GENTLE GIANT

Excellent debut album of one of 70s prog pioneers. Gentle Giant's music is explorative in nature and it has a blend of jazz, rock, blues and avant-garde components with the use of multi instruments. One identity that spells-out GG and differentiates them from other band is the type and quality of Shulman brothers (Derek, Ray, Phil) voices especially when they sing together. Their uniqueness is like when you listen to how Queen members sing together, you would easily identify that "It must be Queen!". The same is true for Ian Anderson's of Jethro Tull. Unique. No one has successfully emulated the way the Shulman brothers sing. As GG music, I have not been able to identify any group that compose their music similar with GG's. It's probably ET CETERA, but it's not as unique as GG.

"Giant" is a classic prog track that represents GG's legend, I would say. It's so dynamic and it rocks! I like how the guitar is played to accentuate the vocal at the end every line of lyrics. The music is "discrete"; this is what makes GG music different from others. There are parts of music that beat like a jazz big band music but in the vein of rock. This track is really prog to the corner. It's classic.

"Funny Ways" is a mellow track with an exploration of acoustic guitar, violin and cellos, great vocals. " Alucard" is an upbeat track with relatively complex composition exploring brass instruments, keyboard and violin/cellos. When vocal parts enter the music, it's a unique and enjoyable melody sung by the Shulman brothers. This track is dynamic with high and low points. They fill the low point with soft keyboard/ organ sound followed by brass instruments. It reminds me a bit of VAN der GRAAF GENERATOR. But it's different.

"Isn't It Quiet And Cold?" is a mellow track, performed with an "unplugged" style, with strange and nice composition especially on violin and cellos. The use of vibraphone is nice. "Nothing At All" is the best track that represents my favorite for this track. Oh boy .. the melody is so nice, touchy and memorable! It flows naturally and unlike other tracks, this track has a continuous flow (instead of "discrete" as usually GG music is). The music is soft, the vocal is really great. When guitar part enters the music, it starts slowly and accompanied by a soft keyboard sound. When vocal starts with high tone, the guitar part starts filling the music. The drum solo and piano in the middle of the track have enriched this track. "Why Not?" is also a cool track with stunning guitar.

If you claim yourself as prog lover, you should not miss this album. Buy the CD! "Why Not?" - Gatot Widayanto, Indonesia.