The three-minute plus instrumental piece is a melodic journey through a universe of rhythmic diversity which characterizes the band´s gigantism amidst the Barons of Progressive Rock.
BY: Fernando de Mello Pimentel
Released in 1969, the album "STAND UP" - the band´s second studio achievement - hosts a vast repertoire of multifaceted compositions which are fusions themselves of various musical elements pertaining to styles as diverse as: classical, folk, celtic, hard rock and jazz. Decades later, these songs would become atemporal Jethro Tull Classics. Among this all-star line-up is their version of the erudit "BOURÉE", which stands-out until the present day as one of the most precious gemstones in the annals of progressive rock.
This particular rendition of Johan Sebastian Bach´s classic piece is simply astonishing. The song starts off in a sublime manner, with Ian Anderson´s magical flute luring the listener along with its angelical melody which in deed seems lighter than air. Such ethereality is only interrupted as the piece´s time signature switches to a funky rhythmic break-down beat. From this point on, the song about faces in structure, shifting from a classical arrangement to a groovy/psychadelic motif in which all band members jam intensely and in a complementary manner.
To guarantee this effect, a superb rhythmic work is handled by both bass player Glenn Cornick and drummer Clive Bunker as they set a sturdily structured jamming framework which serves as a precious safeguard for Ian Anderson´s and Martin Barre´s whimsical solos.
Moreover, Ian Anderson´s role as a “maestro” in charge of his experimental quartet is a solid statement that proved to the entire musical community that his traits as a musician were far too superior for the time. As of that moment, his distinguished position as band leader, composer and musical virtuoso would become unanimously widespread and also immortalized in the timeless chords of his “BOURÉE”.
***** FIVE STARS!!! A TRUE CLASSICAL MASTERPIECE!!!
All Rights Reserved - 2007 FPimentel Poems & Publishing Co.
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