Ian Anderson: One of the best guitarists of all time?

[Wade Hampton]

Ian Anderson is a superb all-around musician as well as a genius songwriter and band leader. He was already an adult and an electric guitarist when he heard Eric Clapton on the radio and realized that he would never be as good at it as Clapton was.

So he bought a flute and taught himself how to play, and changed his focus with guitar from electric to acoustic guitar, later adding mandolin and other stringed instruments as well.

I had always assumed that he’d studied flute as a child, but no, he decided to make his mark using an instrument that no one else in rock music was using.

His acoustic guitar playing is just as complex as it needs to be - which is sometimes quite complex - but it’s always perfect for the music he writes. Even when plays simple guitar parts they’re deceptively simple, and far more challenging to accurately than you’d assume at first listen.


whm

[Borderdon]

Originally Posted by valleyguy

Certainly as an acoustic guitar player, he is top notch, very inventive. One of my favorites.

For you fans of his, Steven Wilson of Porcupine tee has remastered many of the Jethro Tulls albums. They are amazing to listen to, he has brought out the instrumentation and made it extremely clear. Well worth the purchase.

As a Steven Wilson fan, I understand he takes great care to get the sound he’s after, thanks for the heads-up.

[steveh]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

Even Shakespeare retired.

I guess my point is that Anderson hasn’t; indeed, far from it.

Cheers,
Steve

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by steveh

I have seen Tull / Anderson countless times since 1977. I guess my major conundrum (no pun intended) is why people like Anderson "go off". Sure, his voice failed many years ago, but his songwriting skills did also, around the time of Roots to Branches. How does someone who was so supremely talented suddenly stop writing great songs?

Cheers,
Steve

Originally Posted by frankmcr

Even Shakespeare retired.

Originally Posted by steveh

I guess my point is that Anderson hasn’t; indeed, far from it.

Cheers,
Steve

He seems to have pretty much retired from writing though.

[valleyguy]

Originally Posted by Borderdon

As a Steven Wilson fan, I understand he takes great care to get the sound he’s after, thanks for the heads-up.

He has also remastered the Yes albums, for those who are also a fan.