review by thomas

An album full of acoustic moments, yet highly progressive and at times really hard and electric. Take the title track for example: it starts like, well, like a minstrel-thing then transforms into this hard riffing monster with plenty of flute. And “Black Satin Dancer” uses the same formula only more complex and varied. We are also treated with the usual high-standard Tull acoustics – “Cold Wind to Valhalla”, “Requiem” and others. Of course the main focus is on the almost side long “Baker St Muse”. With plenty of loud and soft passages to satisfy even the most fastidious of people. There’s even a part reminding of “A Passion Play” and similar bits on “War Child”, but it’s not long lasting so you don’t have to be afraid of repetition.

The flute is given much space on “Minstrel In the Gallery” and as we are used to the record features some good orchestrations.

Yet another classic one from the Tull camp.