Though best known as the lead guitarist for the legendary group Jethro Tull, Martin Barre has carved out an impressive niche of his own with a strong collection of his own material. This latest album has him with a band of Dan Crisp/voc, Alan Thomson/b, Darby Todd/dr, Josiah J/B3-perc and Becca Landsford/voc that veers between folksy minstrel themes a la Pentangle and festive upbeat rocking material that harkens to early Tull days. The result is an extremely pleasing outing that looks forward by reflecting back.
Barre plays guitars, mandolin, mandola and banjo, creating a troubadour mood with Crisps rich voice on pieces such as “Lone Wolf” and an indigo’d “Badcore Blues” along with the optimistic “I’m On My Way.” Barre pulls out his Strat for a rollicking “Out of Time” and gets jazzy with Josiah J’s humming Hammond on “For No Man” and smoking the blues on with Langsford’s rich voice during “And the Band Played Only For Me.” Gentle and pastoral atmospheres are a breeze for Barre as he brings in his acoustic guitar to team with Alex Hart for a pastel’d “You Are An Angel” with Barre and company taking you on a journey to the English countried “Seattle” while providing all of the instrumental themes on a gracious “Trinity.” If he and his band will mix this material with songs from his days with Mr. Anderson, his upcoming shows are NOT to be missed.