With their 24th studio album Curious Ruminant, Ian Anderson and the current version of Jethro Tull continue on with the influx of new music that began with 2022's The Zealot Gene and 2023's RökFlöte. Joining Anderson on this voyage is David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (piano, keyboards, accordion), Scott Hammond (drums), and new guy Jack Clark (guitar), along with some help from James Duncan (drums, percussion), and old friend Andrew Giddings (piano, keyboards, accordion). While some might have found the previous two albums either too folky, not rocking enough, too much prog, or too much rock, Curious Ruminant I think balances out what has made the music of Jethro Tull so appealing to so many for all these years. With Ian's vocal limitations being what they are, I think some have been critical of him trying to stretch above his capabilities, and I think on this latest release, he seems more comfortable with his 'more of a whisper' type of delivery. "Puppet and the Puppet Master" is a great opener, love the organ and guitar tones, and there is plenty of flute to get excited about. While I'm not a huge fan of the accordion, and it probably makes more appearances here than I'd like, it's generally used sparingly. The title track is more of a Tull-styled rocker, Clark proving to be a very capable guitarist who fits well with the band, and "Dunsinane Hill" is a charming folk rocker with some lovely flute and guitar. "The Tipu House" is loads of fun, a track that could have easily sat on Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, or Catfish Rising, with a nice blend of acoustic & electric guitar, mandolin, and soaring flute. "Stygian Hand" is another gem of a proggy folk rocker, and easily one of my favorites here, with Ian's vocals sounding perhaps the strongest on the entire album. "Over Jerusalem" again delivers their brand of charming, prog-folk, with the acoustic guitar textures and use of chimes and percussion so well done. Ironically, I find the weakest track the big 16-minute epic "Drink From the Same Well", which is a wonderful vehicle for Ian's flute solos and some majestic piano, but the middle vocal section seems a bit unnecessary, and I think chopping this one by about five minutes might have made it more cohesive.
Overall, a quite enjoyable late-period release from Jethro Tull that I've gone back to now many times. Yes, there's no Martin Barre, and yes, Ian has lost more than a few steps vocally, but, so many of the other Jethro Tull elements we know and love are here, and that's more than enough to keep me coming back for more.
Tracklist
01. Puppet and the Puppet Master (4:04)
02. Curious Ruminant (6:00)
03. Dunsinane Hill (4:17)
04. The Tipu House (3:31)
05. Savannah of Paddington Green (3:13)
06. Stygian Hand (4:16)
07. Over Jerusalem (5:55)
08. Drink from the Same Well (16:42)
09. Interim Sleep (2:33)
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