Customer Reviews

Nightcap Unreleased 1973-1991

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A surprisingly strong compilation of "rejects" from over the many, many years of the band's recording career. It is a real hodge-podge which was released largely at the request of, and certainly for, those dedicated long-time Tull fans -- and I am among them -- who simply don't trust Ian and the boys when it comes to deciding what is worthy to grace an album. As long-time Tull fans will attest, often they reject songs for reasons no one else can understand. As we've found out over the years, through the compilation and retrospective albums that have been released, there is an amazing amount of truly outstanding material that gets buried in the studio vaults until someone goes digging for it for some reason.

The 1981 "Broadsword" sessions are a good example. The list of "rejects" (as we've found out over the years) is pretty long, certainly long enough to have resulted in that album being a double album. But what is more astounding is that the quality of these "old warts" is sometimes, arguably, superior to that of some cuts that made it onto an album. In the 20 Years Box Set we found out that outstanding songs like Jack-A-Lynn, Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow, Motoreyes, Down at the End of Your Road, Overhang, and Rhythm in Gold, along with some others, were left unreleased from those sessions. Now along comes Nightcap, a few years later, and we find out those weren't the only great tracks from those sessions that the band forgot about -- as out of the blue we discover the truly exceptional Crew Nights and Lights Out, along with some other pretty good efforts in No Step, The Curse, Commons Brawl and Drive on the Young Side of Life. It leaves one wondering how many other little jewels are stuck in some vault somewhere.

And it isn't only just the "Broadsword" sessions that yield strong "reject" material for this compilation: Silver River Turning and Man of Principle (which features a flute-led intro, middle bridge and outro that is based largely on Bach's Prelude and Fugue in D Minor) are exceptional offerings from the late 80's. Piece of Cake, Hardliner and Rosa on the Factory Floor are also enjoyable presentations from that era. How Broadford Bazaar, from the late 70's, never surfaced before this is almost unimaginable (but then we said that about at least a half-dozen cuts in the 20-Years Set too).

It is understandable why the band did not release some of the material here prior to this compilation. As Ian says, some of them are "just a little too different" -- this applies mostly to the lyrics (subject matter) or the circumstances of the recordings. Some of these were recorded between album sessions, and the music of the Chateau D'isaster tapes was, for the most part, reworked and released on A Passion Play or the later War Child (though the difference in tone between the original "Chateau" tapes and what finally became A Passion Play is striking). All the same, some of the more unfamiliar material in the "Chateau" tapes is a real revelation: Look at the Animals is an absolute scream (as in hilarious, not loud).

And it is certainly understandable that Ian didn't care to release The Curse -- I've never heard a song on that subject before, and Ian does have a wife after all. Let's just say that subject matter is...ummm...related to the biblical curse of women...ummm...well, its a...kind of...monthly thing, you know? Pretty good song otherwise, with a great performance by Martin Barre on the electric guitar. It's obvious why Sea Lion 2 didn't make the cut, and Quartet too, even though it is a nice piece which also, oddly enough considering Man of Principle, borrows from Bach's aforementioned Prelude and Fugue.

This is one of the most interesting of Tull compilations. More so when you realize that in some cases these are double "rejects" in that they didn't get on the 20 Year Set from a few years previously. In a handful of cases that is mind-blowing. When you compare these studio rejects to other anthologies or collections by bands you can not help but be amazed by Tull's standards -- and in some cases you can't help but question their judgement in leaving certain tracks off their studio albums.

"Nightcap" is a collection of rare and unreleased tracks by Jethro Tull, however the material of this album is actually pretty good (and what Jethro Tull songs *wouldn't* be good?) Disc 1 chronicles the "Chateau D'Isaster", a collection of songs recorded in 1973 which would evolve into "A Passion Play" later that year. The one track that especially stands out here is "Look At The Animals". The second disc features material recorded during the "Warchild" sessions as well as during the 80s and early 90s, but mostly focuses around songs recorded in 1981 (and knowing that they also made a number of other rare tracks such as "Jack-A-Lynn" during that year it would make you wonder why Tull hadn't released an album between the "A" and "Broadsword" albums showcasing these songs!) The "Warchild" outtakes are superb, and we also find Ian Anderson & Co. even trying their hand at a *country* song ("Truckstop Runner")! If you can't get enough of Jethro Tull, this album is definitely a keeper. Album Highlights: "Look At The Animals", "Paradise Steakhouse", "Sealion 2", "Quartet", "Commons Brawl", "Lights Out", "Truckstop Runner", "Hardliner".

Instead of comparing the so-called "Chateau d'Isaster" suite on Disc #1 of Nightcap with A Passion Play, let's just say that the former has plenty of what Jethro Tull fans yearn for: loud and spirited playing, interesting musical progressions, inane yet strangely expressive and descriptive lyrics, fine acoustic playing, and vocals that leap and soar. Does it work? Yes, as a curiosity of what it might have become; no, as a coherent musical whole. Much of it simply lasts longer than it has to, but much of it is still a treat in its own right. I can see why it was abandoned as a commercial project; it was heading in no particular direction and even its creators couldn't figure it out! I know I was certainly confused by it all. For fans only.

Disc #2 presents many fine unreleased tracks, again displaying the qualities fans have come to appreciate. Some of these tunes are obviously latter-day recordings as they display Ian Anderson's graveling and narrowing voice, but many are from the early-mid '70s when said voice was in full flower. The disc is chock full and can be summed up by saying that it would be much easier to list the lesser tracks than the better. I believe all fans will love it! Even the uninitiated might find something here to savor.

I would suggest to all, fans included, to find a used copy of this 2-CD set as the full retail price is a bit rich, despite the richness of the content.

The two CD's included in "Nightcap" are by design very different from each other. CD#1 goes back to 1973 when Tull was recording in France and apparently not enjoying it. The boys scrapped this recording, returned to jolly "ol England and began working on what would become the "Passion Play" release. Hence, this CD sounds very much like Passion Play, with numerous recognizable elements from it. If you enjoyed Passion Play then there is no reason why you wouldn't enjoy CD#1 as well. If Passion Play was not one of your favorites this probably won't be either. Listening to CD#2 is like finding that blue sapphire necklace from the Titanic!! What a treasure of delight!! This CD has 18 tracks without a marginal one in the bunch. At seventy minutes it's like getting 2 new Tull releases. Ian Anderson says in the liner notes, "Most of the sessions for past studio albums have produced an extra song or two surplus to requirements. Sometimes these pieces failed to make it on to a record because they were too similar to one of their brothers or sisters: sometimes, as the ear may just detect, because they were too different!" Fellow Tull fans, isn't that precisely why we love Jethro Tull? You're going to love this CD from beginning to end. There really is no such thing as a "bad" Tull song anyway. There are a number of tunes from the Broadsword and the Beast era which is probably my personal favorite. If you like to sing along with Ian you'll find a bunch here to loosen up your vocal chords. If you don't own Nightcap already go get it! You'll be sorry if you don't!!

This was a wonderful find for me, a long-time Tull fan, because it contains so many songs from earlier Tull periods (when the group was best, in my opinion). There are some alternate takes on some familiar compositions (the pieces from the PASSION PLAY era are instantly recognizable), but mostly, these CDs contain previously unreleased material that is of excellent quality. An absolute must for anyone who has enjoyed Tull during the many phases of the group's distinguished career.

Leaving these songs out of their original albums in favor of some of the songs that got in boggles the mind. Chateau D'Isaster stands on its own as a triumphant piece every bit as inspired as Passion Play. There is a great deal of stylistic variation in this piece, from the magnificent "Look At The Animals", which has become one of my all-time favorite tunes (surpassed only by Bouree...the version on "A Little Light Music" to the raucous and driving "Left Right", which eases nicely into a more pleasing version of "Only Solitaire". The second CD is also glorious, with such polished gems as "Man of Principle" and "Truck Stop Runner", two songs that are as different from each other as possible, yet delightful. "Rosa on the Factory Floor" is reminiscent of many songs that Tull has done, in fact there seems to be one song just like it on pretty much every Tull album since "Crest of A Knave"'s "Budapest". "Broadford Bazaar" is a beautiful tune that will drag you in happily. "Piece of Cake" seems to be yet another in a long line of foodish double-entendres, but entertaining nonetheless. There is no reason not to go out right now and buy this magnificent piece of lost artistry.

Jethro Tull Nightcap-The Unreleased Masters 1973-1991 (Chrysalis/EMI Capitol)

This 2 CD set Nightcap-The Unreleased Masters 1973-1991 (Chrysalis/EMI Capitol) was only available as an overseas import until 2000. This is not an another Tull hits collection, but a collection of 31 unreleased completed master recordings that never saw the light of day for various reasons. The first CD Tullians will find this set a real treat as it includes the 1973 Chateau D'isaster Tapes which includes 13 songs that were due to be or be part of the next Tull album. Instead due to various upstarts that the band encountered the project was aborted and new work began on what became they're next album A Passion Play. Only 3 songs from the Chateau D'isaster Tapes appear on another release. "Scenario," "Audition," & No Rehearsal" all appear on the Tull 20th Anniversary Best Of 2 CD set. The second CD is a mix mash of 18 unreleased finished master recordings from the album sessions of "Rock Island," "Catfish Rising," A Passion Play," Broadsword And The Beast" & Too Old To Rock And Roll". All in all the sound is excellent and the material is very interesting. A number of surprises wait for every set of Tullians ears. A+.

Consider these CD's a gift from Ian Anderson to us, lovers of good music. In many interviews he gave following the release of Nightcap back in 1993, Ian stated his lack of interest in going over all the ancient tapes from 1973, trying to compile the first CD. There are many of us, myself included, who cannot thank him enough for doing so. You, I'm sure, will feel the same after hearing those recordings.

The history of these songs, taken from various sessions is quite interesting, but lets just say some of the real gems on Nightcap were left out because of unexplained reasons, which than probably seemed important to Ian. We are lucky those gems are here to stay now, sounding even better than the original albums, thanks to some meticulous editing work, done on some of the earlier songs.

Of course, you wouldn't expect the "rejected" songs to equal those who graced the official albums, wouldn't you? Well, prepare to be shocked - many of them not only equal but surpass their relatives who made it to the albums. Just listen to "Broadford Bazaar" (1977) - why hasn't it found it's place on "Songs From the Wood" or "Heavy Horses" - it's every bit as good as most of the tracks on those excellent albums. Give "Paradise Steakhouse" from 1974 an unbiased ear - is it really worse than any track of "War Child"? these are just two examples of the rule - these songs are every bit as good as the albums they should have came from, and, often, much better. "Man of Principle" (1988) is such a great song, it is surely on of the highlight Tull songs of the 80's. A combination of Bach borrowed flute line and an impressive rock guitar riff, just like the good old days. "Rock Island" of the same period would have benefited from the presence of such a formidable song. The same could be said for the relationship between "A Small Cigar" and "To Old To Rock n Roll" of the same year. This seems to be everyone's favourite, and would put many songs on TOTRNR" to shame. Sadly, Ian rejected it because of its pro-smoking lyrics. Strange indeed...

Buy this compilation. Buy it even if it's the first CD you'll hear of Tull music. It's that good.

And now a few words of warning for the somewhat fanatic fan only: The first CD is not the original Passion Play version(The Chateau Tapes) as it should have been. It is rather a mix of songs from the same sessions, some in the original order, some not so, which Ian compiled, while omitting such excellent songs as "Sailor" (which is now available in Bootleg form, as someone stole that tape). Ian chose also not to include "Sea Lion" & "Skating Away", both of which were recorded in the same infamous sessions, along with all those songs which made it to the first CD, such as "Only Solitaire". I guess there wasn't enough place for the original four sided album on the one CD, though it's a pity a formidable song like "Sailor" has lost its chance for a well deserved place in the official history of Jethro Tull.

The reviewer (Matthew) from Chicago is right -- disc one of this is the single greatest prog work TULL ever did. Too bad he scrapped this for Passion Play (which is good record in its own right -- but the stuff on disc 1 of this collection is sheer mastery, and with much cooler production). Disc two is a compilation of tracks from 1974-1990. If I were to compare these tracks to similar years represented on the 25th Anniversary disc, I'd give the nod to most of the selections on Nightcap. Not bad for "a batch of warty rejects," as Ian Anderson, himself, has called them.

Buy it for disc 1 alone -- you'll be amazed. And disc two is one heckuva bonus.... Turn on to TULL!

I'm finally taking the time to write this.

It is my opinion that Disk One of this classic set is THE BEST PIECE OF PROGRESSSIVE MUSIC JETHRO TULL EVER CREATED. I own every Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull studio release, and several bootlegs, singles, etc. In the context of Tulls body of work, the Chateau D'Isaster Tapes really stand out as THE hallmark progressive recording in their discography. The variety of form, content, production and function within this music and the sheer, uninhibited power and implication of it go beyond what was achieved in both Passion Play and Thick As A Brick. Why, you ask? Because the Chateau music is the initial reaction to the creative material, it is the full-on frontal creative matrix from which formed Passion Play. These tracks range the gammit from sublime nonsense (similar in style to certain parts of Passion Play and Thick As A Brick) to an immense emotional crunch of passionate music. This is a tribute to technical mastery and an apex of creative function for Ian at that time. I'm telling you, this CD is worth the price of this set just for the feeling that comes to a head about eight minutes and 28 seconds into the 9th track (Critique Oblique). This song IS WORTH BUYING THE CD FOR. I really could go into a lot of different aspects, but I don't have room. Ian, if you ever read this, I hope you have changed your mind about the validity of this recording. Both of these CDs are wonderful, and the Chateau Tapes CD is Tull at their progressive best.