By Shawn Perry
When one thinks of Jethro Tull, it’s difficult to suppress the image of the group’s singular constant: Ian Anderson. The real muscle behind the machinery, however, has generally fallen onto the shoulders of Tull’s resident chopmeister: Martin Barre. Appearing on every Tull album but the first one, Barre has been unwavering in his execution as a first-rate guitarist in every sense of the word. And after so many years, it seems as if he’s just getting started.
Ian Anderson has frequently said there would be no Jethro Tull without Martin Barre. He knows that the guitar is an essential ingredient of the Tull sound. It is unmistakably unique. If the band could ever be commended for its incisive edge, Barre — one of a few guitarists who used to sport a monocle and cigarette holder — should stand up and take a bow. Unfortunately, he has never been given the opportunity to do so.
I waited for an hour or so to speak with the guitarist in a backstage lounge of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, a magnificent symphony hall. How proper for Tull! After tossing back a mouthful of coffee and catching Anderson, bassist Jonathon Noyce, and keyboardist Andrew Giddings chatting away in the corner of my eye, Barre came in quickly and went straight for the sweets. He apologized for running late, which he wasn’t really, and suggested we go somewhere private within the confines of the venue to talk. We ended up in a loading dock on some picnic benches. Barre — freshly tan, sprite and youthful — tackled a brownie. I took cover and fired away with my first question.
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