This Was

This Was is the debut studio album by the British rock band Jethro Tull, released in October 1968. Recorded at a cost of £1200, it is the only Jethro Tull album with guitarist Mick Abrahams, who was a major influence for the sound and music style of the band's first songs. When the album was released, the band were performing regularly at the Marquee Club in London, where other successful British groups, such as the Rolling Stones and the Who, had started their careers. The album was released in the United States in February 1969, peaking at No. 62 in April. Compared to the band's later discography, This Was contains significant blues rock and jazz fusion influences, owing to Abrahams' songwriting and playing style. The band would soon begin to abandon much of these influences upon Abrahams' departure after the release of the album, starting with follow up album Stand Up (1969).