Record Reviews

GENTLE GIANT ~ GENTLE GIANT REPERTOIRE 1035 (Barcode: 4009910103524) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004 1st album by British Prog legends Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, a group that defined the genre more then any other singular musical outfit. Formed by the Shulman brothers: vocalist Derek ShulmanFind albums by this artist, bassist / violinist / vocalist Ray ShulmanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / vocalist Philip ShulmanFind albums by this artist, following the demise of their previous group Simon Dupree & The Big SoundFind albums by this artist, Gentle Giant recorded this stunning debut, which changed the face of music forever. Combining musical influences spreading such diverse areas as medieval madrigals and modern Jazz, the group managed to create a completely new sound and in fact even a new musical language, influencing generations of musicians all over the world for generations to come. Funny, zany and deadly serious, this music is essential listening to any serious music fan and of course an important piece of the Prog canon. Absolutely essential! Visitors' Comments Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros Debut album by one of the most impressive, extraordinary and eclectic bands in the Prog Rock History. Gentle Giant was known for the complexity and sophistication of its music and for the varied musical skills of its members, all of them, except the first two drummers, were multi-instrumentalists. The Shulman Brothers (Derek, Ray and Phil), Kenny Minnear, Gary Green and Martin Smith with additional musicians (Paul Cosh, tenor horn on ´Giant´ and Calire Deniz, cello on ´Isn´t it quiet and cold´) were a great ensamble. The band´s music was considered complex even by progressive rock standards, drawing on a broad swathe of music incluiding Folk, Jazz, Bluez, Classical Music, Baroque, Mediaeval Music, Modernist Chamber Music elements. In this work, we found multi-part vocal harmonies, complex lyrics, frequente changes in tempo, frequent use of syncopation and polymeters, use of complex melodies, frequently contrasting harmonies with dissonance, extreme use of instrumental and vocal counterpoint, use of clssical and mediaeval instrumentation, use of musical structures typically associated with Classical Music (madrigal, fuga, etc, etc) and the consistent use of stated exchanged and recapitulated muscial themes exchangend between instruments. ´Giant´,´ Alucard´,´Nothing to all´,´Funny ways´, ´Why not?´, are excelent tracks of this extraordinary albumn. Essential !!!!. 5 stars.

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GENTLE GIANT ~ THREE FRIENDS COLUMBIA 31649 (Barcode: 074643164924) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1989 3rd album by seminal British Prog band Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, which was their first attempt to create a concept album around a story about three childhood friends drifting apart in time, resulting in one of Prog´s timeless masterpieces. The group´s unique approach to writing, singing, performing and arranging their music set then apart from all the rest of Prog movement, which was at its peak at the time. Packed with incredible talent and unorthodox stylistic idiosyncrasies, Gentle Giant were giants indeed and they managed to change the face of music and influence generations of contemporary and future musicians. At the time of this recording the group consisted of all three Shulman brothers: vocalist Derek ShulmanFind albums by this artist, bassist / violinist / vocalist Ray ShulmanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / vocalist Philip ShulmanFind albums by this artist with guitarist Gary GreenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kerry MinnearFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. The sextet was capable of producing a complex instrumental sound and incredible vocal pyrotechnics, based on madrigal-like choir techniques. Musically they also used unusual chord structures and strangely odd meters, crating stunning pieces of unparalleled intricacy. The result is absolutely unsurpassed by any other Prog outfit active at a time and each of their early albums, this one included, is an absolutely timeless masterpiece. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

GENTLE GIANT ~ THREE FRIENDS REPERTOIRE 5114 (Barcode: 4009910511428) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008 3rd album by seminal British Prog band Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, which was their first attempt to create a concept album around a story about three childhood friends drifting apart in time, resulting in one of Prog´s timeless masterpieces. The group´s unique approach to writing, singing, performing and arranging their music set then apart from all the rest of Prog movement, which was at its peak at the time. Packed with incredible talent and unorthodox stylistic idiosyncrasies, Gentle Giant were giants indeed and they managed to change the face of music and influence generations of contemporary and future musicians. At the time of this recording the group consisted of all three Shulman brothers: vocalist Derek ShulmanFind albums by this artist, bassist / violinist / vocalist Ray ShulmanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / vocalist Philip ShulmanFind albums by this artist with guitarist Gary GreenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kerry MinnearFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. The sextet was capable of producing a complex instrumental sound and incredible vocal pyrotechnics, based on madrigal-like choir techniques. Musically they also used unusual chord structures and strangely odd meters, crating stunning pieces of unparalleled intricacy. The result is absolutely unsurpassed by any other Prog outfit active at a time and each of their early albums, this one included, is an absolutely timeless masterpiece. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend