Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Not too often do we use the word legend, but for Martin Barre it’s apropos. The longtime musician and guitarist/vocalist of rock greats Jethro Tull has been a member of the seminal UK prog-rock group over 43 years, longer than any member besides JT founder Ian Anderson.
He now fronts Martin Barre’s Jethro Tull, who kicks off 2023 Mardi Gras AC at Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk Wednesday, June 28 (7 p.m.-10 p.m., free).
After playing those classic Jethro Tull songs for so many years, which ones does Barre like performing the most?
“I love the acoustic classics ‘Sossity You’re a Woman,’ (and) ‘Life Is a Long Song,’ but the breadwinners are the rock tracks – ‘My God,’ ‘Locomotive Breath’ and ‘Teacher,’ replied Barre recently by email. “They get the crowd up on their feet!”
As someone who’s been in the music industry almost five decades, what does Barre see as major differences between the time he began playing and the way the industry is today?
“I feel like I’m in a time capsule of classic rock, and the fans that follow it,” he replied. “I really don’t connect with about 95 percent of modern music and leave it to everyone’s individual taste.”
How did the veteran music maker fare during the COVID 19 period?
“During COVID I learned what it was like to be a person,” confesses Barre. “Family, garden, friends and reading…all badly overlooked in a musician’s normal schedule. I (also) played music a lot – especially flute – wrote music and enjoyed life!”
And what does Barre think of the Jersey Shore?
“I love the sea. I sail and swim as much as possible, so I love being near the water,” he said. “Atlantic City has a long history of (Jethro) Tull concerts, and I look forward to re-visiting my musical past and bringing it to the present.”
Martin Barre’s Musical History of Jethro Tull also performs at Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point June 30.
For information on all the Mardi Gras AC concerts, which take place weekly through Sept. 6, visit www.tonymart.com.
News & Notes: Late guitarist “Ernie T” Trionfo will be feted and lovingly remembered at the Tony Marts All Stars “Everybody Loves Ernie” tribute Friday, June 23 at Somers Point Concerts on The Beach. Trionfo, known as the ‘Ayatollah of Minatola,” was a Tony Mart All Star, an original member of well-known area groups Hawkins Road (and) Snake Brothers, and a regular performer at Woodstown Cowtown Rodeo, who made a living playing as a freelance musician throughout the Tri-State area for over 40 years: no easy feat. He also owned and operated Ernie’s Guitar Repair “where his craftsmanship brought broken and beaten guitars back to life,” recalls Mike Kelly, who often booked Trionfo at the Brigantine Elks along with his life partner, Patty Blee.
Trionfo passed away from pancreatic cancer in June of 2019 at age 63… longtime reggae greats Steel Pulse and Lettuce play Soundwaves at Hard Rock Casino June 24. Makua Rothman opens… good weekend of live music at AC rock venue Anchor Rock Club: Triple bill of Gutterdrunk, Friend, and Reckless Randy (Saturday, June 24), followed by a five-band show headlined by Float Omen (eks.marksthespot show) on June 25. Finally, a very happy birthday on June 28 to the King of the Philly/New Jersey club band scene, Michael LeCompt. No one works harder or puts on a better live show! See LeCompt at the new LaScala’s Beach Bar in Brigantine June 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
