Jethro Tull- Benefit @55- Ian Anderson 4-7

April 1970’s third Jethro Tull album, Benefit, was my gateway drug into a lifelong relationship with the music and mind of Ian Anderson. Songs including “With You There to Help Me”, “Nothing to Say”, “To Cry You A Song”, and “Teacher” all benefited (sorry) from the addition of John Evan on piano and mellotron, and from a more assertive approach on lead guitar from Martin Barre.

The approach resulted in Benefit just missing Top Ten sales in America and an even more impressive #3 in Jethro Tull’s native UK. Ian Anderson tells some great stories to celebrate the double-nickel anniversary here In the Studio the week of April 7, for our collective benefit. – Redbeard