Interview: Martin Barre (@ The Birchmere, 4/22/19)

Posted on 04/16/2019 by Mark Caicedo in Interview, Preview and tagged Birmingham, England, folk, guitar, hard rock, Interview, Jethro Tull, Martin Barre, progressive rock, Rams Head On Stage, The Birchmere.

Martin Barre performs at Jammin’ Java on Oct. 14, 2018. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

“I just want to be a good musician, I want to be a good songwriter, I want to get better.”

Refreshing words coming from a musician who’s been at the top of his game for over 50 years. Martin Barre is well-known as the long-time lead guitarist (1969-2012) for Jethro Tull. I spoke with Martin in anticipation of his “Martin Barre Celebrates 50 Years of Jethro Tull Tour,” which will come to the DC Metro area for two shows on April 22 at The Birchmere and April 23 at Rams Head on Stage. (This interview has been edited for clarity and flow.)

Live Review: Jethro Tull @ MGM National Harbor — 3/11/19

Posted on 03/18/2019 by Chester Simpson in Live Review and tagged anniversary show, blues, Chester Simpson, England, folk, Ian Anderson, jazz, Jethro Tull, MGM National Harbor, progressive rock.

Ian Anderson (center) celebrates 50 years of Jethro Tull at MGM National Harbor on March 11, 2019. (Photo by Chester Simpson)

I first saw Jethro Tull on the Aqualung Tour at Civic Center in Roanoke, Virginia, on April 18, 1971. I most recently saw Ian Anderson and company at MGM National Harbor when they visited to celebrate 50 years of the band.

Interview: Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull (@ MGM National Harbor, 3/11/19)

Posted on 03/08/2019 by Mickey McCarter in Interview, Preview and tagged blues, England, flute, Ian Anderson, Interview, jazz, Jethro Tull, MGM National Harbor, progressive rock.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull (Photo by Travis Latam)

Famed progressive rock band Jethro Tull released This Was, their first studio album, in 1968, and founder Ian Anderson last year began a series of concerts to commemorate the band’s 50th anniversary. The Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary show arrives at MGM National Harbor on Monday, March 11. We’re looking forward to hearing early favorites like “Aqualung,” “Thick as a Brick,” and “A Song for Jeffrey,” among others.

Parklife DC had the distinct honor of chatting with Ian about what to expect during the Jethro Tull show, how his personal experiences with the flute have evolved, and what it’s like to be a witness to key historical events and even a catalyst for cultural change.

Music Park: Martin Barre @ Jammin’ Java — 10/14/18

Posted on 10/18/2018 by Mark Caicedo in Live Review and tagged Birmingham, England, folk, guitar, hard rock, Jammin' Java, Jethro Tull, Martin Barre, progressive rock.

Martin Barre performs at Jammin’ Java on Oct. 14, 2018. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

After interviewing Martin Barre for Parklife DC last week, I was eager to see the former Jethro Tull guitarist and his band perform. Sunday night at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia, I had the opportunity to see the musician responsible for so many of Tull’s classic rock guitar riffs, solos, and songs.

Interview: Martin Barre (@ Jammin’ Java, 10/14/18)

Posted on 10/11/2018 by Mark Caicedo in Interview, Live Review and tagged Birmingham, England, folk, guitar, hard rock, Interview, Jammin' Java, Jethro Tull, Martin Barre, progressive rock.

Martin Barre (Photo courtesy Lappen Enterprises)

In the pantheon of rock guitar greats, many familiar names come to mind: Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Santana. For many of us, the name Barre resides on that list as well. Martin Barre was the long-time lead guitarist for blues-turned-progressive rock band Jethro Tull from 1969 through 2012.

His intricate playing, unique style and iconic solos are well known to millions of fans. Parklife DC had the opportunity to chat with the guitarist in anticipation of the Martin Barre Band’s appearance at Jammin’ Java on Sunday, Oct. 14.