venue I reflected back on this solo artist and frontman of Jethro Tull, and how prolific the 62 year old Scotsman really is, and though I’ve seen him perform over the years probably close to 60 times, I have never been disappointed, yet to only gain more and more respect and appreciation for the one that I share growing older with.

For more details and bios on all the performing artists of the evening, tour schedules and other pertinent and vital information visit: www.jethrotull.com

Tickets are now available for the following Northern California Dates:
Monday, Nov. 9 – 8 p.m. - San Francisco -THE WARFIELD THEATRE
Tuesday, Nov. 10 – 8 p.m. - Santa Rosa – THE WELSFARGO CENTER

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