Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre Has Near 50 Years Worth of Music to Remember

Some music artists have released literally hundreds of songs over the years, to say nothing of the ones deemed too shitty to release. BlastEcho wondered if those involved in recording so many songs could remember them all. Enter Rockers’ Block.

For each Rockers’ Block contestant, we play five random songs from their catalog, each song from the beginning, to see how long it takes for them to guess (well, maybe guess isn’t the right word) the correct song. Then once they do (hopefully), they talk a bit about the song.

It would have been too easy for BlastEcho to play Martin Barre songs off his latest album, Back to Steel, and we’re not about playing it safe on Rockers’ Block. Instead, we went back 46 years for one track–which the former Jethro Tull guitarist got fairly easily–though he had a bit of trouble with some others. Let’s see how he did!

“The Meeting” from Martin Barre’s 1998 solo album, The Meeting

After 5.4 seconds.

That’s the “The Meeting.” I might start playing that again. That reminds me to have a go at learning that one to play live. I just really like that riff. It’s a pressure to come up with riffs that are rhythmic, exciting and rock. I was quite happy with that one.

“Working John, Working Joe” from Jethro Tull’s A (1980)

After 9.1 seconds.

Anything?

Wow. (Long pause). You got me on that one.

That one’s “Working John, Working Joe.”

Oh right, ok. I know the… off the A album. I didn’t recognize that. I haven’t heard that for a long time. It’s got a great guitar riff that comes a bit later. I probably would have recognized that part of it.

“Black Mamba” from Jethro Tull’s J-Tull Dot Com (1999)

After 9.4 seconds.

I don’t know the title but I’m pretty sure it’s off [1995’s] Roots to Branches.

It’s on J-Tull Dot Com.

Ok, let me have another guess then.

I can play more if you’d like.

It won’t help. “Wicked Windows?”

Nope.

I’m not gonna get it then.

“Black Mamba.”

What’s it called?

“Black Mamba.”

No, really? That’s outrageous. These are really difficult.

“Nothing to Say” from Jethro Tull’s Benefit (1970)

After 18.5 seconds.

Oh, I know that one very well. That’s “Nothing to Say” and I know that because I’ve been thinking about playing it live. I just love that song. I play in a local band with some friends and my friend who sings, that’s his favorite song so we always play that one. I actually know it and can sit down and play it. Musically it’s not quite right but it’s such a beautiful vocal line against the chords and I always thought it was sort of dangerous but works so well and I love things like that where you’re pushing the boundaries a little bit.

“Thinking Round Corners” from Jethro Tull’s Catfish Rising (1991)

After 12.8 seconds.

I think it’s off “Catfish Rising.”

You’re right.

And I know it. It’s not “Thinking Round Corners?”

It is.

Is it really? I like that song. That was a really good guess. A really good guess. I’ve impressed myself. I think I quite like it. I was quite pleased with it in a modest way. As modest as I can possibly be talking about myself.

Buy Martin Barre’s latest album, Back to Steel, on Amazon