THREE FRIENDS

This album has a special place in my heart, as it was the first Gentle Giant album I ever owned. It is also the most like a traditional prog album of any in their catalog. The songs are longer than the usual Giant fare, although none reach epic length. And the feel of the album approaches some of the great jazz fusion that was going on at the time.

This is a concept album with a simple theme. Three childhood friends growing up on very different paths. One becomes a laborer, the second an artist, and the third a business executive. It's not a terribly deep theme, but the music is beautiful and complex, using the range of styles and instrumentation we've come to expect from this fantastic band.

I especially love the vibraphone work in Schooldays, but the entire album is quite compelling. This is the one to play for the prog fan that just can't get into this band.