Jethro Tull – The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas (Album Review)
Looking for a holiday gift for the prog rock fan in your life? Jethro Tull’s *The Jethro Tull Christmas Album* has been reimagined in an expanded box set, now titled *Fresh Snow at Christmas*. This deluxe edition, available as a 4-CD/blu-ray or double-vinyl collection, includes remixed and remastered versions of the original 2003 album in stereo, 5.1 surround sound, and Dolby Atmos by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief). Additionally, it features two bonus Christmas concerts recorded at London’s St. Bride’s Church in 2006 and 2008.
While this release might initially appear to be a seasonal curiosity, it holds a special place in Jethro Tull’s catalog. The original album includes 16 tracks, seven of which are reimagined versions of older holiday-themed songs like “A Christmas Song” (1968) and “Ring Out Solstice Bells” (1976). The standout features of *Fresh Snow at Christmas* include Soord’s remixes, which breathe new life into tracks like “Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow” and “Last Man at the Party.” These remixes deliver greater clarity and depth, with the 5.1 surround sound offering an immersive, near-live experience.
The collection also marks the final performances of long-time guitarist Martin Barre with the band before his departure in 2012.
Barre’s contributions, including the instrumental “A Winter Snowscape,” highlight his integral role in Jethro Tull’s sound and provide a glimpse into his post-Tull solo work. Contributions from other long-standing members, such as Andrew Giddings and Doane Perry, further enhance the set.
The album’s mix of reworked Tull tracks and original compositions outshines the band’s jazz-infused takes on traditional carols like “We Five Kings” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” which are interesting but less compelling. Even Barre expressed reservations about these reimaginings, though the live performances of the carols in the St. Bride’s concerts are more successful, blending seamlessly with Tull classics and Anderson’s solo pieces.
The two live concerts in the set offer distinct experiences. The 2006 performance is a storyteller-style show featuring Anderson discussing the origins of tracks like “Living in the Past” and “A Christmas Song.” The 2008 concert, previously released as a standalone CD, features Barre and current Tull members, delivering a more dynamic setlist that includes gems like “Weathercock” and “Jack in the Green.” Both concerts capture the spirit of Tull’s Christmas shows, which have supported charitable causes for over a decade.
Reflecting on the album, Anderson emphasized its aim to be more than just a holiday record, blending classical, folk, and rock elements with seasonal themes. “The holiday period means a lot to many people,” he said, noting that the Christmas spirit transcends religious boundaries. This sentiment is echoed in the box set, which celebrates both the band’s legacy and their willingness to explore new musical directions.
