A
British progressive rock band known for their complex classically influenced
music, polyphonic vocal arrangments and use of non-standard instruments such as saxophone, violin, cello, trumpet, marimba and more. Formed by the three Shulman brothers Phil (vocals, horns, bass), Derek (vocals, sax, bass) and Ray (bass, violin, guitar, vocals) as well as Kerry Minnear (keyboards, vocals, cello, vibraphone), Gary Green (guitar, recorder, vocals) and
Martin Smith (percussion) in 1970.
Martin Smith was eventually replaced by Malcolm Mortimore, who was then replaced by
John Weathers. Phil Shulman left the band after the fourth album. After
8 complex progressive studio albums and an energetic live album, the band started to take a more commercial approach. However, due to lack of success and inspiration, Gentle Giant broke up in 1980. Although there has been no full reunion, Gary Green, Malcolm Mortimore, and Kerry Minnear (as well as a few other musicians) have been performing as "Three
Friends", playing many Gentle Giant classics.
Although Gentle Giant is a talented band, they are definitely an acquired taste. I've shown them to three
friends, and they all think these guys sound almost like octopuses able to play
music. You may think you're stuck in a glass house when you can'
t seem to understand the power and the glory everyone says they have. However, if you have a free hand, you may be able to interview someone about them. Perhaps then, you
will find the missing piece and be a giant for a day, rather than just a civilian.