Jethro Tull were found out on the lawn in the “woods” showcasing one of their best albums, Aqualung, at one of Oregon’s best outdoor concert venues. Could it get any better? The Edgefield property used to be a “poor farm,” for seven decades, starting in 1910, so it was the perfect setting outside of that “green and pleasant land” many of the band call home. On June 17th, 2011, the woods were the stage for one of England’s classic prog rock bands from the 1970s, Jethro Tull.

I was fortunate enough to interview drummer, Doane Perry, just after sound check, before the show. He pointed out that they would not be doing Aqualung, track by track, but would play the entire album, minus “Slipstream” and “Wind Up,” intermingled with some of their other fan favorites. Perry also shared that they added a new opening to the song “Hymn 43.” It turned out to be a nice surprise that the audience greatly appreciated.

“Songs from the Wood” did fill the air as the band presented their magnificent opus of songs, “Aqualung,” “Cross–Eyed Mary,” “Cheap Day Return,” “Mother Goose,” “Wond’ring Aloud,” “Up to Me,” “My God,” “Hymn 43” and “Locomotive Breath.” They didn’t disappoint, playing each song with extended jams and momentum. After their 20 minute break, they played, “Farm on The Freeway,” “Bourée,” “Songs From The Wood,” and “Budapest.” Ian Anders could often be seen doing his one–legged flute despite having injured his knee the night before in Eugene, Oregon, (the other was already braced from an earlier show during the North American tour).