The album introduced a different sound and a new line-up. It was originally intended as an Ian Anderson solo album, but pressure from the record label Chrysalis saw it credited to Jethro Tull, even though only two members from the band’s previous incarnation were featured: Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre. The title of the album refers to the studio tapes, which were marked ‘A’ for Anderson.
A was produced by Anderson and Robin Black and along with Anderson and Barre, the band also featured Dave Pegg (bass, mandolin) and Mark Craney (drums), along with guest performer Eddie Jobson – a Roxy Music alumnus – on keyboard, synthesizer and electric violin.