As a diehard Tull Fan of nearly thirty years, I couldn't rate this below five stars, now, could I? So how about six?

The music, of course, is familiar to me, as I own all thirty-some of the Tull Studio albums plus a few of the box sets and compilations.

I often listen to Tull's "Christmas Album" around this time of year as a a matter of personal tradition, and as an antidote to a lot of the smarmy, overplayed holiday fare on the airwaves. This time, it was a treat to hear Ian's dialogue and some backstory as well. You can bet I'll give it another two or three listens before the holiday season ends. Thanks!

Ian Anderson, that flute toting musical maniac from the 60's, gives us a festive line up of songs for the season. His naratives are all wonderful leadins to his wonderful style of music. He provides both humorous and anecdotal shorts that add another layer to his music and ones perspective of the holidays. If you enjoy Jethro Tull or are looking for a wonderful departure from the normal Christmas stuff, you'll love this program.

NOT YOUR ORDINARY HOLIDAY SPECIAL! For something completely different, audition this! In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess up front that I have been a devotee of Jethro Tull since age six. That said, this program is a refreshing take on the "holiday special". The music is great, of course! I particularly love Anderson's very jazzy riffs on "Greensleeves" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - and there are some interesting original songs for the holiday, too. There is also is a very nice flow between music and Anderson's comments, which are alternately funny and intriguing. Stations may shy away from this because Jethro Tull is famous as a "rock" band, but they have always had roots in folk, blues and even classical music. There is much in these sophisticated,jazzy versions of Christmas songs that says "public radio" to me. There are also songs well off the beaten path, and Anderson brings them to us with plenty of personality and attitude. He tells some interesting anecdotes about his musical past, just as if he were sitting in our living room. He doesn't really "introduce" the music per se -it just appears at the appropriate moment. I decided it would work quite well in our schedule coming out of "Christmas from the World Cafe" late on a Saturday night, when we normally air blues. Check it out for some fresh and unusual holiday fare!