On 51 Favorites Lists

» Edit Band Information
» Edit Albums

» Add a Review
» Add an Album
» Add MP3
» Add News

Gentle Giant
Progressive

Gentle Giant formed out of the blues-based (and later psychedelic) group Simon Dupree & The Big Sound in 1970, which featured the multi-instrumental Shulman brothers Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, and Phil Shulman. They joined with guitarist Gary Green, keyboard player Kerry Minnear, and a series of drummers (John Weathers most consistently, also Martin Smith and Malcom Mortimore) to play music beyond the scope of ordinary rock, though with still a hint of blues in Green’s guitar. Minnear’s elaborate arrangements featured elements of both medieval polyphony and twentieth century composition. ...read more

Gentle Giant formed out of the blues-based (and later psychedelic) group Simon Dupree & The Big Sound in 1970, which featured the multi-instrumental Shulman brothers Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, and Phil Shulman. They joined with guitarist Gary Green, keyboard player Kerry Minnear, and a series of drummers (John Weathers most consistently, also Martin Smith and Malcom Mortimore) to play music beyond the scope of ordinary rock, though with still a hint of blues in Green’s guitar. Minnear’s elaborate arrangements featured elements of both medieval polyphony and twentieth century composition.

In particular, the complex four-part vocal arrangements give the band its unusual character, with each part functioning independently rather than forming simple harmonies. The instrumental parts were just as complex, often featuring interlocking parts often in odd meters, all backed by a solid drum pattern. Cello, violin, recorder, saxophone, and vibraphone (all handled by band members) figure prominently in the arrangements in addition to Minnear’s keyboards. « hide

Similar Bands: Caravan , Van der Graaf Generator , Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson, Echolyn

LPs
Civilian
1980

2.1
21 Votes
Giant For A Day
1978

2.1
24 Votes
The Missing Piece
1977

2.5
22 Votes
Interview
1976

3.3
34 Votes
Free Hand
1975

4
83 Votes
The Power And The Glory
1974

3.9
71 Votes
In a Glass House
1973

4.2
119 Votes
Octopus
1972

4
150 Votes
Three Friends
1972

3.9
85 Votes
Acquiring The Taste
1971

4
119 Votes
Gentle Giant
1970

3.8
91 Votes
Live Albums
Playing the Fool
1977

4.1
12 Votes

Music Lists
05.16.13  Grooveshark04.25.13  More Prog Thursday
03.31.13  15 Best Prog Rock Albums03.18.13  Prog Lyf
03.17.13  Proggin Hard03.16.13  The Meatiest Prog List Ever
03.15.13  Best Of Britain Revised03.08.13  My Relatively Top 100 Albums
03.06.13  Wicked Wednesdays03.05.13  New User - Vinyl Icebreaker!
03.04.13  Digs02.19.13  Winter Break
02.17.13  Songs For Life02.16.13  Ah De 70s
02.07.13  Albums That Own.01.25.13  How About I Mix/Master Your Music?
01.25.13  Hit Me With Some Recs01.15.13  Looking To Start A Vinyl Collection
12.24.12  Merry Christmas Sputnik!12.24.12  Digggggggzzzzzz
» More Lists (97)

Contributors: 420yeah666yeah69, Nagrarok, Jethro42, Ponton, Storm In A Teacup, traktor, pulseczar, dannyboy89, Nagrarok,

FAQ // STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // SITE FORUM // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2013 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Privacy Policy

IndieClick Music Network