One of the Giants (pun firmly intended) of Progressive Rock is Gentle Giant. Part heavy, part baroque, part classical, part just plain odd - truly one of the greatest bands ever assembled.
I had some issues paring down their catalogue for the show, but that makes it fun....I guess.
Your key for the show.......
GG = Gentle Giant
ATT = Acquiring the Taste
TF = Three Friends
O = Octopus
PG = The Power and the Glory
GH = In A Glass House
FH = Free Hand
I = Interview
PTF = Playing the Fool (live)
MP = The Missing Piece
No Giant For A Day or Civilian. They're no better than an Asia CD!
Talybont (FH) - A fine starter. Very British, a short instrumental.
Wreck (ATT) - Powerful, with a great sing along during the verses (hey....hold on)
Pantagruel's Nativity (ATT) - An incredibly well-written tune. Has it all - Trumpet, Vibraphone, layered keys, a blistering guitar solo, and beautiful vocals by Kerry Minnear.
Schooldays (TF) - Another tune with a Vibraphone solo. Accentuates the choppy interplay between Gary Green's guitar and Kerry's keys. Also sung by Minnear, the section preceding the solo is very emotional.
Peel The Paint (TF) - Lulled to sleep by Phil Shulman, brother Phil comes in about the three minute mark with Gary Green and wakes us up violently. Such contrast!
Experience (GH) - Shared by Minnear and Shulman, another contrasting tune. The upbeat latter section shows the jumpy almost honky-tonk jam that Giant frequently used.
Interview (I) - A very complicated tune. Still another brother, Ray Shulman, shows off his incredible bass lines. The middle section is especially fun.
Design (I) - A haunting, slightly disturbing song...and just beautiful. Rivals "An Inmate's Lullaby" (GH) for weirdest Giant tune.
I Lost My Head (I) - Their best songs have a slower first few minutes, then sheer power at the end. A heavy finish!
Alcard (GG) - Thanks to vax for supplying me this and the next song...I only have it on vinyl. A bit dated, but power horns in the VDGG vein and cool vocals...and a lot of sheer power too.
Funny Ways (GG) - A dreamy song, mellow and satisfying.
Free Hand (FH) - More guitar interplay, a hard rocker. The keys are LOUD on this one.
On Reflection (FH) - A GREAT song. "Round" vocals often imitated by Spock's Beard and many others, Giant perfected the art. All around all around all around......
The Face (PG) - Bassist Ray is also an excellent violin player. His lead, followed by the guitar lead, both supported by the funky keyboards, is pure heaven.
Knots (O) - Here it is folks...listen to this and tell me Neal Morse shouldn't be forking some royalties over. Get three friends
together and sing this one....oh yeah have a drink first.
So Sincere (PTF) - Originally off PG, has a vibraphone solo and a great drum solo by John Weathers. Wanted to also get a tune with a recorder solo tune, but no time.
Think Of Me With Kindess (O) - no one writes a sweeter tune than GG. Vocals I believe by Phil S., the last record with him as a member.
River (O) - A rocker, but not too rushed. Nice "Barney Miller" guitar lead (you'll see what I mean).
Cogs In Cogs (PG) - This one will make your head spin.
As Old As You're Young (MP) - Minnear scores again with a great tune. Very uplifting song.
Memories Of Old Days (MP) - Many fans' favorite Giant tune, the acoustic guitar work is stunning.
For Nobody (MP) - A killer closer to Missing Piece, which is the last good Giant record. More straightforward than any previous effort, the whole record kicks ass.
His Last Voyage (FH) - Makes you feel as if you are on the seas, great vocals and another smoky late night guitar lead.
The Advent of Panurge (O) - A favorite of mine, this one's got it all. Just love the deep piano notes in the middle.
Proclomation (PG) - hail! hail!
Playing The Game (PG) - The bass groove all through the song is incredible. I could just follow that along all tune.
The Runaway (GH) - A powerhouse. Another vibes solo (yea!) and contains the lowest note I've ever heard sung.
In A Glass House (GH) - My favorite GG tune. A little violin, some harpsichord, a lot of guitar.
Aspirations (PG) - We'll close with a song that I find just stunning. Wanted to use it as a first dance in my wedding but got vetoed (one vote to one
). Covered nicely by Always Almost (an Echolyn offshoot band).
Come be giant for a day!