Martin Barre Band – An Xperience Interview

Martin Barre Band – An Xperience Interview – by Neoptolemus.

The legacy band Jethro Tull officially separated in 2011. From the ashes of that phoenix, the Martin Barre Band was born. Long considered one of the great rock guitarists, Martin Barre has continued delighting fans through seemingly non-stop touring. Along with Martin, Dan Crisp and Alan Thomson will provide an acoustic set at the Cohoes Music Hall on Monday, April 21 at 7:00 PM. Martin kindly took questions from the Xperience Monthly:

RRX: Good day, Martin. Your show is going to be an acoustic one. What kind of music can we expect to hear on your setlist?

MB: The music will be a mix of my instrumental music and songs, with some Tull acoustic songs, and a few surprises.

RRX: Your first instrument was the flute, starting as a child. Tell us about your first guitar. When and under what circumstances did you get it?

MB: Actually I played guitar first, and the first guitar was a horrible, cheap ($10) Spanish guitar. But it didn’t matter because it started the whole process for me.

RRX: You were into blues early on. What albums/players were influential?

MB: I listened to Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Everlys, Buddy Holly, Elvis. The blues came a lot later, in the mid-‘60s; I was focused on the three Kings: Albert, Freddie, and BB. There was an overload of blues licks to absorb … but I loved that the guitar became the center of music for me.

RRX: You never took guitar lessons, and you have said you don’t listen to other guitarists much because you want to stay original. But Leslie West seems to have been an exception. What is it about his playing that appeals to you?  Did you hang out with Leslie at all?

MB: Leslie was primarily a great friend and he taught me more about stagecraft and communication than guitar playing, although I loved his feel and sound. He was just a great person.

RRX: Turning briefly to Tull, you very nearly gave up music just before your audition with them, when your band Gethsemane broke up because of financial reasons. Was it painful, pondering a future of not playing music?

MB: At the time, going back to university was not too painful, as we had persevered with music for three years. I figured we had tried our best and I needed to move on. I’m certain I would have played in a band anyway, just not every night!!!

RRX: In Tull, you replaced another Brummie, Tony Iommi. Do you know Tony? Have you ever talked with him about that time of transition?

MB: I am friends with Tony and so pleased he made a wonderful living with Black Sabbath and the music he loved. He never regretted leaving Tull; it was just not for him!

RRX: The “Aqualung” solo is one of the most iconic solos in all of rock music. I understand that Jimmy Page was in the control room when you originally played it. Any pressure?

MB: Jimmy is a friend and wouldn’t intimidate me.

RRX: Did you know immediately that the “Aqualung” solo was special, or was it just another day at the office for you?

MB: “Aqualung” was just another day in the office. No one knew how important the track would become. If Ian had, he would have played a load of flute over it! (haha)

RRX: I attended your last gig at the Strand in Hudson Falls. You seem to have a special affection for that venue. Is there a reason why?

MB: The Strand in Hudson Falls is run by a fantastic group of people, dedicated to music. That inspires me, and I will never turn away from such energy and love.

RRX: What actor do you want to play you in The Life of Martin Barre movie?

MB: Bruce Willis. He is a big fan of the Martin Barre Band!

RRX: What music do you listen to for enjoyment?

MB: I listen to classical music and always have, especially the English and German composers. I also love the great singer/songwriters — Steve Winwood, Neil Young, Don Henley …

RRX: Any guilty pleasures, musical or otherwise?

MB: Pleasure holds no guilt for me! At my age, I enjoy the outdoors in any form: running, snowboarding, wakeboarding, tennis, or just walking. Why feel guilty? I love champagne and very expensive Californian Chardonnays.  THAT’S bad!

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