The Secret Language of Birds [Extra tracks]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Because he's oft-lumped with classic-rock vets from the Zeppelin era, it's easy to forget that Jethro Tull's flautist-vocalist Ian Anderson has always been a complete original. It's also tempting to think that Tull has in recent years been little more than a vehicle for Anderson's idiosyncratic whims, but his third solo outing, The Secret Language of Birds, quickly clarifies that notion. Entirely acoustic and worlds away from its two predecessors--the dated electro-pop of 1983's Walk into Light and the refined classicism of 1995's Divinities: Twelve Dances with God--Birds hearkens back to the pastoral, Renaissance-tinged music that Tull has explored less and less since Tull's second outing, 1969's Stand Up. With a nod to the folk influences of Steeleye Span (whom Anderson produced) and rife with Gaelic and Eastern European musical influences, Anderson contemplates issues from lost innocence to the Irish Problem with typically baroque grace. --Jerry McCulley

The Secret Language of Birds,Ian Anderson,Varese Records,New Age,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock

The Secret Language of Birds [Extra tracks]

Average customer rating:

Thoroughly enjoyable work from Ian Anderson

I can't speak the language, but I love it anyway!

Extremely Satisfying

An Exquisite Acoustical Masterpiece

a lttle more info

The Secret Language of Birds
Ian Anderson
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rupi's Dance

Divinities: Twelve Dances with God

Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Bonus Dvd)

Ian Anderson Plays the Orchestral Jethro Tull

The Broadsword and the Beast

ASIN: B00004RCTD
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

The Secret Language Of Birds
The Little Flower Girl
Montserrat
Postcard Day
The Water Carrier
Set-Aside
A Better Moon
Sanctuary
The Jasmine Corridor
The Habanero Reel
Panama Freighter
The Secret Language Of Birds, Pt II
Boris Dancing
Circular Breathing
The Stormont Shuffle
Untitled
Untitled
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

Because he's oft-lumped with classic-rock vets from the Zeppelin era, it's easy to forget that Jethro Tull's flautist-vocalist Ian Anderson has always been a complete original. It's also tempting to think that Tull has in recent years been little more than a vehicle for Anderson's idiosyncratic whims, but his third solo outing, The Secret Language of Birds, quickly clarifies that notion. Entirely acoustic and worlds away from its two predecessors--the dated electro-pop of 1983's Walk into Light and the refined classicism of 1995's Divinities: Twelve Dances with God--Birds hearkens back to the pastoral, Renaissance-tinged music that Tull has explored less and less since Tull's second outing, 1969's Stand Up. With a nod to the folk influences of Steeleye Span (whom Anderson produced) and rife with Gaelic and Eastern European musical influences, Anderson contemplates issues from lost innocence to the Irish Problem with typically baroque grace. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Thoroughly enjoyable work from Ian Anderson.......2007-01-04

I was delighted to discover that the musical genius continues, after having lost track of him in the 90's.

I can't speak the language, but I love it anyway!.......2006-09-27

The title track on this cd features yet another brilliant and catchy melody by Ian Anderson, which he has always had a knack for creating. Then again, that compliment could be applied for every song on this disc. This album is truly a joy to listen to. Some of the highlights include Sanctuary, Jasmine Corridor, Panama Freighter, and the instant-classic Circular Breathing. I would have liked to hear a little more drums and more electric guitar from guest Martin Barre (of course!), but the overall quality and accosutics of this recording are really excellent. You can hear many of the elements, such as great accoustic guitar work, classic Hammond organ, and of course, exquisite flute solos, that has made the music of Jethro Tull so special over the years. Another example of why Ian Anderson is a musical genius.

Extremely Satisfying.......2006-09-07

The Secret Language of Birds is a stunningly beautiful, near-perfect album. Being just about the biggest Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull fan ever, I wasn't particularly surprised. I bought Rupi's Dance when it was new a while back and really liked it, but I just got SLOB and I must say it is a superior collection of songs. It must be one of the finest solo albums ever released by a band's front man, and it is certainly Ian's best solo effort. It is relaxed in places, and robust in others, especially in the second half of the album. It's the perfect CD to play on a sunny day (or when it's rainy to cheer you up). Every song is simply wonderful in its own unique way. The highlights for me were numerous, including the title track (Parts 1 & 2), "Montserrat," "Set-Aside," "The Habanero Reel," and "Sanctuary," which is one of the most beautiful songs he's ever recorded. Really, they're all good though. This album represents Ian Anderson's return to writing the kind of music he became so beloved for in the first place. Not that his stuff in the 80's was entirely bad, it just wasn't what we all know and love about Ian. As always, he sings in such a way that it seems like a live performance, full of quirky nuances. For anyone who complains about his voice not sounding as good as it used to, I would offer that he has done an excellent job working with what he's got now. Sure he can't belt it out like he did on Minstrel in the Gallery, but come on: the guy's pushing 60 and still goes on world tour every year! There are several elements of the album that recall the classic Tull works of old. Most welcome for me was the inclusion of what sounds very much like a Hammond B-3 organ, which Andy Giddings plays John Evan-style...major plus. Most of these songs would have been right at home in the 70's folk rock scene. If you would consider yourself a fan of Ian, Tull, or folk music in general, you must buy this album. You won't be disappointed by this exquisite assortment of songs.

An Exquisite Acoustical Masterpiece.......2006-07-24

As a lifelong Jethro Tull fan, I have followed Ian Anderson and the versions of the group through its variations from blues to rock to acoustical to whatever else. The common thread through all these permutations is the high level of musicianship that Anderson and the boys around him bring to his music. This recording is an acoustical treat of the first order - a mature musician who still has his wits and his musical chops and hasn't lost his creative edge. This is NOT a Tull album, though at times, it may sound like one, especially the more acoustically oriented ones. Anderson's flute playing has come to a wonderfully seasoned maturity; he's a man who is at one with his instrument. Equally pleasant is his acoustical guitar work, which has attained a very clean and comfortable sound intergrating rhythm with intricate melody and counterpoint. The lyrics are pure Anderson - obscure, difficult, at times nonsensical, but they always make you listen carefully.

Some have commented on Anderson's less than powerful vocalization. Obviously, his voice bears the scars of 40 years of singing and a surgery. But the pieces are written to be friendly to a voice that may be a bit too old to rock and roll, but still too young to die. I don't find this a detraction at all, but rather an artistic accomodation to aging in a culture that places little value on maturity.

This is a very smart and pleasant recording by a creative artist whose music will live on long after he ceases to record.

a lttle more info.......2006-01-12

track 16 is an introduction to track 17 which is from Divinities called IN The Grip Of Stronger Stuff and track 18 is a short version of Thick As A Brick.

Average customer rating:

Secret Language of Birds
Ian Anderson
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

New Age | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00009MKOO
Release Date: 2003-09-22

Tracks:

Secret Language Of Birds
Little Flower Girl
Montserrat
Postcard Day
Water Carrier
Set-Aside
A Better Moon
Sanctuary
Jasmine Corridor
Habanero Reel
Panama Freighter
Secret Language Of Birds, Pt. Ii
Boris Dancing
Circular Breathing
Stormont Shuffle

Average customer rating:

sound from the universe
El genio lírico de IAN ANDERSON regresa
What's up?

The Secret Language of Birds
Ian Anderson
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004R7TU
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Secret Language of Birds
Little Flower Girl
Montserrat
Postcard Day
Water Carrier
Set-Aside
Better Moon
Sanctuary
Jasmine Corridor
Habanero Reel
Panama Freighter
Secret Language of Birds, Pt. 2
Boris Dancing
Circular Breathing
Stormont Shuffle

Customer Reviews:

sound from the universe.......2003-02-06

Intelligent, moving music that defies classification. Combines the best from so many different influences and is delivered with grace from one of the best and timeless performers to ever set foot on a stage.

El genio lírico de IAN ANDERSON regresa.......2001-06-28

Durante los más de treinta años que lleva existiendo JETHRO TULL, sus fans hemos estado esperando un disco en solitario de su líder, IAN ANDERSON, en el que se reflejase la faceta más folk y acústica de su música, seguramente porque todos sabíamos que las composiciones de este genio para su grupo tenían forzosamente que abarcar una diversidad de estilos más amplia que la que en solitario hubiese podido llevar a cabo. Han tenido que pasar 32 años para que el señor ANDERSON nos complazca, con "The secret language of birds", que no merece otro calificativo que el de obra maestra. Este pedazo de músico ha compuesto un disco acústico en su práctica totalidad, de una musicalidad deliciosa y una variedad de matices realmente inigualable para un trabajo tan simple en su concepción, que no en su ejecución. El maestro IAN toca las guitarras acústicas, bouzoukis, mandolinas, bajos acústicos y, por supuesto, las flautas, además de encargarse de percusiones y piccolos. Todo un despliegue de virtuosismo que no sorprende a ninguno de sus fieles seguidores de siempre, pero que hará sonrojarse a más de un músico alternativo de hoy en día. A su lado se encuentra ANDREW GIDDINGS a los teclados, bajo eléctrico, acordeón y percusión. El elenco de maestros se completa con los baterías GERRY CONWAY, viejo conocido de los tiempos de "The broadsword and the beast", DARREN MOONEY y JAMES DUNCAN y, ¡cómo no!, con el siempre efectivo MARTIN BARRE a la guitarra eléctrica en dos temas del álbum.

"The secret language of birds" es un disco estremecedor, intimista y, al mismo tiempo, lleno de fuerza, la que le da un legado tan impresionante como el que tiene el líder de JETHRO TULL desde los tiempos de "Aqualung" o "Thick as a brick", porque en este tercer trabajo en solitario de IAN ANDERSON se vuelve a respirar parte de ese ambiente bucólico, a medio camino entre lo campestre y lo underground, que pudimos paladear en las partes acústicas de ambas obras maestras. Pero no se paran ahí las reminiscencias. Álbumes como "Heavy horses", "Stand up", "Songs from the wood", "Minstrel in the gallery", "Stormwatch", "Too old to rock `n' roll: too young to die",... contenían temas acústicos que en muchos casos constituían puntos álgidos en la globalidad de dichos discos. Pues bien, ahí está el señor IAN ANDERSON, a las puertas del siglo XXI, demostrándonos que aún le sobran ideas para componer maravillas que se asemejen a tales canciones. Me explico: "The water carrier" suena en la misma línea que la fantástica "Fat man", de "Stand up"; "Set-aside" nos trae a la memoria las geniales "Slipstream" de "Aqualung", o "Dun ringill", de "Stormwatch"; "Sanctuary", con su bajo acústico y esos sonidos de violines se aproxima a "Minstrel in the gallery", para poco después acercarse más al estilo de "Songs from the wood" o de la bellísima "Moths", de "Heavy horses", en cuanto la guitarra acústica y la flauta dominan las partes instrumentales. Podría seguir, pero no quisiera que esta crítica sonase a comparación. "The secret language of birds" es un disco con entidad propia, que recoge lo mejor de la faceta acústica de JETHRO TULL a lo largo de su historia y la actualiza a los tiempos que corren hoy en día. Hay un detalle que define perfectamente esta cuestión: a pesar de las similitudes y parangones, ninguna de las canciones que aparecen en este álbum podrían encajar al cien por cien en los discos antiguos de JETHRO TULL, puesto que el sello distintivo del estilo actual del grupo está muy presente en todas ellas. Podemos encontrar sonidos claramente celtas ("The habanero reel", "Boris dancing", "The stormont shuffle"), otros de ambiente campestre pero mucho más actuales ("The secret language of birds" en sus dos partes, "Postcard day", "A better moon") y en general, extraordinarios temas dignos del genio creativo de IAN ANDERSON, en los que sigue presente una de las características que mejor definen su labor como arreglista y compositor: las constantes variaciones rítmicas e incluso melódicas. Los temas compuestos por ANDERSON a lo largo de su larga y fecunda carrera encierran diferentes melodías concatenadas. Sus arreglos siempre han sido de los más elaborados y complejos del mundo del rock, y a pesar de la aparente sencillez de los temas que aparecen en este disco, ahí están para recordarnos que lo que escuchamos es de una calidad musical sin igual. ¿Temas favoritos?, ¡Todos!. En cada escucha descubro nuevos matices y nuevas sensaciones que en anteriores ocasiones pasaron desapercibidas. Un indicio más de que estamos ante una obra maestra. Ahora surge la pregunta: ¿cuál es mejor, el "Dot com" de JETHRO TULL, o este "The secret language of birds" de IAN ANDERSON?. Difícil de responder. Yo, diplomáticamente, puedo decir que "Dot com" me parece un álbum más variado e innovador que este último trabajo de IAN en solitario, pero si nos atenemos a la parcela acústica y folk de la música del grupo, lo cierto es que "The secret language..." le da cien patadas a "Dot com". Los fans de JETHRO TULL estamos de enhorabuena, porque hemos podido disfrutar, en menos de un año, de dos magistrales álbumes, realmente apabullantes.

What's up?.......2001-01-15

What I heard, I only know! It's a kind of music that I want to listen and to make all my life in the future. It's so mountainerous and natural, so professional and well-sounded, a quality-done one! I think it's expressive and massive in attacking peoples' feelings and mind. It minds so well! I can listen it all the day and do my life on it. Every song or instrumental is a piece of a puzzle - the I.A.'s puzzle. The sound is tremendous - it just rings! Words and music are combined in a new but old strange one cd! While not standing before the cd, it works in my mind as a brainstorm. And all this is made by a person, who I really think is a regular guy, in between the extremes!

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