This week on the block, we have a Christmas album—and not just any Christmas album, but one from the legendary band Jethro Tull. At first, one might think, “What the hell?” But those who are die-hard Tull fans or just super fans of Christmas albums will remember this is not the band’s first venture into the realm of holiday music. The Jethro Tull Christmas Album—Fresh Snow At Christmas showcases the band’s love for the holiday season.

Throughout the album, we are taken everywhere from Prog jams to something that blends the carols of yore with a prog style that is 100 % Tull. When I first heard of this release, my mind kind of stopped as if buffering, trying to figure out how they would pull this off. I was aware of the last Christmas release, but want to treat this one as its own album and in no way make it a comparison. I do not think it will come as any surprise to anyone that there will be flutes! I mean it’s a Tull album, but there is awesome musicianship sprinkled all over this cut. What stands out besides the performances are the different genres those performances dip into. The aforementioned prog style will always be there, but we are taken to other places that include jazzy sections featuring organ, Irish-style jigs, the feeling of Christmas around the castle via oh let’s say 1580, and of course large bombastic orchestral pieces that only prog rock bands can truly deliver. The fun is being able to time travel with each cut as it presents itself in its own time and place.

Whether you are a Tull fan, or not, this album could find a place in the holiday rotation (especially the “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” cut).

Buy the album here:
https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/JethroTullChristmasAlbum

8 / 10
TORBJORN SOLGARD
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