Jethro Tull’s 1970 classic “Benefit” was the British rock band’s third studio album, featuring Ian Anderson (flute, guitar, vocals), Martin Barre (guitar), Glenn Cornick (bass), and Clive Bunker (drums), with John Evan on piano and organ. “Benefit” was also Cornick’s last album with the band, as he was dismissed after the subsequent tour. “Benefit” became their first gold-certified album and a huge worldwide success: debuting at number 7 on the album charts, it brought Ian Anderson and his bandmates the long-awaited breakthrough in the US. In the UK, the album reached number 3. The “Benefit” tour included a performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, where Jethro Tull played to an impressive 600,000 people.
“Benefit” was recorded at Morgan Studios (London), where the band also recorded their previous LP, “Stand Up.” They employed highly advanced studio techniques, such as a reversed flute in “With You There To Help Me” and a tempo-accelerated guitar in “Play In Time.” Frontman Ian Anderson said that Evan had changed the band’s style: “John has added a new dimension musically, and I can write more freely now. With him on keyboards, anything is possible.” Compared to “Stand Up,” “Benefit” contains a similar mix of bluesy hard rock songs and melodic acoustic numbers, but, as Ian Anderson put it, has a “harder, somewhat darker touch” than the previous material. The eclectic fusion of folk, rock, and progressive elements creates a unique sonic tapestry. Anderson’s virtuosic flute playing intertwines with Barre’s electrifying guitar work, creating complex melodies that transport the listener to a fantastical soundscape. This reissue from Analogue Productions features the original US track listing and order, supplemented by the bonus track, “Alive and Well and Living In,” from the UK LP version.
Pressed by Quality Record Pressings and housed in a luxurious gatefold sleeve by Stoughton Printing, this double LP (180 grams, 45 rpm) gives this historic album the rich, detailed, vibrant, and brilliant sound it deserves—thanks to the superb remastering by Matthew Lutthans (The Mastering Lab) using the original master tapes. “Benefit” is a testament to Jethro Tull’s pioneering spirit, which pushed the boundaries of musical expression and left an indelible mark on rock music.
