Gentle Giant formed out of the blues based group Simon Dupree & The Big Sound, which featured the multi-instrumental Shulman brothers Derek, Ray, and Phil. They joined with guitarist Gary Green, keyboard player Kerry Minnear, and a series of drummers (John Weathers most consistently) to play music beyond the scope of ordinary rock, though with still a hint of blues in Green’s guitar. Minnear’s elaborate arrangements featured elements of both medieval polyphony and twentieth century composition.

In particular, the complex four-part vocal arrangements give the band its unusual character, with each part functioning independently rather than forming simple harmonies. The instrumental parts were just as complex, often featuring interlocking parts often in odd meters, all backed by a solid drum pattern. Cello, violin, recorder, saxophone, and vibraphone (all handled by band members) figure prominently in the arrangements in addition to Minnear’s keyboards.

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