Before a Word Is Said

by Alan Gowen, Phil Miller, Richard Sinclair & Trevor Tomkins

Before a Word Is Said cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: June 1982
  • Label: Europa
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 44:18
  • Community rating: 3.38/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Recorded just weeks before keyboardist Alan Gowen's tragic death from leukemia, this session reunites several foundational figures of the Canterbury scene. The entirely instrumental set displays their trademark blend of complex, fluid jazz improvisation and whimsical progressive rock structures. It serves as an incredibly poignant final statement and a testament to the enduring musical bond between its participants.

Genres

Descriptors: Fusion, instrumental, improvisation

Tracklist

  1. Above and Below (7:41)
  2. Reflexes in the Margin (4:00)
  3. Nowadays a Silhouette (4:30)
  4. Silver Star (2:24)
  5. Fourfold (6:15)
  6. Before a Word Is Said (7:58)
  7. Umbrellas (3:54)
  8. A Fleeting Glance (7:33)

Credits

  • Alan Gowen - primary artist, keyboards, artwork [cover drawing], written-by
  • Phil Miller - primary artist, guitar, written-by
  • Richard Sinclair - primary artist, bass, vocals, written-by
  • Trevor Tomkins - primary artist, drums

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