Minstrel in the Gallery

Minstrel in the Gallery (1975) is an album by British band Jethro Tull. It is the ninth album by the band, released in September 1975. Ian Anderson's lyrics and subject matter show an introspective and cynical air, possibly the byproduct of Anderson's recent divorce from first wife Jennie Franks and the pressures of touring, coupled with the frustrations of writing for and recording the album in Monte Carlo. The title refers to the use of a minst... more

Minstrel in the Gallery (1975) is an album by British band Jethro Tull. It is the ninth album by the band, released in September 1975. Ian Anderson's lyrics and subject matter show an introspective and cynical air, possibly the byproduct of Anderson's recent divorce from first wife Jennie Franks and the pressures of touring, coupled with the frustrations of writing for and recording the album in Monte Carlo. The title refers to the use of a minstrel's gallery in the great hall of castles or manor houses. Stylistically the album is varied. The songs "Minstrel In The Gallery", "Black Satin Dancer" are hard-rock. The track "One White Duck / 0 = Nothing At All" contains two acoustic songs, the first of which also features string quartet; the second is stripped-down, with just vocals and acoustic guitar. In the songs "Cold Wind to Valhalla", "Requiem" and "Baker St. Muse" the string quartet is featured prominently alongside the rock band. Five of the seven songs on the album feature intros... less