01	My Sunday Feelings						03:43
	02	Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You						02:50
	03	Beggar's Farm						04:22
	04	Move On Alone						02:01
	05	Serenade To A Cuckoo						06:14
	06	Dharma For One						04:16
	07	It's Breaking Me Up						05:05
	08	Cat's Squirrel						05:43
	09	A Song For Jeffrey						03:25
	10	Round						00:57

1968
I.Anderson - M.Abrahams - C.Bunker - G.Cornick

~ This Was ~



An introduction to "This Was"

Picture this: one of the many British blues bands of the late sixties is offered the chance, after a period of extensive touring under different names with different band members, to record its first long play album and has the nerve to title it 'This Was'. That is exactly what Jethro Tull did in August 1968 and looking back from this day to that event one could say it marks the start of one of the most peculiar careers of one of the most peculiar bands in the history of rock.

As Jethro Tull emerged from the British blues boom that brought along great bands like Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Chicken Shack, Led Zeppelin, Ten Years After, Colosseum a.o., it is no surprise that their first album leaned heavily on the blues, and jazz-influences are clearly present. Despite the fact, that the music is relatively simple compared to later albums (since it sticked so close to the blues idiom), the poverty of the recording itself (due to the state of the analogue recording techniques of those days; all songs were recorded on 4-track) and - like the music - shows traces of amateurism, the album has a certain charm that makes it into a valuable object for every Tull-fan. The same goes for the lyrics, that are mainly love songs and charming in their simplicity: they do not differ much from those of blues songs from other blues and R & B bands in the late sixties. The album reflects very well the atmosphere of the Jethro Tull gigs in late 1968 / early 1969. It was released in Europe in October 1968 after three months of interrupted recording sessions (due to the heavy touring schedule) and sold well immediately.


Another important feature of the album, that makes it so interesting is the rivalry between Ian Anderson and Mick Abrahams. One gets the impression that there is a constant duel between flute and guitar for the leading part. The flute was a novum in rock where the guitar since the origin of blues, country & western and rock & roll always was considered to be the 'prima donna'. This rivalry becomes clear when one compares Ian's elaboration of Roland Kirk's "Serenade to a cuckoo" to Mick's blues-rock elaboration of the traditional "Cat's Squirrel". One of the best songs and musically most interesting ones on the album, where this duel is so obviously present, is "Beggar's Farm". Here we get a good impression of both Mick's and Ian's improvisational talents. Both Ian's flute playing and Mick's guitar playing come close to jazz.

They both wrote songs for this album honouring the blues in compositions like the pensive "Someday the sun won't shine for you", the lamenting "It's breaking me up" and the acquiescing "Move on alone". Different opinions regarding the musical course for the future - among others things - led to the departure of Mick Abrahams, who formed the blues band Blodwyn Pig, that still tours today from time to time. In the context of the band's history Jethro Tull from this moment on became more and more Ian's band.

Though this album is primary a blues album it offers ten varied and very interesting songs. They give us insight in the evolution of what lateron would be recognized as "Tull-music", or to put it in the words of those days: the "Tull-sound". Both music and lyrics would dramatically change from that point on when it comes to originality, complexity, imagery and creativity. "This was how we were playing then, but things change, don't they". Indeed they did and still do, definitely.
* Jan Voorbij

(Further reading: The Jethro Tull Print Archive: Jethro Tull - thinking, learning, getting better, Beat Instrumental, October 1968).





Annotations

Beggar's Farm

The title, "Beggar's Farm", is a metaphore for "in the gutter". This is the only song on the album which Anderson and Abrahams wrote together.


Serenade To A Cuckoo

This piece of music was written by the famous jazz flautist/saxophonist Roland Kirk. Ian stated that this was one of the first pieces he learned to play on flute and acknowledged that his style of flute-playing was a stylistic derivative of Kirk's: e.g. mixing all kinds of vocal sounds with his flute-playing and the 'impure', jazzy flute technique. At the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, Jethro Tull and Roland Kirk both performed on the 4th of July 1969, where Roland thanked Ian for doing "Serenade To A Cuckoo", because it made him famous by acquinting him to new audiences.


Casswel suggests that Ian also derived aspects of his later stage persona from Roland Kirk as well: "Kirk is described by Lipsitz in his book Time Passages. Lipsitz speaks of Kirk's unusual stage attire and behavior as subversive and unconventional. He also makes note of Kirk's aggressive sense of humor, citing his satirical rendition of hymns and his "mischievous wordplay". Lipsitz calls attention to these characteristics to identify Kirk as a performer who is deriving his power from a sense of history. He explains that Roland Kirk presents an art that can be interpreted at many levels - an art that makes reference to the past through oblique and coded messages. These messages arise as eccentricities in Roland Kirk's music and stage presence. All of these are important aspects to bear in mind in the analysis of Ian Anderson's art."
* Judson C.Caswell (SCC, vol. 4, issue 32, December 1993) ; adaptation Jan Voorbij


Dharma For One

An instrumental with a vaguely "Eastern" feel, which features a (Clive Bunker) drum solo. The title is something of a piss take on the hippy / eastern philosophy thing which was a fad at the time. The whole Maharishi / Beatles / higher level of consciousness (i.e. drugs) trip which followed the psychedelic culture of the mid '60's and which Anderson detested. He could have called it Instant Dharma, thinking about it. Dharma, in the Buddhist sense, means the journey to enlightenment (Nirvana). In England in the old Tea Rooms or Caffs you asked for tea for one, if you were on your own, or tea for two. The joke is at the expense of those that thought enlightenment etc was as easy as ordering a cup of tea. Picture a Monty Pythonish old lady entering a tea room: looks at the blackboard menu, "Dharma, the path to enlightenment. Coo that sounds nice, think I'll 'ave some - Dharma for One, please luv. And an eccles cake". It also a piss take at Clive Bunkers expense, really, Clive being in seventh heaven having had a song specifically written for him to take centre stage for once. A couple of years later, Anderson wrote some lyrics for the song which appear to be about the need for selflessness as opposed to selfishness if. The live performance of this song was recorded in 1970 in New York and released on the Living In The Past album.
* Matthew Korn


Cat's Squirrel

This instrumental blues was originally created and developed as a vocal piece of music by the American blues singer Charles Isaiah Ross (1925-1993). He recorded it in 1953 under the title "Mississippi Blues", and again in 1956 when it was retitled "Cat Squirrel". It was reworked by Eric Clapton and recorded for the album "Fresh Cream" (1966) and lateron reworked by Mick Abrahams for "This Was".
* Jan Voorbij (source: "Flying Colours: The Jethro Tull Reference Manual", Greg Russo, Crossfire Publications, 1999)
A Song For Jeffrey

This song is dedicated to a friend in Blackpool - where the band originally came from - Jeffrey Hammond, as Ian stated many times on stage. He played bass in two Blackpool bands The Blades and The John Evan Band from 1963 to 1967 (with John Evans, Ian Anderson and Barrie Barlow!) and would join Jethro Tull as a bass player after Glenn Cornick left the band and appeared on record for the first time on Aqualung in 1971. Together with "One For John Gee" (a song that wouldn't make it to the album) this was their first single for the Island label, previewing the "This Was" album
* Jan Voorbij










Jethro Tull, This Was (Chrysalis, 1968)
Jethro Tull, Aqualung (Chrystalis, 1971)
Jethro Tull, Living In The Past (Chrysalis, 1972)
Jethro Tull, Thick As A Brick (Chrysalis, 1972)

On This Was, Tull's first album, their public image was already established in the music community of the times, first by the unusual album cover, and then by the strong presence in their music of such instruments as the flute and claghorn, an odd wind instrument created by Jeffery Hammond. Although the album itself is otherwise quite ordinary, musically, for it's time, Ian Anderson shows prominently proving himself to be the logical front man. Atypical R&B, and jazzy rock 'n 'roll is relieved by the fledgling flute player who honors his friend Hammond in "A Song For Jeffery." "Dharma For One" stands out for its memorable if mediocre drum solo. Jethro Tull's first recording attempt is slightly Zeppelin-like in its background sound, but with an individuality that sets it apart from most bands of its time.

Aqualung is often said to be the quintessential Jethro Tull album. The opening flute solo which introduces Anderson's angry tale of an old pervert is represented by the ancient man on the cover of this classic album. Musically, Tull has now gained a cohesion that is evident from the first track. Anderson has developed a bizarre talent with the flute showing it off in the almost classical opening solo. He has become the pied piper and his flute is enchanting. The music is intricate but dark and almost violent in spots. The anger is heard first in "Aqualung", and then in "Cross-eyed Mary" eventually ebbing until once again this time aiming straight at the Church of England, the charismatic Ian Anderson turns from his rant against evil, to an equally hateful attack on the organized Christian church. However, the album is closed with the soft acoustic sounds of "Wind Up," Anderson's personal statement of faith. Aqualung is a masterpiece in its blending of sounds from many genres including Folk, Blues, Classical, and Rock. A collector's treasure.

Although the title would suggest a collection of previously recorded work, only 8 of 23 tracks come from earlier albums. "A Song For Jeffery" opens this 2 record collection, a particular favorite of mine, taking second place only to Aqualung in my personal collection. "A Song For Jeffery" has been updated from its original recording in 1968, while a live concert Introduction called "By Kind Permission Of" precedes "Dharma For One" logically opening the second album. Anderson's best efforts at Traditional English Folk to date also grace the second album in the form of "Life Is A Long Song" although these influences are heard prominently throughout. "A Christmas Song" begins with 2 lines from a traditional Christmas carol, "Once in Royal David's City" which was written in 1848 by Cecil Frances Alexander. Focusing on the common tradition of Christmas, Anderson addresses the hypocrisy surrounding it. Living In The Past appears to complement its predecessor in its lightness. It is perhaps less serious in its content.

A strange and unexpected departure from the recording style of the times, Thick As A Brick has no individual songs but is two sides of solid music. The newsprint album cover is indicative of the lyrical contents. Starting out with a breezy musical accompaniment, it soon descends into an angry rock sound with heavy bass accents. The tempo rises and falls in extremes as Anderson's vocals range from soft, almost romantic to snarly and sarcastic. The overall theme can be heard in the lines, "So you ride yourselves over the fields and you make all your animal deals and your wisemen don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.", an obvious message to those who will not learn. Thick As A Brick is a fascinating collaboration by Anderson and his group of skilled musicians. All in all, is a brilliant piece of work and enjoyable to listen to.

[Kate Brown]

Although there are many Web sites devoted to Jethro Tull, the official site can be found here. A book of the history of Jethro Tull by Scott Allen Nollen, Jethro Tull: A History of the Band, 1968-2001, is also reviewed at this site.









Jethro Tull - This Was

Released: 1968/2001
Label: Chrysalis - Capitol
Cat. No.: 35459
Total Time: 45:20


Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
This Was was the beginning for Jethro Tull. I think most fans of the group today don't realize that they were heavily influenced by the blues on their first outing. There was Ian Anderson's unique vocal style and flute playing to suggest a slight progressive mindset within the framework of their sound at the time, but it's primarily the blues that reigned supreme. The group changed suddenly after this release, as the departure of lead guitarist Mick Abrahams required the group to look for a replacement. That change would be enormous in the development of the Jethro Tull sound.

"My Sunday Feeling" leads off the set with the familiar Tull musings. On instrumentals such as "Serenade To A Cuckoo" and "Dharma For One" the group showed how adept they were by incorporating jazz and blues into their sound. Anderson's flute gave them a uniqueness that nobody else in rock music could claim. The classic blues tune "Cat's Squirrel" is a fine rocker, once again showing the many colors of the group's makeup. Instrumentals were to become much more complex in later years (Listen to Thick As A Brick).

This may seem like a dated back-catalog album offering, although in actuality it is a priceless gift of historical importance to the group, and an exemplary listening experience for all of those who appreciate Jethro Tull and have an interest in understanding how the group was born and why they developed into one the most successful rock groups of all time. The bonus tracks are always a delight, the sound is superb, and Ian Anderson's wistful and wry commentary in the liner notes is a joy. Let it be noted that his guidance in the remastering process was key in making this entire project a success. And to think that this is only the beginning, we all have a lot to be excited about and a lot to look forward to in the near future with these fine remastered versions of their catalog.

More about This Was:

Track Listing: My Sunday Feeling (3:43) / Some Day The Sun Won't Shine For You (2:49) / Beggar's Farm (4:19) / Move On Alone (1:58) / Serenade To A Cuckoo (6:07) / Dharma For One (4:15) / It's Breaking Me Up (5:04) / Cat's Squirrel (5:42) / A Song For Jeffrey (3:22) / Round (1:03) / Bonus Tracks: One For John Gee (2:06) / Love Story (3:06) / Christmas Song (3:06)

Musicians:
Ian Anderson - glute, guitar, harmonica, piano, horn, vocals, mouth organ
Mick Abrahams - guitar, arranger, vocals, 9-string guitar
Clive Bunker - drums, hooter
Glen Cornick - bass






This Was

Jethro Tull was initially a strange kind of blues band. Their first line-up included Mick Abrahams, Glenn Cornick, Clive Bunker, and Ian Anderson.

In June, just before this album was recorded, Jethro Tull began a residency at London's famed Marquee Club (where the 'Stones and The Who also launched their careers). Band advisers failed to get Ian to give up the flute and let Mick do all the singing. The album was recorded without any record company contract presuming, correctly, that a deal could be made afterwards.

The debut album hit #10 in the British charts, partly thanks to great airplay from BBC Radio DJ John Peel. Just before the release in the U.S., guitarist Abrahams left to form "Blodwyn Pig," primarily due to Anderson's preference for a less blues-orientated future.

Tull began their first US tour in January 1969, immediately after securing the services of guitarist Martin Barre.

The album had little commercial impact in the US charts (#62) but the U.S. tour did earn the band a strong cult following.



Released: 1968 (UK) 1969 (U.S.); Remastered 2001

Charts: 10 (U.K.), 62 (U.S.)


My Sunday Feeling
Some Day the Sun Won't Shine for You
Beggar's Farm
Move on Along
Serenade to a Cuckoo
Dharma for One
It's Breaking Me Up
A Song for Jeffrey
Round
One for John Gee*
Love Story*
Christmas Song*

* track added to the 2001 remastering and not included on the original release.

"This Was" got it's name from Ian Anderson who wanted to make a statement that the record's blues sound reflected a temporary nature of the band's sound.


How much did it cost to record and produce "This Was" ?
"This Was" was recorded for around just $1200 pounds (roughly $1800 dollars)!

Ian Anderson - flute, mouth organ, claghorn, piano, vocals
Mick Abrahams - guitar, nine string guitar, vocals
Clive Bunker - drums, hooter, charm braclet
Glenn Cornick - bass guitar



This Was
Chrysalis (CDP3210412)
UK 1968

Ian Anderson, flute, mouth organ, claghorn, piano, vocals;
Mick Abrahams, guitar, nine string guitar, vocals;
Clive Bunker, drums, hooter, charm bracelet;
Glen Cornick, bass guitar

Tracklist:
1. My Sunday Feeling - 3:38
2. Some Day the Sun Won't Shine for You - 2:42
3. Beggar's Farm - 4:19
4. Move on Alone - 2:00
5. Serenade to a Cuckoo - 6:01
6. Dharma for One - 4:11
7. It's Breaking Me - 4:56
8. Cat's Squirrel - 5:36
9. A Song for Jeffrey - 3:18
10. Round - 0:50


conrad

According to the offical Jethro Tull web site, Ian Anderson wanted to call the debut album This Was in order to indicate the changing nature of the band. The back of the album even states "This was how we were playing then, but things change. Don't they."
This is certainly not a typical album for Jethro Tull. For a start, the style is blues. Quirky blues, with a lot more flute than one might expect, but it's definitely blues. Also, the song writing credits are shared around. The bulk of the material is Ian Anderson, but there are also pieces by Mick Abrahams, Roland Kirk and a few with shared credits. After This Was, the songs were almost universally written by Ian Anderson.

This song doesn't really have a lot to offer listeners in terms of progressive rock, though "A Song for Jeffrey" is a good example of Ian Anderson's song writing ability. It does have a fair bit to offer for the fan of sixties blues. The extended improvised guitar on "Cat's Squirrel" shows Mick Abrahams to be a very good, if not brilliant, musician. "Beggar's Farm" is an exceptionally good blending of Anderson's crooning voice and Abrahams' blues guitar. The highlight for the blues fan should be the Roland Kirk number "Serenade to a Cuckoo". It starts off with a mellow, jazzy feel led by some fairly straight flute playing. As the piece goes on Ian Anderson starts let loose and we hear a bit more of that growling flute style that has become his trademark.

This was probably not Jethro Tull at their best, but it's how Mick Abrahams wanted to keep it. Realising that they had to go their own ways, Mick Abrahams went on to form the blues band Blodwyn Pig, and by the time he had released All Said and Done in 1991 there was discernable difference to his style. Meanwhile Ian Anderson took Jethro Tull into bigger and more diverse things.

2-3-03