By Date 1991 'Catfish Rising "is already attributable to the late phase of Jethro Tull. And there fits the album out, high as production technology. Solid recorded with good musicians, of mastermind Ian Anderson composed alone, routinely heruntergespult in usual style with his now quite limited voice, elements of rock, folk, blues, something Prog. All this of course gives a good rock album, but by no means an outstanding. In Jethro Tull catalog it does not stands out, not even when compared to other albums of the late phase. So I'd sorting it in a league table of the studio albums the band at the bottom. Who other Tull discs from this period, such as "Roots To Branches" or "Rock Iceland" please, do with "Catfish Rising" nothing wrong, whom the albums appear on the electronic phase too polished, whom since corners and edges are missing, is not happy with "CR". New, bright ideas, oblique extravagances, anarchic wit, as to some old work, you will not find here are also the compositions which melodies that sound arrangements, but not outstanding. Even the charm of some older disk are nowhere, but I like the wheel well. The term "routine" me always comes back to mind; you get the feeling that you have heard it all before. Although I have no problem if Anderson relies on proven pattern arises at me constantly the impression that they are dealing with "Jethro Tull off the shelf". The framework is, however, the substance in the music has been better. Anderson sings in his usual style, Martin Barre on electric guitar, Dave Pegg and Matt Pegg on acoustic and electric bass guitar, Doane Perry on drums, Andrew Giddings (discreetly) on keyboards, three guest musicians for each 1x keyboard and drums and of course, Anderson on Micro, the flute, acoustic guitar, acoustic and electric mandolin, this sometimes on drums and percussion, can expect the same quality craftsmanship. "Catfish Rising" is in the band's history certainly not essential, but provides decent, good rock.
The sound quality of the vinyl LP was quite good, however, the first CD fell significantly. The remastered version of 2006 brought despite slightly lowered dynamic that is still OK, significant improvement in sound. It was not overdriven and otherwise a clean work abgeliefert.Klasse. There are also two bonus tracks, a studio and a live track.
