PLAYING THE FOOL - THE OFFICIAL LIVE

Gentle Giant is one of those prog bands and artists (like King Crimson and Frank Zappa) that evoke strong opposite musical experiences to me. The one moment I am blown away by their jawdropping skills, great musical ideas and virtuosic interplay. But the other moment I can't stand their complexity, technical overtones, lack of emotion in the music and instruments like the trumpet and vibraphone. I think it is all about appreciating The Quirky Factor.

My first musical encounter with Gentle Giant was late 1977 when I watched a Gentle Giant concert on the Dutch television, that legendary 1974 concert, recorded in Belgium and broadcasted on the German television. I was very impressed, and soon bought this double live LP. Listening to Gentle Giant it's obvious that these musicians are classically trained, they play each at least 3 instruments, and on stage Gentle Giant is even more impressive! Their trademark is a mid-tempo, in a dynamic atmosphere with breathtaking interplay, the focus is often on the acrobatic vocals, and the distinctive clavinet that adds a bit funky element to the music. Another Gentle Giant trademark is the wide range of instruments, from a swirling Hammond solo or a wah-wah drenched guitar solo to flutes and violins, giving a classical flavour to the music.

Now about The Quirky Factor on this Gentle Giant live album.

A capella vocal harmonies, then a xylophone joins in On Reflection.

A capella vocal harmonies and xylophone interplay with distorted bass in the epic Excerpts From Octopus.

An avant-garde atmosphere with violin and vocals in So Sincere.

And a cheerful violin solo in a country climate in Breakdown in Brussels (aka Sweet Georgia Brown).

If you are up to these Quirky Factor elements Gentle Giant is a treat here, artistically this live album can compete with the best live of Yes, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson and Pink Floyd, what an incredible virtuosic, dynamic and varied prog sound!

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