13th March 2025: The brand new reimagined, mixed and mastered version of Gentle Giant’s classic 1977 live album ‘Playing The Fool’ is set to be released on 2nd May.
‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’, will be released across several formats including double CD, triple vinyl, Blu-ray and digital download in 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The album has been painstakingly mixed and mastered from the original source tapes by producer Dan Bornemark, who has worked extensively with the band on archival projects.
Containing new sleeve notes together with a plethora of photographs along with a track list that reflects the original running order of the setlist played on the tour including three previously unreleased songs and the between song banter from frontman Derek Shulman, this represents the most accurate account of Gentle Giant live at the very peak of their prowess.
Check out trailer for the album here:
Derek Shulman: “Effectively what you’re hearing on this album is the whole show with all the bells and whistles included with me speaking to the audience and to the band just like it was on the night.”
‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’
- Intro [1:24]
- Just the Same / Proclamation [10:40]
- On Reflection [7:31]
- Interview [7:06]
- The Runaway / Experience [9:54]
- Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown in Brussels) [1:54]
- So Sincere [10:42]
- Excerpts from Octopus [15:58]
- Band Introduction [1:23]
- Funny Ways [8:58]
- Timing / Violin Solo [11:40]
- Free Hand [8:20]
- Peel The Paint / I Lost My Head [8:01]
You can purchase the album here: https://gentlegiantuk.lnk.to/PTF
Derek Shulman: “It’s important to have a live album, which is live. There were no overdubs afterwards in the studio. So what you saw and heard is what you have on the album.”
ABOUT GENTLE GIANT
Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band formed in 1970 in London by three brothers Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman along with Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and drummer Martin Smith who was latterly replaced by John “Pugwash” Weathers in 1972.
The group was renowned for its complex and eclectic musical style, blending elements of rock, jazz, classical, folk and medieval music. The band played a diverse array of instruments between them and their intricate arrangements and exquisite vocal harmonies gave them their own unique, instantly identifiable sound.
Gentle Giant released a series of highly regarded albums including ‘Acquiring the Taste’ (1971), ‘In a Glass House’ (1973), and ‘The Power and the Glory’ (1974) across which they pushed their musical boundaries to the limit. Their live album ‘Playing The Fool’ (1977) remains a testament to their stunning live shows.
In 1980 Gentle Giant called it a day and have refused numerous calls to reform since then, perhaps this is why their reputation remains intact to this day. Wide Scale chart success may have eluded them but their fiercely loyal fanbase followed them right through their career and beyond. Their legacy has remained undiminished within the Progressive Rock world being major influences on Porcupine Tree`s Steven Wilson, Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Michael Sadler of Saga and Opeth`s Mikael Akerfeldt, who cites ‘Acquiring The Taste’ as one of his favourite albums.
Derek Shulman: “We were a rock and roll band that played interesting music and we wanted to have fun for ourselves and have the audience go out with a smile on their faces.”
Official Website: www.gentlegiantband.com
