Legendary Port Chester: Jethro Tull, Apr. 27, 1971

When Ian Anderson and the rest of the crew of Jethro Tull hit the stage of the Capitol Theatre, they were amidst a transitional period in their career and overall sound—and one they were able to quickly bounce back from.

Just a few months before the concert on April 27,^th first bassist Glenn McCornick was kicked to the curb for reasons unknown.

This was surely quite a blow for the legendary quartet, who are known for their progressive, folk, and hard rock influences. 

As the musician had been a part of Jethro since its conception in 1968, it would seem he would be a tough act to follow.

The band responded by swiftly replacing McCornick with an old band-mate of Evan Anderson's—Jeffrey Hammond. (Hammond was a part of the 1962 group, Blades, of which Ian and drummer John Evans were a part)

This particular evening in Westchester was also known to die-hard fans as the "Late Show," a follow up to what is remembered as the "Early Show" many years prior when the band performed at the Capitol on April 29, 1970.

The newly tempered legends proudly debuted new tracks off Aqualung—one of their most successful albums of all time—for the first few numbers as a treat for the crowds of appreciative fans in attendance.

Cross-Eyed Mary, (with a drum solo from John Evans,) Aqualung, the title number off the new record, Wind Up (evolving into a guitar solo) followed by a transition into Locomotive Breath, and later a reprise of Wind Up again to close were all included in the new set list of crowd-pleasers.

 Looking back at those recording and release dates, it is impressive how quickly Tull was able to pull together some drag-out hits in those few months.  

Hammond, a new member at the time, began recording the new album very soon after McCornick was let go (in December 1970). They churned out some solid hits in just a couple of months, setting release dates in both the UK (on March 3, 1971,) and later (May 1970) in the United States, all within a short time-span.

Old favorites were not forgotten that night, with performances of "Nothing is Easy", "With You There to Help Me", "My God" (with a flute solo by Anderson), and "Hard-Headed English General."

Visitors from around the county and elsewhere were undoubtedly blown away by this renowned concert of early seventies origin back on the concert circuit.