GENTLE GIANT
Eclectic Prog • United Kingdom
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Gentle Giant biography
Formed in 1970 in London, UK- Disbanded in 1980
GENTLE GIANT is known as the paradigmatic progressive rock band. With an uncomparable musicianship, they went as far as no one ever did into unexplored grounds in the progressive music, navigating over dissonant 20th-century classical chamber music, medieval vocal music, jazz and rock. The multi-instrumentation capabilities of the musicians gave such dynamic to their music, which set parameters to a whole coming generation up to these very days. They explored Moogs, Mellotrons and Fender Rhodes usage with such majesty! Not to mention other instruments like oboes, violins, cellos and horns among others.
The band was able to come across the 70's maintaining an outstanding level on their music, altering their style over the years and keeping the quality as only a few bands were able to do. Among their magnificent discography, all the albums from "Acquiring the Taste" through "Playing the Fool" are essential progressive rock releases (with the possible exception of "Interview"). This portion of the band's career would see a fittingly grand conclusion on the live "Playing the Fool" album. What more is there to say about these masters of progressive music?
See also: Three Friends
Formed in 1970 in London, UK- Disbanded in 1980
GENTLE GIANT is known as the paradigmatic progressive rock band. With an uncomparable musicianship, they went as far as no one ever did into unexplored grounds in the progressive music, navigating over dissonant 20th-century classical chamber music, medieval vocal music, jazz and rock. The multi-instrumentation capabilities of the musicians gave such dynamic to their music, which set parameters to a whole coming generation up to these very days. They explored Moogs, Mellotrons and Fender Rhodes usage with such majesty! Not to mention other instruments like oboes, violins, cellos and horns among others.
The band was able to come across the 70's maintaining an outstanding level on their music, altering their style over the years and keeping the quality as only a few bands were able to do. Among their magnificent discography, all the albums from "Acquiring the Taste" through "Playing the Fool" are essential progressive rock releases (with the possible exception of "Interview"). This portion of the band's career would see a fittingly grand conclusion on the live "Playing the Fool" album. What more is there to say about these masters of progressive music?
See also: Three Friends
GENTLE GIANT Videos (YouTube and more)
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GENTLE GIANT discography
Ordered by release date | Showing ratings (top albums) | Help Progarchives.com to complete the discography and add albums
GENTLE GIANT top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
3.96 | 1439 ratings
Gentle Giant 1970 |
4.28 | 1751 ratings
Acquiring the Taste 1971 |
4.13 | 1447 ratings
Three Friends 1972 |
4.32 | 2233 ratings
Octopus 1972 |
4.35 | 1897 ratings
In a Glass House 1973 |
4.31 | 1833 ratings
The Power and the Glory 1974 |
4.30 | 1712 ratings
Free Hand 1975 |
3.73 | 896 ratings
Interview 1976 |
2.99 | 678 ratings
The Missing Piece 1977 |
2.33 | 590 ratings
Giant for a Day 1978 |
2.78 | 541 ratings
Civilian 1980 |
GENTLE GIANT Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
4.52 | 500 ratings
Playing the Fool - The Official Live 1977 |
3.59 | 33 ratings
In Concert (BBC Radio 1) 1994 |
4.12 | 67 ratings
Out of the Woods - The BBC Sessions 1996 |
2.52 | 39 ratings
The Last Steps 1996 |
4.16 | 67 ratings
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents 1998 |
4.04 | 37 ratings
Out Of The Fire 1998 |
1.85 | 18 ratings
In A Palesport House 1999 |
4.17 | 50 ratings
Totally Out of the Woods - The BBC Sessions 2000 |
2.00 | 24 ratings
Live Rome 1974 2000 |
2.17 | 17 ratings
Interview In Concert 2000 |
1.82 | 16 ratings
Artistically Cryme 2002 |
3.75 | 25 ratings
Experience 2002 |
1.42 | 10 ratings
Endless Life 2003 |
3.84 | 11 ratings
Missing Face 2003 |
1.93 | 15 ratings
Way of life 2003 |
2.17 | 13 ratings
Prologue 2003 |
3.83 | 4 ratings
Playing the Cleveland 2003 |
3.60 | 5 ratings
Live In New York 1975 2005 |
2.42 | 10 ratings
Santa Monica Freeway 2005 |
3.36 | 27 ratings
King Alfred's College Winchester 2009 |
3.98 | 37 ratings
Live In Stockholm '75 2009 |
3.99 | 41 ratings
Live at the Bicentennial 2014 |
5.00 | 1 ratings
Front Row Center 2022 |
GENTLE GIANT Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)
4.64 | 212 ratings
Giant On The Box 2004 |
4.29 | 107 ratings
GG At The GG 2006 |
GENTLE GIANT Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
3.26 | 8 ratings
The Original Studio Gentle Giant - Vol. 1 1974 |
3.27 | 7 ratings
The Original Studio Gentle Giant - Vol. 2 1974 |
3.37 | 25 ratings
Giant Steps... The First Five Years 1970-1975 1975 |
3.11 | 6 ratings
Pretentious for the Sake of It 1977 |
2.10 | 2 ratings
Circling Round The Gentle Giant 1981 |
3.42 | 5 ratings
Gentle Giant 1982 |
3.05 | 2 ratings
Il Grande Rock 1991 |
4.35 | 64 ratings
Edge of Twilight 1996 |
3.14 | 71 ratings
Under Construction 1997 |
4.23 | 40 ratings
Free Hand/Interview 1998 |
3.25 | 36 ratings
Scraping The Barrel 2004 |
3.90 | 31 ratings
I Lost My Head - The Chrysalis years (1975-1980) 2012 |
2.31 | 17 ratings
Memories Of Old Days 2013 |
3.99 | 55 ratings
Three Piece Suite 2017 |
4.63 | 13 ratings
Unburied Treasure 2019 |
GENTLE GIANT Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)
3.20 | 5 ratings
Rock Power 1971 |
4.56 | 18 ratings
Prologue 1972 |
4.50 | 22 ratings
In A Glass House 1973 |
4.51 | 33 ratings
The Advent Of Panurge 1973 |
4.39 | 18 ratings
The Power and the Glory 1974 |
3.67 | 9 ratings
Give It Back 1976 |
2.75 | 8 ratings
I'm Turning Around 1977 |
3.55 | 11 ratings
Two Weeks in Spain 1977 |
4.43 | 14 ratings
Just the Same (live) 1977 |
2.71 | 7 ratings
Mountain Time 1978 |
1.70 | 11 ratings
Thank You (edit) 1978 |
3.00 | 5 ratings
Dando Vueltas 1978 |
3.11 | 9 ratings
Words from the Wise 1978 |
3.17 | 6 ratings
Underground 1980 |
2.50 | 8 ratings
All Through The Night 1980 |
2.67 | 3 ratings
In A Power Free In'terview 2009 |
2.25 | 11 ratings
The Power And The Glory 2010 |
GENTLE GIANT Reviews
Showing last 10 reviews only
Giant for a Day
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
"Giant for a day" is again a wrongly chosen album title that suggests a good familiar progressive music by the band.
It starts on a relatively good note by strongly reminding of the modern Yes (vocals, rhythm section) but the music
gets even more straightforward (and boring) after that.
GG produce mildly memorable melodies and vocals got more digestible ("It's only good-bye" is a good attempt).
Apart from 2-3 songs, the album is really bland. The lyrics could not have been earnest after years of high
standards. This is best to be avoided or forget about the Gentle Giant moniker to avoid disappointment.
The Missing Piece
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
Gentle Giant really started to cut down on their ambitions and aspirations on the deceivingly ambitiously titled "The
missing piece". Music gets less complex, somewhat more accessible but in the end, none of the audience may be
happy.
It's not that the band cannot produce memorable radio friendly cuts - listen to "I'm turning around", the band
seems awkward at merging pop with prog unlike Genesis, Yes and Camel did it, more naturally.
Vocals were already an acquired taste and even more so for the pop material.
The only mastermind who still deserves high praise is the keyboard player who still tastily supports the overall band
sound. The rhythm section sounds bored. "Memories of old days" is far away from their previously complex suites
but let's recognize the band for attempting to create a listenable epic.
Not recommended to anybody but GG fans.
Playing the Fool - The Official Live
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
One of the most complex 70's prog rock live albums out there? Possibly. GG proved to be compelling live players (I
would love to have a single camera on the keyboard player who must have done a lot of context switching).
The choice of material is great, focusing on the the material before 1977 and preferring variety rather than full
length. There is also a good level of improvisation on the drum/guitar solo pieces. Naturally, vocals aren't
overdubbed and thus more down to earth but still impressive.
The band succeeds in creating a dense yet music friendly atmosphere. The sound is OK, does not overwhelm the
listener but the instruments can be distinguished, otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
Interview
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
The band was confronted with a daunting task of matching the previous masterpiece "Free hand" (it wasn't possible
to overachieve it in 1976) and they didn't lack experimentation on the 1976's "Interview". The band is still deeply
rooted in complex progressive rock and medieval music but allowing new synths and beats to appear.
The first track is astonishing work on the organ/piano, typical GG vocals, rhytmical complexity (not sure how to play
this cut live), this is still GG at their best.
Simplification signs arrive with the reggae workout "Give it back" which is still more complex than 99% reggae works
in the world. It is more accessible and still contains tons of keyboards.
"Design" is a step in avantgarde with vocals providing tempo, background and lead melody whereas "Another
show" has a whole lot of dynamic pyrotechnics in the 3,5 minute.
"Lost my head" alongside the first track match the GG best of material although with the latter it is more for its
execution than invention.
GG playing is no worse than before but let's admit it, the compositions are less memorable and inventive. 3,5 stars
Free Hand
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
Many early 70's prog bands hit their most mature and sometimes also the best album between 1974-1975. Gentle
Giant had arguably several very strong albums and it is difficult for me to pick the best one, but "Free Hand" is in
the Top 3.
The band developed from "The power and the glory" by relying more on synths/moog rather than organ,
suppressing the hard rock element slightly and also creating more coherent listening experience. The most
important contributor though - the compositions are not only elaborate, they are well thought out and developed.
Saxophones soften the vibes.
Medieval elements are very present and they almost get at the level of "Gryphon" apart from vocals which are
much more advanced. "On reflection" is an extremely well executed medieval-inspired piece.
The title tracks marries airy moody keyboards with funky clavinet. "Mobile" leaves the album on the active
challenging note that brings promises to the future.
I'm very thankful, once again, for all the keyboardist contribution which really create the backbone of the
instrumental sound and moods.
One the best prog masterpieces of '75 and a crowing achievement by the band.
The Power and the Glory
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
And there goes the album with the most decent prog rock cover and title!
GG took their mission and chops seriously once again and deliver the album which is, in my opinion, little surprising
and rather, continues in their mid 70's slightly streamlined but still very powerful and unique maze of complex
rhythm changes, brilliant vocal exercises and excellent symphonic moments.
The first track, "Proclamation" can be a suitable representative track of the album with all traits I've mentioned
above. It is also less repetitive that what you hear later through the album.
"So sincere" can be rhythmically one of their most challenging track, sounds very incoherent at first listens but you'll
hear the binding motive later on.
"Aspirations" has a modern facade with lush keyboards, simplified drumming and greater accessibility.
"Playing the game" is the second great epic on the album with typical GG motives.
The second half of the album is slightly worse but all in all, it is still a very strong album.
In a Glass House
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
Gentle Giant being down to 5 musicians do not let the listener notice it too much. The sound is still very rich mainly
thanks to the myriad of keyboard sounds and the keyboardist mastery of complex arrangements and hooks.
Drumming has become a bit more streamlined (at least they sound more contemporary). Guitar playing gives
harder edge to the music but can become quite muscular and supports the progressive direction.
As usual with GG, the first track blows me away, this time it is less because of vocals and more because of very
complex rhythm structure and subtle keyboard workouts.
"An inmates lullaby" is an impressive lush vocal driven lullaby, maybe the most sophisticated one you've ever heard
and you won't feel asleep easily ;).
"Way of life" combines disco-like beat with a high number of rhythmic shifts and even medieval mini-suites with
symphonic moments. This piece is overfilled with progressive moments and becomes to the best tracks by GG. It
proves that even though GG could be dissonant, they could also bring harmonies together.
"Experience" is perhaps the most known composition with a catchy hard-rock hook.
"In a glass house" deserves the same merits as "Way of life", full excellent upbeat playing, energy and even guitar
riffing.
Three Friends
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
Gentle Giant released to excellent albums in 1972 and I find "Three friends" to be a better one because of its
soundscape, it is very experimental and no signs of compromising yet. It also has longer compositions to immerse
in than "Octopus".
"Prologue" has an ominous start and reminds a bit of King Crimson and Magma but no way ripping anything off, the
rhytm is very irregular, the bass sets the tension and keyboards greatly fill the space with Hammond/synths/moog.
"Schooldays" brings alteration with medieval vocals and jazzy keyboards. How they managed to combine this
masterfully with the evil seemingly unrelated piano chords is beyond my understanding. The third part of the
composition is a venture into a fast honky-tonky territory. Incredible amount of ideas.
"Peel the paint" is one of the most successful GG hard rock composition, but don't think of a few-second riff, this
one has a complex and long hook, I also love the raw guitar and intensive drumming.
"Three friends" is a beautiful symphonic composition with semi-church organ/melotron and excellent vocal
harmonies. It has a majestic chord sequence that Focus wouldn't be ashamed of.
Excellent GG album, once again.
Acquiring the Taste
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
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
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Gentle Giant Eclectic Prog
Review by sgtpepper
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!
Thanks to Ivan Melgar M for the artist addition.
and to Quinino for the last updates