Anyone who has been there knows what a great evening can be had within the confines of Pfeiffer Hall. The courteous staff, along with excellent sound and seating made Pfeiffer the perfect spot to see the legendary minstrel of Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson. His distinct voice and jaw-dropping flute runs have been the foundation of one of the most unique rock bands in history.
Anderson brought all of those elements to Pfeiffer Hall as he began yet another tour in a career that has spanned nearly 50 years.
As the 67-year-old Anderson scooted from one side of the stage to the other, occasionally putting foot to knee in his signature pose, he looked to be fit as a fiddle. But, as you might expect, it was his flute that stole the show.
Anderson would run through the highlights of his latest Homo Erraticus album, and then finish the night with a list of Tull classics. Playing hits like “Thick as a Brick” and “Aqualung” were expected, but obscure songs like “With You There to Help Me” and “Sweet Dream” were unexpected and welcomed gems.
Armed with a giant screen to back light the stage, we saw clips of a more youthful Anderson singing in perfect synchronization with the handsome 67-year-old gentleman that now graces the stage.
The “then and know” effect was something that really worked well, and it was something that reminded me that one of my childhood musical idols is still very much alive and very well.
