Reissue of the Solo Album from the Longtime Jethro Tull Guitarist Where He was Able to Explore Musical Textures that were Not Possible in the Context of the Band.
Reissue of the Solo Album from the Longtime Jethro Tull Guitarist Where He was Able to Explore Musical Textures that were Not Possible in the Context of the Band.
... and on the lead guitar - Martin Lancelot Barre
02/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Martin Barre proves that he is truly one of the finest rock guitarists in the business. It's about time Martin steped out from the depths of Jethro Tull and provided us an offering of original music. Instrumentals like Bug and Morris Minus melodic and display a virtuosity that is matched by only a few. While Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson is the acknowledged ultimate rock and roll flautist, few probably know that Martin also plays the flute ... check out the instrumental, I Be Thank You. You'll find Martin's vocals on the title track and Suspicion, while not great, are more than passable. If you enjoy great guitar music ... this one is a keeper."
A Blast of Sound and Style
Carl H. Piraneo | Fayetteville/FT. Bragg, North Carolina, USA | 06/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's certainly about time - but definitely worth the wait. An absolutely stunning and eclectic offering from Martin Barre that is dimensionally brilliant yet fun to listen to at the same time. The entire work is awash in a refreshing array of sounds and styles that is decisively polished into an ultra-pristine performance. His venerable grab bag of influence and ideas are ample and prevalent yet invariantly transfigured as each song opens up a new wave of sonic excitement. A masterpiece of production value, this recording glistens with every dynamic that the CD range and medium can muster!
I'm not sure to what extent that die-hard Jethro Tull fans will accept or appreciate this work, as it bears much less a resemblance to anything in the Tull catalog than it does to several of Martin's other British guitar/composer contemporaries, notably, Steve Hackett and Mike Oldfield, who have thrived within their own longevity of successful solo recording careers. (e.g., compare the opening track "Bug" on 'A Trick of Memory' to "Camino Royale" the opening track on Hackett's 'Highly Strung'). Similar enough in construction, however, it is the overall voice and tone of the guitar that both of these artists have revamped and brought out to the forefront as to see the instrument in a more expressive light rather than mimicking mere melody or truncated, sterile techniques.
This is not said to portray any limiting factors, as for the contrary, it should act to widen the appeal of Martin's work to those who enjoy a wider spectrum of progressive musical artists outside of the immediate Tull/ Fairport Convention ring. If you want something different and unpredictable, yet, appealing and consistent - then check out what Martin and friends are doing here."
Barre. Martin Barre. On Guitar.
Carl H. Piraneo | 09/15/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A fine debut from Martin Barre. The guitar work is flawless...as expected. As a vocalist, he is a great guitarist...which is to say his voice is not great, but it's good enough. Lyrics are good, although Trick of Memory reminded me too much One Slip from Pink Floyd. The instrumentals are great, the strongest part of the disc. This disc is a better selection than his follow-up, 'The Meeting.' Tull fans will not be disappointed."
Great Recording by a highly underrated guitarist
Carl H. Piraneo | 08/11/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Martin Barre's first solo recording after playing for over 25 years as Jethro Tulls main guitar man. To me, it shows how talented a musician he is. He goes from hard rock to classical styling without a hitch. If you are into great guitar check this one out, you won't be sorry! This is also the only recording where Mr. Barre sings lead vocals! On his latest release (The Meeting) he has chosen to focus on guitar only. Personally, I like his vocals. They're gritty and reflect his blues past. The guitar playing is what one would expect of a veteran guitarist like Mr. Barre. True to form his playing, in my opinion, has to put him amongst one of the most underrated guitarist of his time. Happy Listening!"
Fantastic guitar and wonderful variety in this album!
Carl H. Piraneo | 06/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Martin Barre has long been my favourite guitarist and this album just reinforced my belief that he is one of the best. Very entertaining album with much variety between the different songs. His vocals are quite good, especially considering it is vocal debut. He has also been sure to surround himself with quality backup singing and musicians."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
