Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Freehand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a bit. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Schulman, Ray Schulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are multi-instrumentalists. Phil Schulman, their elder brother was also a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/28/2013 @ 11:44am

Gentle Giant has little to no chance of being inducted any time soon. For better or worse, the powers-that-be are mostly American in origin and perspective. GG had no charted songs in the U.S. (and my cursory research shows none in the U.K. either), no "uncharted classic" songs that classic rock stations play (like "Stairway To Heaven" is for Led Zeppelin, or "Under My Thumb" for the Rolling Stones, etc.), only one album reaching the upper quarter of the album charts. I don't know if they were bigger in the U.K. than the U.S., but the NomCom, as reluctant as they are to acknowledge prog at all, are not going to select this band with little to no impact over here, and I would argue that they are not the juggernauts of prog you hail them as. As a personal thought, I also happen to think they're probably the most ridiculously named prog band, too. "Gentle Giant", imo, sounds like a name for a '60's flower-power folk-psychedlic band... they have a large-looming presence, but benevolent and friendly. Tell me that doesn't scream '60s hippies love-in.

Posted by Philip on Saturday, 12/28/2013 @ 18:49pm

My mistake, I had meant to say that, as far as i am concerned, that the definitive lineup of Gentle Giant had consisted of: Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and John Weathers. Phil Shulman and Malcolm Mortimore had also made significant contributions to the band.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 12/29/2013 @ 11:13am

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as ifthe spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great usually artists are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will
be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to them.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 12/29/2013 @ 23:09pm

"What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?"

Some of those, though I'd say the single-minded vision is probably not a part of the equation, and the ability to improvise is questionable. I'd also say that long-standing popularity is a part of the equation whether or not you'd care to admit it.

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 12/29/2013 @ 23:21pm

Enigmaticus,

"What makes an artist great?"

I think that greatness is such an intangible that it really means how you define it. That is why your leading questions is always important. There are many criteria you can use. Which is why you can see so many artists mentioned over a number of different lists. I think the most objective lists go for criteria that can be measured somewhat accurately. The big ones I tend to look at:

1) Influence - Broken up into 3-4 groups Cultural, Musical, Industry oriented, and then a 4th group of miscellaneous influences. Influence is important, all great artists have had it to a degree. That isn't to say inspiration is the same thing. Someone like Gentle Giant may have inspired a sound by some one else. Influence tends to be more measurable because you can see the direct link (Louis Jordan's sound was to a musical ear the direct parent of Rock (musical influence), Elvis changed the conversation on sex and youth (cultural), Mamie Smith proved to the industry that Blues could sell (industrial), and Johnny Cash's life inspired great film making (misc.).

2) Popularity - Popularity is the most complex, but also most measurable criteria. It should be looked at as initial popularity, which is during the acts peak career, and lasting popularity. Lasting popularity signifies an artist with longevity, but it also shows off reputation. No artist has even been acknowledged by history as great without meeting a few key popularity qualities. Elvis for example was popular initially, and continues that popularity on even after death (A combination of both). Someone like Connie Francis has been forgotten through the years, but was still every bit as popular to a generation as anyone else (Initial). The Velvet Underground couldn't really push records in their time, but have seen their sales and popularity grow over time based on reputation (lasting). There are so many factors going into popularity however that it complicates the overall importance of the criteria. There are sales, charts, tours, and cultural milestones that all have to be measured. You then have to decide what is important based on how all of those separate categories are concerned.

3) Impact - Impact goes hand in hand with influence, but is measured in a much smaller time. The landing of the Beatles in the States created their influence, but that impact was instantly recognizable. Impact is important because it honors the first artist to do something, not the one who gets the credit now. The alternative bands of the 1980s (Pixies, Sonic Youth, R.E.M.) for example had a great deal of impact, because they utilized the influences of the Velvet Underground (who score poorly in impact).

4) Technical/Musical Skill - The great thing about actual musical skill is that it can be measured. You can take a vocalist and break them apart by what they can do as a vocalist. Like all criteria there is a an issue when you apply what makes art art, which is emotion. As an example the finest technical voice of Popular Music in the 20th Century was arguably Sarah Vaughan. She holds every technical card you could want. However when including emotion as an important factor, you get a swell there that allows Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Freddie Mercury a bit of an edge. That can be applied to any medium in which an artist applies itself. Instrumental, Lyrical, Composition, Performance, etc.

There are plenty of lesser criteria to look at but most artists in a Top 100 of anything bring all four of those criteria to the table. The problem is there are about 1500 great recording artists in recorded music. Which is why you see the variety in a "top" 100. Someone gets passed over because you look to heavily at something else.

I agree with Philip completely however on his comments about Gentle Giant. I like them more than most Prog acts (I am listening to them as I write this post) but I do understand that they are essentially not Hall worthy. Even if they could somehow sneak on a ballot, I would question their induction. Technical skill and originality aside, they just aren't that important.

Many of my favorite acts from any genre aren't Hall worthy. I think it is always important to remember that because we, the listener, think something is good, it doesn't make it great. I will always argue for artists that I might not be a big fan of getting inducted because they deserve it. I thought this year Linda Ronstadt deserved it. I don't think the world of her sound, but I knew she at least qualified to be there. She is just an example. I think Yes deserves induction still, I like Gentle Giant more. I think Chic's exclusion is the biggest snub right now. I prefer different Dance acts however (Lipps Inc as an example).

Posted by Chris F. on Monday, 12/30/2013 @ 00:07am

Over a year ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will
be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Freehand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a bit. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Schulman, Ray Schulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are greamulti-instrumentalists. Phil Schulman, their elder brother was also a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/17/2016 @ 16:16pm

I am terribly sorry, I had meant to say that they were great multi-instrumentalists.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/17/2016 @ 16:21pm

i saw gentle giant perform twice in phoenix .. i was blown away ... and i got back stage both times and met the band .. very good people and kerry was the most gracious ... derek was also down to earth and friendly ... i just wished i could of seen them play with phil ... some people put down dereks vocals but you must understand he was singing in strange keys and movements --- he wanted to take a chance and did ... just listen to the song " knotts " and that song should put them in the hall of fame itself .. the giant and crimson definatly should be hall of famers

Posted by tim hoyt on Saturday, 10/1/2016 @ 23:09pm

Tim,

Gentle Giant is sixth on my list of favorite "prog" artists and King Crimson is seventh on this list.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Tuesday, 10/4/2016 @ 03:02am

As much as I enjoy the music of Gentle Giant, I have had to adjust their position on my list of favorite progressive rock artists from sixth to ninth. This does not mean that I am not supportive of their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, either. It simply means that I feel that the following artists: Rush, Yes, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and Duran Duran are slightly more favorable overall.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 12/10/2016 @ 14:03pm

Since there is not yet an Echolyn page on this site. I would like to ask, have any of you heard, “As The World (1995),” by Echolyn?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 05/21/2018 @ 08:59am

Chris F,

Thank you for providing us with a detailed description of What makes an artist great? Unfortunately, Gentle Giant has not had the commercial appeal of many of their contemporaries. If I remember correctly, The first Rolling Stone Record Guide from 1979 had given “Free Hand” five stars.

Unfortunately, there is not, as of the present time, an Echolyn page on this site. Therefore, I would like to ask, have any of you heard, “As The World (1995),” by Echolyn and if so, what do you think about it?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 05/21/2018 @ 09:27am

Enigmaticus,

I've listened to Echolyn - As The World (1995) and you picked the right page to ask the question because Echolyn certainly is quite the Gentle Giant Jr. Gentle Giant isn't really at the top of my list of favorite bands, but I respect their ability to perform quite complex music and make it sound easy.

I think Echolyn sounds their most interesting on the songs that utilize orchestration. I wish they would do that more. On the early part of the album some of the lyrics sound a little amateuristic. My personal favorites are the title song As The World and then the middle part with the "Letters" songs - Prose, A Short Essay, My Dear Wormwood, Entry 11.19.93, and One for the Show. They seem to be the most thoughtful lyrically as well as musically. But my absolute favorite is the final song whose title Never the Same brings us full circle from the opening song All Ways the Same. Never the Same is my second favorite Echolyn song behind 21. The music and words are very touching and almost bring a tear to my eyes which is really hard to do:

"After the song is over
The dance goes on, so dance away
When all is said and done
Remember what's been given, not taken away"

Posted by joker on Wednesday, 05/30/2018 @ 02:07am

Joker,

Yes, until there is an Echolyn page on this website, I think that for the present time, the Gentle Giant page is the best place to discuss Echolyn. In any event, my favorite track from “As The World,” is also ‘Never The Same.’ However, I really like every single song on “As The World.” In my honest opinion, it is Echolyn’s tour de force. Thanks for listening.

Posted by Enigmaticus on Wednesday, 05/30/2018 @ 05:16am

These guys are(were) so good that I can't even explain it. I don't know what to say, so I'll be honest:

FAR GREATER THAN THE BEATLES.

Thank you.

Posted by John T. Kelly on Thursday, 04/9/2020 @ 02:09am

John, I wish I was smoking what you're smoking...

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 04/9/2020 @ 07:37am

I'm 59
as a teen I had heard of gentle giant but couldn't be bother immersing myself into their art because I was bowled over by Genesis and Yes and Steve Hillage.

Who needs more flavoring when you have those three - and then came along Pretty Vacant and Nice and Sleazy and my prog rock vinyl collection stopped growing

Then two weeks ago, thanks to remarkable access of Spotify after listening to system 7 (21st century Hillage) I started playing "Alucard" off of the gentle giant Gentle Giant album 1970

Straight off the bat, 10cc 5 years later were ripping them off, as was Genesis as late as selling England by the pound

Of Yes, only Bruford Lifted from them

But unlike king crimson or moody blues , this first album lacked that 60s feel - it sounds 70s

Man those alucard keyboards riffs are awesome and epic

So question is did Gentle Giant in 1970 copy replicate 1969 King Crimson (Court of )

You have to ask the band but one thing is for sure everyone else ripped off gentle giant ' first album

I say they should be inducted - no brained

Tanks

Posted by G on Wednesday, 09/9/2020 @ 17:37pm

Correction: no brainer

Posted by G on Wednesday, 09/9/2020 @ 17:40pm

Did Bowie rip off Alucard keyboard riff in opening of suffragette city 1972

I said yes But as a tribute to gentle giant

Posted by G on Wednesday, 09/9/2020 @ 18:35pm

Schoenberg or Stravinsky are not very popular but they are great musicians.
Rush is so popular as Kiss, but the music they composed is not brilliant from a musical point of view. It is just good articulated noise (for people who don't know anithyng about music). Strictly commercial (as Frank Zappa said).
I give little or no importance to what group is elected to the Hall of the Fame.
Gentle Giant was a superb group with complex and creative musical proposals. I cannot say that of Rush.

Posted by Alejandro on Friday, 01/15/2021 @ 13:50pm

Alejandro,

Insulting the music of Rush and by extension, Rush's fan base is definitely not an advisable method for creating goodwill, nor for procuring a nomination for Gentle Giant, into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. In fact, I would strongly urge that you do not employ that approach, unless you wish to alienate the Rush fan base. By the way, the Rush fan base has already been informed about your insult.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 01/16/2021 @ 02:05am

Over seven years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will
be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Freehand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a bit. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Schulman, Ray Schulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Schulman, their elder brother was also a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 01/16/2021 @ 03:11am

Over eight years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Free Hand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a beat. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Schulman, Ray Schulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Schulman, their elder brother was also a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Friday, 01/28/2022 @ 05:23am

I have just ordered the Steven Wilson remixes of "Octopus," "Free Hand" and "The Power And The Glory." By the way, I like most of Gentle Giant's entire discography so a change of the ranking of my favorite prog artists is definitely in order. Therefore, here are now my 25 favorite prog and prog adjacent artists :

01. Rush
02. Yes
03. The Moody Blues
04. Wobbler
05. Gentle Giant
06. King Crimson
07. Duran Duran
08. Pink Floyd
09. Jethro Tull
10. Kansas
11. Talking Heads
12. Electric Light Orchestra
13. Renaissance
14. Genesis
15. Peter Gabriel (solo)
16. Procol Harum
17. Supertramp
18. Alan Parsons Project
19. Emerson Lake & Palmer
20. Jefferson Airplane
21. Sade
22. Andreas Vollenweider
23. Styx
24. Asia
25. Tangerine Dream

I had been very inspired by the video of 'Proclamation,' the extraordinary song which is from my favorite Gentle Giant album: "The Power And The Glory."

I am still considering the purchases of "In A Glass House" and "Civilian."

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/30/2022 @ 20:57pm

11am

Over eight years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Free Hand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a beat. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Schulman, Ray Schulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Schulman, their elder brother was also a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Here is the new part:

Here is the order of my favorite studio albums by Gentle Giant:


11. Giant For A Day!
10. The Missing Piece

By the way, I am still undecided on the rankings of these albums.

(****)

09. Interview
08. Civilian- I have heard most of this highly underrated studio album.

These are Gentle Giant's masterpieces, in my honest opinion:

(*****)

07. Three Friends- one of my favorite Gentle Giant albums for almost 25 consecutive years. I have decided to award it five stars, as of today.
06. In A Glass House- I have only heard bits and pieces of this album. Based upon what I have heard; it is quite impressive.
05. Gentle Giant- their debut album and what a debut it was. It is still one of my favorite studio albums.
04. Acquiring The Taste- my fourth favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
03. Octopus- my third favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
02. Free Hand- my second favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
01. The Power And The Glory- my favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years. The first studio album which I had purchased after I purchased the compilation album: "The Edge Of Twilight."

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted? What is their impact on future generations of musicians?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/30/2022 @ 21:48pm

Over eight years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions had transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Free Hand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a beat. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Shulman, their elder brother had also been a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Here is the new part:

Here is the order of my favorite studio albums by Gentle Giant:


11. Giant For A Day! (1978)
10. The Missing Piece (1977)

By the way, I am still undecided on the rankings of these albums.

(****)

09. Interview (1976)- I will need to listen to this album again.
08. Civilian (1979)- I have heard most of this highly underrated studio album.

These are Gentle Giant's masterpieces, in my honest opinion:

(*****)

07. Three Friends (1972)- one of my favorite Gentle Giant albums for almost 25 consecutive years. I have decided to award it five stars, as of today.
06. In A Glass House (1973)- I have only heard bits and pieces of this album. Based upon what I have heard; it is quite impressive.
05. Gentle Giant (1970)- their debut album and what a debut it was. It is still one of my favorite studio albums.
04. Acquiring The Taste (1971)- my fourth favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
03. Octopus (1972)- my third favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
02. Free Hand (1975)- my second favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
01. The Power And The Glory (1974)- my favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years. The first studio album which I had purchased after I had purchased their truly magnificent compilation album: "Edge Of Twilight," which Incidentally contains every song from "The Power And The Glory."

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted? What is their impact on future generations of musicians?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 01/30/2022 @ 22:23pm

Paul in KY,

Over eight years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions had transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power And The Glory *****
Free Hand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a beat. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Shulman, their elder brother had also been a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Here is the new part:

Gentle Giant has recently become my 5th favorite prog band.

Here is the order of my favorite studio albums by Gentle Giant:


11. Giant For A Day! (1978)
10. The Missing Piece (1977)

By the way, I am still undecided on the rankings of these albums.

(****)

09. Interview (1976)- I will need to listen to this album again.
08. Civilian (1979)- I have heard most of this highly underrated studio album.

These are Gentle Giant's masterpieces, in my honest opinion:

(*****)

07. Three Friends (1972)- one of my favorite Gentle Giant albums for almost 25 consecutive years. I have decided to award it five stars, as of today.
06. In A Glass House (1973)- I have only heard bits and pieces of this album. Based upon what I have heard; i think that it is quite impressive.
05. Gentle Giant (1970)- their debut album and what a debut it was. It is still one of my favorite GG studio albums.
04. Acquiring The Taste (1971)- my fourth favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
03. Octopus (1972)- my third favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
02. Free Hand (1975)- my second favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
01. The Power And The Glory (1974)- my favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years. The first studio album which I had purchased after I had purchased their truly magnificent compilation album: "Edge Of Twilight," which Incidentally contains every song from "The Power And The Glory."

Recently, I had been impressed by the Gentle Giant fan's tribute to their song: 'Proclamation,' one of my favorite songs from my favorite Gentle Giant studio recording, "The Power and the Glory." You might like this particular video on youtube.

By the way, I have recently ordered the Steven Wilson remixes of "Free Hand," "The Power and the Glory" and "Octopus."

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted? What is their impact on future generations of musicians?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 02/6/2022 @ 10:01am

Paul in KY,

Over eight years ago, I had written this:

What makes an artist great? Is it a random combination of the ability to convey an idea, or an emotion? Is it the ability to improvise at a moment's notice? Is it the ability to create great music, without caring about whether it is unconventional, or unpopular? Is it the ability to have a single minded vision and pursue that muse wherever it takes you? Is it the ability to influence other great musicians, as well?

If so, then Gentle Giant is a great band. Here were a group of multi-instrumentalists who were able to seemingly switch instruments at will. Not only did Derek Shulman have a magnificent voice, but Kerry Minnear's keyboard playing and complex musical compositions had transcended the majority of their "progressive rock" peers. When combined with the fluid playing of Ray Shulman's violin, Gary Green's atmospheric guitar and John Weather's precise, but chaotic drumming, the whole was a spectacle to behold, which would enthrall audiences and leave them with an overwhelming sense of awe, as if the spirit of some unforeseen deity was present within the very nature of their music.

Perhaps, they were ahead of their time, or perhaps they were born 300 years too late. In any event, their combination of medieval madrigals and rock was certainly not out of place during this time of experimentation. The sad part is that they were underappreciated by the public, as some great artists usually are. One hopes that maybe someday, their works will be cherished. Gentle Giant has numerous masterpieces amongst their catalog; I highly recommend listening to their recordings.

Wow, I am amazed that no one has commented on this blog about Gentle Giant in almost five years. Gentle Giant appears to be a much more obscure band, than most of the other "progressive rock" bands. Yes, I am familiar with them. They were probably the last of the major "progressive rock" bands that I had heard. Their musicianship was astounding; yet they were not not as successful as they should have been.

Former lead vocalist, Derek Schulman has been a record company executive for many years, he had even signed Dream Theater.

They have a plethora of magnificent albums, very worthy of very high ratings:

Gentle Giant *****
Acquiring The Taste *****
Three Friends **** 1/2
Octopus *****
The Power and the Glory *****
Free Hand *****

In my honest opinion, they are one of the most unique "progressive rock" bands that I had ever seen. Not only is each member a virtuoso on his own instrument, but they can switch instruments in the middle of a song and not skip a beat. Their music is complicated, but quite melodic, for the most part. The definitive lineup, as far as I am concerned, was: Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green and John Weathers. All of the aforementioned musicians are great multi-instrumentalists. Phil Shulman, their elder brother had also been a great musician, as well.

They had influenced several other progressive rock bands. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I still hear their influence in the music of Kansas, as well as Echolyn.

Here is the new part:

Gentle Giant has recently become my 5th favorite prog band.

Here is the order of my favorite studio albums by Gentle Giant:


11. Giant For A Day! (1978)
10. The Missing Piece (1977)

By the way, I am still undecided on the rankings of these albums.

(****)

09. Interview (1976)- I will need to listen to this album again.
08. Civilian (1979)- I have heard most of this highly underrated studio album.

These are Gentle Giant's masterpieces, in my honest opinion:

(*****)

07. Three Friends (1972)- one of my favorite Gentle Giant albums for almost 25 consecutive years. I have decided to award it five stars, as of today.
06. In A Glass House (1973)- I have only heard bits and pieces of this album. Based upon what I have heard; i think that it is quite impressive.
05. Gentle Giant (1970)- their debut album and what a debut it was. It is still one of my favorite GG studio albums.
04. Acquiring The Taste (1971)- my fourth favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
03. Octopus (1972)- my third favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
02. Free Hand (1975)- my second favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years.
01. The Power and the Glory (1974)- my favorite Gentle Giant studio album for almost 25 consecutive years. The first studio album which I had purchased after I had purchased their truly magnificent compilation album: "Edge Of Twilight," which Incidentally contains every song from "The Power And The Glory."

Recently, I had been impressed by the Gentle Giant fan's tribute to their song: 'Proclamation,' one of my favorite songs from my favorite Gentle Giant studio recording, "The Power and the Glory." You might like this particular video on youtube.

By the way, I have recently ordered the Steven Wilson remixes of "Free Hand," "The Power and the Glory" and "Octopus." Thus far, I have received "Free Hand" and "The Power and the Glory."

Do they deserve induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame? Absolutely! But will they be inducted? What is their impact on future generations of musicians?

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Monday, 02/7/2022 @ 00:40am

Once again, I had listened to the Steven Wilson remixes of "The Power and the Glory" (1974) in it's entirety on Thursday, thereby cementing my appreciation for this superlative studio album by Gentle Giant. I had also listened to the first three tracks from the Steven Wilson remixes of my second favorite Gentle Giant studio recording: "Free Hand" (1975) while driving into Tucson to pick up a magnificent feast (fit for a Maharajah) from Gandhi and picking up a few delectable groceries from Trader Joe's.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Saturday, 02/19/2022 @ 05:58am