We are proud to represent the collection of the legendary, Grammy award winning, British guitarist Martin Barre of Jethro Tull. Martin has been a sometimes overlooked influence on many modern guitarists who will often cite him as someone who shaped the path of rock music during the 70's and 80's.

For those who aren't familiar with Martin Barre here is a brief bio:

Martin Lancelot Barre is an English guitarist best known for his longtime role as lead guitarist of British rock band Jethro Tull, with whom he recorded and toured from 1968 until the band's initial dissolution in 2011. Barre played on all of Jethro Tull's studio albums from their 1969 album Stand Up (replacing Mick Abrahams) to their 2003 album The Jethro Tull Christmas Album. In the early 1990s he began a solo career, and he has recorded several albums as well as touring with his own live band.

He has also played the flute and other instruments such as the mandolin, both on stage for Jethro Tull and in his own solo work.

Barre's best-known guitar work includes that on the songs "Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Mary", and "Locomotive Breath". His signature solo on the 1971 Jethro Tull standard "Aqualung" was voted by the readers of Guitar Player magazine as one of the top rock guitar solos of all time. Also, in 2007, this solo was rated one of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos by Guitar World magazine. Authors Pete Brown and HP Newquest named Barre's "Aqualung" solo as the 25th-best solo ever in the USA and 20th-best solo ever in the UK. 

As a point of interest, Aqualung album was entirely recorded on a Les Paul Junior and if you ever wonder what can be done with one of these amazing guitars just check this album out...

Dire Straits leader Mark Knopfler, in a 2005 interview, called Barre's work with Ian Anderson "magical". Joe Bonamassa cites Martin Barre as a direct influence, especially in the blues playing of the early albums. Other guitarists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson also cite Martin Barre as influences. Rush's Geddy Lee mentions the "great guitar sounds" of Martin Barre when remembering the album Thick as a Brick.

It is estimated that Jethro Tull have sold over 60 million albums and continue to be a favourite on many playlist and rock radio stations. Martin is still touring and we recommend you catch him on one of his live shows or check out the videos on line. You will be in for a treat...!