GENTLE GIANT

The band does not make any trade-off in creating another ultra-complex, non-commercial output that few other bands could match. Using no conventional song format and also not relying on loose jamming, crafting music filled with so many ideas is a very daunting task. Nevertheless, I still thing that this one is more memorable mainly thanks to the developed classical music inspired singing that has become GG's trademark. The first composition is already a masterpiece (primary falsetto vocal reminding of Focus), great elegant chord sequences. The second track is not that distinctive but what an achievement on the King Crimson heavy-like "The house, the street, the room". The chorus is excellent with great riffing and then mellow keyboard/vocal led movement. "Wreck" is another distinctive number with folk main motive and Renaissance thanks to intelligent harpsichord and flute intermezzos. The soaring guitar complements the emotional track. "The moon is down" is notable for its keyboard-heavy footprint be it elegant or playful. Gentle Giant were in lead in 1971 when it comes to compositional complexity. While other progressive rock bands may have had better playing abilities or create more symphonic pieces, GG were the most elaborate and dense.

Gentle Giant started strong and aimed at on their debut album. They are certainly among TOP 10 UK progressive bands of the 70's yet underrated by anyone but prog-lovers, probably because the high complexity and lower accessibility. A large line-up from the first album with multi-instrumental capabilities opened wide door to the progressive rock realm. At a relatively young age, the band displays familiarity with hard-rock, classical music, folk music and 60's psychedelia. The first track is absolutely amazing, very complex but perhaps the only catchy one. GG as no fear of going through irregular rhythm, adding exotic instruments, change styles abruptly and create sonically rich portraits (especially when keyboards are involved). "Nothing at all" at its 9 minutes could be mistakenly considered to be a complex opus but it is a rather pleasant psychedelia number that is interrupted by drum soloing and avantgarde dissonant experiments. Astonishingly strong debut!

Review Nº 762

"Out Of The Fire" is the sixth live album of Gentle Giant and was released in 1998. "Out Of The Fire" is a double live album with two different live concerts performed and recorded in 1973 and 1978 by the BBC radio. However, they were only released about twenty years later. Fortunately, as it's written on the sleeve notes, some of the tapes have been found in the later years, and the two live concerts have been rescued and been included on this double live album.

Both live concerts were performed at the Golders Green Hippodrome. The first was recorded for the BBC Radio One, in 16th November of 1973, a few weeks later after the group had returned from a European tour. Although the program lasted for one hour, we have only approximately 35 minutes of live material. The other live concert was recorded for the BBC TV 5, in 5th January of 1978, and the show is part of the "Sight And Sound In Concert" series. Fortunately this time we have here the full show given by Gentle Giant. In this second live concert Gentle Giant gave a full hour live show.

"Out Of The Fire" has eighteen tracks. CD 1 has five tracks. The first track "Introduction" represents the band's presentation made by the BBC presenter in 1973. The second track "Way Of Life" was originally released on "In A Glass House". The third track "Funny Ways" was originally released on "Gentle Giant". The fourth track "Nothing At All" was also originally released on "Gentle Giant". The fifth track "Excerpts From Octopus" as the name indicates, are live excerpts taken from "Octopus". CD 2 has thirteen tracks. The first track "Introduction", such happened in the concert of 1973, represents the band's presentation made by the BBC presenter in 1978. The second track "Two Weeks In Spain" was originally released on "The Missing Piece". The third track "Free Hand" was originally released on "Free Hand". The fourth track "On Reflection" was also originally released on "Free Hand". The fifth track "I'm Turning Around" was originally released on "The Missing Piece". The sixth track "Just The Same" was originally released on "Free Hand". The seventh track "Playing The Game" was originally released on "The Power And The Glory". The eighth track "Memories Of The Old Days" was originally released on "The Missing Piece". The ninth track "Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It" was also originally released on "The Missing Piece". The tenth track "Special Presentation By John P. Weathers", as the name indicates, is the presentation of the band made by their drummer John Weathers. The eleventh track "Funny Ways" was originally released on "Gentle Giant". The twelfth track "For Nobody" was originally released on "The Missing Piece". The thirteenth track "Mountain Time" was also originally released on "The Missing Piece".

Another batch of footage from the BBC archives, this time two concerts in front of the public, which were later used to fill a BBC radio show. As I mentioned before, the first CD contains quite successful recordings from 1973. This would include a terrifically fast version of "Way Of life", a somewhat shortened version of "Funny Ways", "Nothing At All" with successful drums and glockenspiel interludes and the usual sovereign medley "Excerpts From Octopus" deserves a special mention. The contents of the second CD, a BBC concert from 1978, had already been published in 1994 as "In Concert" in a somewhat shortened version. In this concert, the band played older songs as well as some from their then new album "The Missing Piece". The second CD has several gems including an intricate version of "Playing The Game" and an aggressive rendering of "For Nobody". The classy twin acoustic guitars of Green and Shulman grace the wonderfully reflective, "Memories Of Old Days". Despite that, six of ten tracks on this second CD are from their current album at the time "The Missing Piece", with a more standard rock shift, but still with a high energy level. As the band reckoned they had much better chances in Europe and in the USA, this was Gentle Giant's last concert in Great Britain.

Conclusion: "Out Of The Fire" is a double CD consisting of two completely different live shows, recorded for the BBC, separated by five years. So, it's fair to talk about both live concerts separately. The BBC concert of 1973 is a short live show with about 35 minutes and only with four tracks. The band was very energetic and brilliant. The live concert is almost acoustic, sometimes seeming an unplugged live concert, especially because the live versions of "Way Of Life" and "Funny Ways". This is particularly important, because this two live versions haven't been include on any live album before. The quality sound isn't bad, but has some problems, particularly with its mix. The BBC concert of 1978 is a more traditional live show, very energetic but much shared between the band and the audience. The live concert is focused on their most recent studio album, at the time, "The Missing Piece", with passages of their previous albums "Free Hand" and "The Power And The Glory". In this concert, the band proves to be in a great shape. Unlike the 1973 concert, the sound is very good, like most of the BBC recordings. With the release of this double live album, Gentle Giant proves they were a great live and a versatile band, on their live shows, apart the year in which those concerts were performed.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Underrated, overlooked, lost in the vaults ... how about Gentle Giant?

Gentle Giant is one of those prog bands and artists (like King Crimson and Frank Zappa) that evoke strong opposite musical experiences to me. The one moment I am blown away by their jawdropping skills, great musical ideas and virtuosic interplay. But the other moment I can't stand their complexity, technical overtones, lack of emotion in the music and instruments like the trumpet and vibraphone. I think it is all about appreciating The Quirky Factor.

My first musical encounter with Gentle Giant was late 1977 when I watched a Gentle Giant concert on the Dutch television, that legendary 1974 concert, recorded in Belgium and broadcasted on the German television. I was very impressed, and soon bought this double live LP. Listening to Gentle Giant it's obvious that these musicians are classically trained, they play each at least 3 instruments, and on stage Gentle Giant is even more impressive! Their trademark is a mid-tempo, in a dynamic atmosphere with breathtaking interplay, the focus is often on the acrobatic vocals, and the distinctive clavinet that adds a bit funky element to the music. Another Gentle Giant trademark is the wide range of instruments, from a swirling Hammond solo or a wah-wah drenched guitar solo to flutes and violins, giving a classical flavour to the music.

Now about The Quirky Factor on this Gentle Giant live album.

A capella vocal harmonies, then a xylophone joins in On Reflection.

A capella vocal harmonies and xylophone interplay with distorted bass in the epic Excerpts From Octopus.

An avant-garde atmosphere with violin and vocals in So Sincere.

And a cheerful violin solo in a country climate in Breakdown in Brussels (aka Sweet Georgia Brown).

If you are up to these Quirky Factor elements Gentle Giant is a treat here, artistically this live album can compete with the best live of Yes, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson and Pink Floyd, what an incredible virtuosic, dynamic and varied prog sound!

Review Nº 758

According to Progarchives, "Live In Stockholm' 75" is the twenty-first live album of Gentle Giant and was released in 2009. The music was recorded by the Swedish Radio Ltd on 12th November 1975, and was taken from a live performance of Gentle Giant which took place in the Students Union, at Club Karen, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.

1975 was a great year for Gentle Giant. It was the year of the release of their seventh studio album "Free Hand", an album considered by some their greatest masterpiece. It was also the culmination of a brilliant and meteoric musical career and that would be relatively short for a band as brilliant as they were. We may say that "Free Hand" was also their last masterpiece and which was from here that began their musical decline, although their next studio album "Interview" still is a great album. Anyway, their first seven studio albums are so great that is difficult to choose the best.

But, besides be a great year for them, it was also a very busy year for Gentle Giant. On January and February they were touring in U.S.A. On March, April and May they were writing and recording "Free Hand". On June they were busy on a couple of festivals and filming a T.V. special in Brussels, Belgium. On August they were back in America, on September in Europe, and they were also back and touring again in the U.S A. On November they started another European tour which took them 'till Christmas. So, it was in that context that appeared the recordings of "Live In Stockholm' 75".

"Live In Stockholm' 75" has seven tracks. The first track "Cogs In Cogs" was a track originally released on their sixth studio album "The Power And The Glory". The second track "Proclamation" was also a track originally released on their album "The Power And The Glory". The third track "The Runway/Experience" is a live performance of two songs "The Runway" and "Experience". Both tracks were originally released on their fifth studio album "In A Glass House". The fourth track "So Sincere" was a track originally released on their album "The Power And The Glory". The fifth track "Plain Truth" was a track originally released on their second studio album "Acquiring The Taste". The sixth track "Free Hand" was a track originally released on their seventh studio album "Free Hand". The seventh track "Just The Same" was also a track originally released on their album "Free Hand".

In this well recorded live concert, originally recorded for the Swedish Radio, Gentle Giant is in a great shape. Derek Shulman's live vocals are a revelation, losing none of their power and sincerity. Gary Green and Kerry Minnear are amazing as is usual and the bass playing of Ray Shulman was simply awesome, one of the best ever. Finally, strings by Ray and Kerry and percussion "madness" involve the whole band all over the show. The set list is quite good, though very similar to many of the other shows that most Gentle Giant's fans have heard from that period. The sound quality is surprisingly solid, easily better than many of the other recordings that have floated out over the years, and gives a great representation of the power of this band during that time period. This gig featured some songs from the then new album "Free Hand" like the title track and "Just The Same", plus older staples such as the complex "Cogs In Cogs", the mighty "Proclamation", the "In A Glass House" medley of "The Runaway/Experience" and the extended versions of "So Sincere" and "Plain Truth". "Proclamation" and "Cogs In Cogs" kick off a storming gig, the streamlined latter number being a particular highlight. Deep into the two lengthy numbers, "The Runway/Experience" and "So Sincere", the band break wildly free of their own loose conventions and hone jams that show why they remained aloof from the prog pack. In "So Sincere" and "Plain Truth", both feature some long percussion jams and a terrific violin solo from Ray Shulman.

Conclusion: "Live In Stockholm' 75" is, in reality, a great live album. However, in my humble opinion, it's a bit far away from the quality level of "Playing The Full", given the extremely high level of the live performance on that album. The reference for this band's live recordings remains "Playing The Fool". Who is familiarized with my reviews knows that I'm a great fan of that Gentle Giant's live album, and that I consider "Playing The Full", "Yessongs" and "Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends", probably the three best live albums released in the 70's. But, Gentle Giant's live is simply an amazing experience. And "Live In Stockholm' 75" isn't an exception. It's a very good live album for several reasons. In the first place, the choice of the songs is very good and belong to some of the best studio albums of them, particularly "In A Glass House", "The Power And The Glory" and "Free Hand". In the second place, the songs are in general performed live, substantially different from their studio versions, including even a drum solo, so typical of the live albums from the 70's. In the third place, the live performance of the band, without being brilliant, is very good and inspired enough to provide a great live show. So, "Live In Stockholm' 75" is, without any doubt, a great addition for any progressive collection and once more shows us the Gentle Giant's complex music, especially when performed live.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Review Nº 754

According to Progarchives, "King Alfred's College Winchester" is the twentieth live album of Gentle Giant and that was released in 2009. This album represents one of the first Gentle Giant's live concerts and was performed at King Alfred's College, in Winchester, in 1971. This is a live concert performed after the release of their eponymous debut studio album "Gentle Giant" and just before they have released their second studio album "Acquiring The Taste" in 1971.

"King Alfred's College Winchester" is, in reality, an official bootleg of the band released in a very cheap way. This is a live recording of a little known band, at the time and unfortunately even today, which was played in a very small room. But, surprisingly, we are in presence of a very good live show. Off course, we can't expect of it the hi- fi quality that it deserves. Its sound quality isn't really great. We may say its quality is only being acceptable, especially in some parts of the album. Possibly, this was the main reason why these recordings took almost forty years to see the light of day.

But, notably, and what is probably the main reason to check this live album, "King Alfred's College Winchester" contains two very rare tracks "Hometown Special" and "City Hermit" and contains also a lost track "Peel Off The Paint", which became the most interesting track on this CD, especially for Gentle Giant's fans. So, this is an interesting album.

"King Alfred's College Winchester" is a live album with ten tracks. The first track "Giant" was a track originally released on their debut studio album "Gentle Giant". The second track "Hometown Special" was a track never released in any studio album of the band. It only can be heard on the later compilation albums of Gentle Giant. The third track "City Hermit" was also a track never released in any studio album of the band. As happened with "Hometown Special", it only can be heard on the later compilation albums of Gentle Giant. The fourth track "Funny Ways" was also a track originally released on "Gentle Giant". The fifth track "Plain Truth" was a track that would be originally released on their second studio album "Acquiring The Taste". The sixth track "Alucard" was also a track originally released on "Gentle Giant". The seventh track "Isn't It Quiet And Cold" was also a track originally released on "Gentle Giant". The eighth track "Why Not" was also a track originally released on "Gentle Giant". The ninth track "The Queen" was also a track originally released on "Gentle Giant". The tenth track "Peel Off The Paint" is a track that has the same lyrics as "Peel The Paint", a track that would be released on their third studio album "Three Friends". But, despite of that, this is a very different track with different music and more heavy than that future studio version that will be released on that album.

In 1971 Gentle Giant was still in a phase of upheaval. Just a moment ago they were called Simon Dupree And The Big Sound and played blues rock, R&B and above all cover versions of current chart toppers. Now, they are striving for higher things as Gentle Giant, inspired by Frank Zappa and King Crimson. This live album features live versions of songs from the band's first eponymous debut studio album and second "Acquiring The Taste", complemented by live versions of two songs that were not included on the regular studio albums but included on later anthologies. So, the band presents itself accordingly ambiguous here. "Hometown Special", "City Hermit" and "Peel Off The Paint" like "Why Not", for example, are jazz or blues rockers that may not quite go with the rest of the material, which at least, has some genuine prog classics like "Giant" and "Funny Ways". Long guitar solos, like on the unfortunately incomplete "Peel Off The Paint", were no longer Gentle Giant's things. A few words about the arrangements can also be said for this album. Because some of the songs are heavily modified and expanded, such as "Plain Truth", which is about three minutes longer than the studio version, but also mostly through solos. The sound quality for a live recording of a little known band playing one of their first shows in a small hall in 1971 is surprisingly good. But, don't expect hi-fi quality.

Conclusion: Gentle Giant is one of the best, most creative and original rock bands that ever existed in the prog rock scene. Gentle Giant is also one the bands that made some of the most complex and original music in the prog music. They are one of my favourite prog bands. "King Alfred's College Winchester" represents a very simple, rare and curious live recording from Gentle Giant, a band in the beginning of their musical career. Despite its sound hasn't great quality and being only acceptable, especially in the end of the album, this became a very important live document of Gentle Giant. So, you're not going to come here for the highest of fidelity quality, but to hear a very fascinating recording, of unknown source, of a very early Gentle Giant's gig. I must confess that I had many doubts between giving 3 or 2 stars to this live album. Musically speaking, this album shows a great live musical performance and represents a rare live recording with Martin Smith on drums. But, unfortunately, the recording has it failures and although we can consider this is a live recording from 1971 by an almost unknown band, the sound quality has some flaws in the tape recordings. So, by the criterion of Progarchives, it would be rated with 2 stars. But, I can't do that. I think it deserves 3 stars, really.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Review #135!

A masterful Gentle Giant recording. This is when they found their groove, their style. This is the first in the string of six albums that I think are all masterpieces from Gentle Giant. And this is a surprisingly diverse second output! You got sea- shanties ('Wreck'), psychedelic jazz prog ('The House, The Street, The Room', 'Black Cat'), mesmerizing horn/string solos and such ('Pantagruel's Nativity', 'Edge of Twilight', 'The Moon is Down'), and pure oddities ('Acquiring the Taste', 'Plain Truth'). A truly magical album, and one of my favorite prog albums of all time. Prog on, you weirdos, and acquire the taste!

Review #128!

'Three Friends', the big turning point in Gentle Giant's career where prog influences were moving from noticeable only with sharp ears to in the forefront for all to see (or hear, rather). The band serves up an interesting mix of classic rock, jazz- improvisation-style breakdowns (an element diminished to an extent since the previous album, 'Acquiring the Taste'), and prog insanity. It is also the band's first concept album, narrating the story of three friends whose connection was torn as they grew older through songs depicting each one of them, of course, with some prologues for context and a conclusion track. One friend works behind a desk ('Working All Day'), one an easel('Peel the Paint'), and one who worked his way up from a white-collar job to being a well-off executive ('Mister Class and Quality?!'). The largely instrumental first track, 'Prologue', has one of my all time favorite Gentle Giant guitar riffs. The minimal lyrics are amazing and act as preparation/context for the songs to come. 'Schooldays' has many passages with Gentle Giant trademark layered vocals that would be more prominent in the oncoming albums. The Soft piano section is a great part, like a callback to some similar stuff going in the debut and "Taste". 'Working All Day' has some great lyrics and an amazing solo which takes up the middle half of the track, utilizing many keyboard instruments (such as the Fender Rhodes) and guitar. 'Peel the Paint' has an interesting main rhythm, definitely progressive. Violins are omnipotent in this song, always ready for an interlude where they can show off. The aggressive guitar solo accompanied with vocals is one of Gentle Giant's most heavy moments, like Black Sabbath or some crap like that were featured here. Perfection. Metal perfection. Like an early 'Machine Messiah'. 'Mister Class and Quality?!' has an interesting blend of almost country influences, jazz, and rock in the music and medieval in the vocals. This seamlessly transitions into the title track, a symphonic chant of a song that summarizes the album with only twenty-two words. A wonderful way to complete a concept album like Gentle Giant has masterfully crafted. Prog on.

Review #102!

I found out about this single's existence and felt I needed to raise awareness and my opinion on it. Side one is 'The Advent of Panurge'. This is possibly one of the greatest prog tunes ever written. Taking lyrical inspiration from the 16th- century book series 'Gargantua and Pantagruel', this song is deeply rooted (like many other Gentle Giant songs) in the medieval theme, both musically and lyrically. It also has some strong funk undertones. 'Prologue' is found on Gentle Giant's 'Three Friends', and as expected, is the opening track. It is basically one big guitar solo until the vocals begin. It is also pretty funky. These are two great songs, and they pair well to make a great single. Prog on.

9/10 Our more 'underground' (less well known) pick this week goes to 'Octopus'. Gentle Giant's best album can be interesting, one must listen to it several times, the music is very complex (not as complex as Tales From Topographic Oceans, but still complex) and utilizes a variety of different instruments, almost more so than Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, but even that doesn't have a xylophone solo. The album opens with 'The Adventure of Panurge' which is an epic in every sense, and changes a lot, it's a great song. 'Raconteur Troubadour' is a quirky weird British humor song. The next few songs come and go, with the occasional xylophone solo and bongos, but then you get to 'Dog's Life' which is a fun ditty about.. well.. the life of a dog, it's an adorable song. Has some xylophone. 'Think of Me With Kindness' is perhaps one of the greatest love songs ever written, I can not express how much I love this song. It's just beautiful, the lyrics, the vocals, the horns, the piano, just everything, if you listen to nothing else off of this album, listen to that. The next song is 'River', which is a nice album closer, not much to say on that. If anyone likes the weird humor of Monty Python, I recommend Gentle Giant, they're just so British, and I love them for it, also the Steven Wilson remix makes everything sound a bit warmer, it's nice.