Jethro Tull:The String Quartets Album Hits # 1

This week Ian Anderson reached the number one position again in the Billboard Classical Album charts with his new collaboration with the Carducci String Quartet, JETHRO TULL: THE STRING QUARTETS. Previously, his album DIVINITIES topped the Billboard Classical charts in 1995. In 1973 A Passion Play and, before that, 1972’s THICK AS A BRICK both hit number one in the Billboard Album charts. Those are number one hits every 22 years.

In addition to classical charts, JETHRO TULL: THE STRING QUARTETS debuted at #16 on the Independent charts, and #80 on Billboard’s album chart.

In the UK, JETHRO TULL: THE STRING QUARTETS entered at #2 on Classical, #56 on Album, and #6 for Independent.

THE STRING QUARTETS (track listing below) features 12 re-imagined Tull classics, allowing Tull fans and classical music connoisseurs to enjoy the band's vast catalog in a new way. 

Blogcritics calls the album, “an excellent example of what can be done when a fresh, and in this case collective, creative spirit gets ahold of timelessly great material." - Blogcritics

Rebeat Magazine writes, ”Classical music fans will appreciate this album for its ability to demonstrate the versatility and respectability of Anderson’s compositions outside of the rock world. Hardcore Tull fans will also enjoy the album as it celebrates the interesting blend of styles and eras that made Jethro Tull such an interesting band." 

Formed in 1968, Jethro Tull has released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. With nearly 50 years' history, the band has performed more than 3,000 concerts in 40 countries, playing 100+ concerts each year.

Mr Anderson will return to the United States this May, June, August, and November to present multi-media JETHRO TULL, and will be accompanied by Tull members David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Florian Opahle (guitar), and Scott Hammond (drums). 

JETHRO TULL: THE STRING QUARTETS is available in the U.S. via The End Records/BMG via Baker & Taylor.


JETHRO TULL: THE STRING QUARTETS Track listing 

01. In the Past (Living In The Past)
02. Sossity Waiting (Sossity: You’re a Woman / Reasons For Waiting)
03. Bungle (Bungle In The Jungle)
04. We Used to Bach (We Used to Know / Bach Prelude C Major)
05. Farm, the Fourway (Farm On The Freeway)
06. Songs and Horses (Songs From The Wood / Heavy Horses) **
07. Only the Giving (Wond’ring Aloud)
08. Loco (Locomotive Breath)
09. Pass the Bottle (A Christmas Song) **
10. Velvet Gold (Velvet Green)
11. Ring Out These Bells (Ring Out, Solstice Bells) **
12. Aquafugue (Aqualung)