Gentle Giant
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United Kingdom
- Born: 1970 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom
- Active: 1970 - 1980
Biography
Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band formed by the multi-instrumentalist Shulman brothers and active from 1970 to 1980. The group was defined by its compositional complexity, merging rock with a broad range of influences including medieval, baroque, and chamber classical music, alongside jazz and folk. Known for contrapuntal vocal harmonies, polyrhythmic structures, and the members' ability to play numerous instruments, often swapping them mid-performance, the band intentionally pursued musical innovation over commercial appeal. Their work established a benchmark for technical and stylistic daring in progressive rock, cultivating a lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists.
Genres
Gentle Giant Discography
- Gentle Giant (1970) - Album - rated 4.17/5
- Acquiring the Taste (1971) - Album - rated 4.08/5
- Three Friends (1972) - Album - rated 4.17/5
- Octopus (1972) - Album - rated 4.81/5
- In a Glass House (1973) - Album - rated 4.41/5
- The Power and the Glory (1974) - Album - rated 4.54/5
- Free Hand (1975) - Album - rated 3.95/5
- Interview (1976) - Album - rated 3.45/5
- The Missing Piece (1977) - Album - rated 3.19/5
- Playing the Fool (1977) - Album - rated 4.41/5
- Giant for a Day (1978) - Album - rated 2.59/5
- Civilian (1980) - Album - rated 2.67/5
- Free Hand / Interview (1999) - Compilation - rated 4.02/5
- Live (Playing the Fool) / Civilian (1999) - Compilation - rated 3.81/5
Members
- Derek Shulman - lead vocals, saxophone, bass (1970–1980)
- Ray Shulman - bass, violin, guitar, vocals (1970–1980)
- Kerry Minnear - keyboards, vibraphone, cello, vocals (1970–1980)
- Gary Green - guitar, vocals (1970–1980)
- Phil Shulman - saxophone, trumpet, vocals (1970–1973)
- Martin Smith - drums (1970–1971)
- John Weathers - drums, percussion, vocals (1972–1980)