"LOCOMOTIVE BREATH" ● Jethro Tull

JETHRO TULL / Clockwise from bottom left: Martin Allcock, Doane Perry, Dave Pegg, Ian Anderson, Martin Barre / Chrysalis Records - Publicity Photo 1991 / IVOX MEDIA collection

"LOCOMOTIVE BREATH" ● Jethro Tull

The Song● Locomotive Breath

Writer● Ian Anderson

Producers● Ian Anderson and Terry Ellis

Released● March, 1971

Players●

:: Ian Anderson--vocals, flute, acoustic guitar

:: Martin Barre--guitar, recorder

:: John Evan--piano, organ, mellotron

:: Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond--bass, backing vocals, alto recorder

:: Clive Bunker--drums, percussion

Album● Aqualung (Chrysalis, 1971)

Also On●

:: M.U. The Best Of Jethro Tull (Chrysalis, 1976)

:: Live - Bursting Out (Chrysalis, 1978)

:: Original Masters (Chrysalis, 1985)

:: 20 Years Of Jethro Tull (Chrysalis, 1988)

:: A Little Light Music (Chrysalis, 1992)

:: 25th Anniversary Boxed Set (Chrysalis, 1993)

:: Anniversary Collection: The Best Of Jethro Tull (Chrysalis, 1993)

:: Aqualung: 20th Anniversary Edition (EMI, 1996)

According to rock legend, most of the songs on the first side of Aqualung, including the title track, were inspired by the observations of Ian Anderson's first wife, Jennie, on British street people. Aqualung's second side, which includes "Locomotive Breath," was often described as Anderson's anti-church, pro-God statement.

During that time, Jethro Tull's lineup was in a fairly constant state of flux -- reportedly due to Anderson's frugality and unwillingness to share song royalties with anyone except the band's producer and manager, Terry Ellis.

Partly spurred by the success of "Locomotive Breath," Aqualung sold more than five million copies. "Locomotive Breath" peaked at Number 62 on the pop chart.

Anderson says the runaway train crash in "Locomotive Breath" is a metaphor for life. "It's an analogy of the unending train journey of life. You can't stop. You've got to stagger on."

Aqualung ● Jethro Tull

Aqualung is Jethro Tull’s the fourth studio album, released on 19 March 1971, by Chrysalis Records. Aqualung's success signaled a turning point in the career of the band, which went on to become a major radio and touring act.

Tull remains active as both a touring and recording outfit. Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre are the longest-tenured members of the band. Both have released solo albums and mounted solo tours in recent years.

Jethro Tull continues to tour, and their signature progressive rock sound remains an iconic part of classic rock.

KWXY regularly plays the music of Jethro Tull. Listen to the Sound of the Desert for More than 50 years, bringing independent, and iconic music to Palm Springs, the Desert Cities, and the Coachella Valley ●

KWXY Music Radio ● 92.3FM 1340AM ● streaming at kwxy.com and ivoxradio.com