Gentle Giant !

MuzikMan · #1 02-20-2007, 06:34 PM

I just discovered this band a couple of weeks ago thanks to the Youtube thread. I just wanted to say "HOLY COW" these guys were awesome! I can't stop watching there video posts.

Their drummer provided such a deep groove while all of the other musicians were very busy layering different instruments. The bass player (Ray Shulman) would sometimes play trumpet, or violin, or acoustic guitar, or "recorder?" All of the other guys were multi-talented too, but that's not really what does it for me. It's that "GROOVE"! I am truly amazed.

Does anyone else know about these guys? What do you think about them?

peekster · #2 02-20-2007, 07:51 PM

it's always fun for us geezers when you kids start to catch on. they were just one of the awesome brit prog-bands of that era, some of whom still survive:

-Yes
-Genesis
-King Crimson
-Emerson, Lake and Palmer
-Gentle Giant

--and probably others whom I have forgotten. I envy you for getting to enjoy this music for the first time.

Matt Till · #3 02-20-2007, 09:44 PM

Gentle Giant blows minds. One of the best prog bands.

adrian garcia · #4 02-21-2007, 12:33 AM

been a GG fan since the beginning. Even saw them live. Glad you found them, they are like a lost treasure

nysbob · #5 02-21-2007, 07:15 AM

They were outstanding. Ray's P bass tone is so lovely - fat, yet full range.

Pruitt · #6 02-21-2007, 10:05 AM

Yup, been a GG fan since around '74. Never had the good fortune of seeing them live, but I do own a couple of DVD's, not to mention all their albums (and CD's now too! lol...).

Along with Jethro Tull, King Crimson and Kansas, Gentle Giant is one of my all-time favorite bands! Ray's such a great bass player. He, and the bassists from the other 3 bands I mentioned, are why I took up bass back then to begin with!

I recommend their entire catalog! I love'em all (though Octopus and Freehand are probably my favorites)!!

MuzikMan · #7 02-21-2007, 02:41 PM

I just can't believe I never heard these guys before. They are a little before my time but I aint no' kid .

I already know about and like Yes, Tull, Floyd ...........tons of other bands from this time period.
Well I sure would like to hear a new band pull off something like this, but I think I'm in for a long wait.

swooch · #8 02-21-2007, 02:50 PM

I'm always surprised by how much "peel the paint", "working all day" and the other three friends songs rock.

Pruitt · #9 02-22-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swooch

I'm always surprised by how much "peel the paint", "working all day" and the other three friends songs rock.

Yeah, Three Friends was definitely a bit edgier than their prior recordings were. I've been jamming the "electric" part of Peel The Paint with some friends recently. It's a fun tune. Of course the guitarist loves the solo section. And I like the fact there's no bass there, as I can usually go grab a quick drink or something during it. lol...