‘I’m happier with the people I’m working with’: Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre set to release rare solo effort

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Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre will release his first album in a decade, and his first since Ian Anderson decided to produce a sequel to the band’s classic Thick as a Brick as a solo project.

Away with Words, due on September 28, 2013 via RSK’s Edifying Records, will feature new Barre originals as well as updates of songs from Tull’s late-1970s recordings. Barre is offering samples of new tracks to be included on Away with Words via his web site at martinbarre.com.

The reworked Tull songs include “From a Deadbeat to an Old Greaser,” from 1976’s Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die!, “Fire at Midnight” from 1977’s Songs from the Wood; “Moths” from 1978’s Heavy Horses; and “Home” from 1979’s Stormwatch

Barre has been active on the road recently as well, touring with his group New Day and participating in an all-star concert billed as the Legends of Rock featuring original Fleetwood Mac members Mick Fleetwood and Jeremy Spencer, Asia’s John Wetton, a trio of members of Supertramp and Yes’ Jon Anderson, among others.

Barre joined Jethro Tull in 1969, as the group rounded into form. His distinctive guitar work can be heard on a number of their signature tunes, including “Locomotive Breath,” “Cross-Eyed Mary” and “Aqualung.”

The guitarist, along with drummer Doane Perry, would become one of the few constants in a group that’s seen ever-shifting lineups around Anderson. Neither, however, was invited to participate in Anderson’s new follow up to the 1972 magnum opus they created together.

Though obviously stung by Anderson’s move to release Thick As a Brick 2 without him, Barre was upbeat in an interview with Goldmine: “I’m very positive about everything right now,” he said. “I’m happier with the people I’m working with. I don’t have a problem with what’s happening. It will all level out.”

Anderson, meanwhile, has presented this time apart as a chance for Barre to receive some long-overdue notice as a solo artist.

“It’s nice to have a bit of a life of your own, and be recognized as an individual, rather than just as that bloke who plays guitar in Jethro Tull,” Anderson said in an exclusive SER Sitdown. “It’s important to me, let alone him, that he’s recognized as an individual by name for his work over the years and his contributions to the sound of Jethro Tull. It’s good that he’s doing these things. I look forward to hearing the fruits of his efforts in the months to come.”

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