Well, been working out on a thing to write down, then i found out! "what is better than a classic (must have/see/hear)? "So i am gonna introduce you an album from very special (and underrated) band;
Gentle Giant from U.K.
The band was a seed of Shulman brothers and their friends, line up(most known) is;
Gary Green
Kerry Minnear
Malcolm Mortimore
Derek Shulman
Phil Shulman
Ray Shulman
Martin Smith
John Weathers
It is not easy to describe their duties on the band except Martin Smithand and Malcolm Mortimore cause they were just drummers. (also percussions) Multi-instrumentalist members and of course multinstrumental tracks, multi-singers or just multiple ultimate rock band in the history of music! Octopus album released in '72 and Octopus is actually shortened of "Octo Opus" (which also means eight musical works), invented by Phil Shulman's wife Roberta. Sound is basicly like any progressive band in '70s but i know you say "where is the difference then?
Let me write down the instruments they used "just" for this release; (Beside drums, percussions, guitar, keyboard and bass guitar)
Vibraphone
Cello
Moog (an old synthsizer)
Alto saxophone
Trumpet
Mellophone
Bass violin
Xylophone
Great a capela opens up "The Advent of Panurge" (catch the words) and becomes an ultimate complexity right on... So with the first track (a slap right on your face) they say "look at my friend!". More symphonic "Raconteur, Troubadour" continues with the heaviest song "A cry for everyone" , confusing mix of keyboard, guitars and bass... synths are wonderful but unfortunately (just like this one) songs are damn short (34 minutes total). And mighty "Knots" knocks the door... An a capela with awesome xylophone and violin cords! In progress there is a spooky synth (which i adore) and also a solo xylophone part just before that!
Well i dont want to criticise al lor explain the whole album, you can find it out here;
GentleOctopus which is a hilarious site that includes anything related with prog stuff!
Enjoy!
