Thick As A Brick Live In Iceland
Ian Anderson
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: August 25, 2014
Review Date: August 24, 2014


Jethro Tull. How do you “pigeon hole” them? There’s no one in the band by the name of Jethro or Tull.  Their music consists of everything from rock to classical music, jazz, folk and everything in between.  Rolling Stone likely hit the nail on the proverbial head by saying that they are “. . . one of the most . . . eccentric progressive rock bands”.

The album that stands out most to me by the band is their historic “Thick As A Brick” that came out in 1972. It was unique in that it was comprised of only one song that took both sides of the vinyl album, telling the story of a young boy named Gerald Bostock.

That’s prog rock for ya!

The one member of Jethro Tull who has been in the band since its inception is Ian Anderson. In 2012, Anderson continued the story with the creation of “Thick As A Brick 2: Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock?” Anderson took both albums on the road to present the complete story onstage live. This show, filmed in Iceland, brings Mr. Bostock’s tale to life as it never has before, resulting in THE definitive presentation of “Thick As A Brick”.

Fortunately for Tull/Anderson fans, the show was captured on video amd the good folks at Eagle Rock Entertainment have released Thick As A Brick - Live In Iceland on 2CD, DVD, SD Blu-ray and digital formats. This is the first time “Thick As A Brick” and “Thick As A Brick 2: Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock?” have been offered in a combined set, resulting in a superb presentation of the complete story of Gerald Bostock.
 
Underlining not only Ian Anderson’s importance as a songsmith, Thick As A Brick – Live In Iceland also showcases this consummate live performer. The entire eclectic show is entertaining on so many levels. To see Anderson perform both albums, complete with vignettes and the unique Brit humor is something behold.

Jethro Tull fans – as well fans of Ian Anderson’s solo work – will definitely want the CD set and the DVD as part of their personal libraries.