Gentle Giant Free Hand CD

List All Reviews

 Unbelievable Example of Incredible Musicianship
It was so good to hear this album again after all these years. The frenetically paced progressive rock is amazing when you think of the chops of each individual musician to compose, play and sing music of this magnitude [listen to the vocal arrangement of "On Reflection"]. This is ONE TIGHT BAND and this album will always hold a special place in my heart. Standout cuts: 'Just The Same', 'On Reflection', 'Free Hand', & 'His Last Voyage'. Should be six or seven stars if you ask me...!
Submitted by rjmarques1 (Scottsdale, AZ, USA) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 My personal favorite GG
From the opening strains of "Just the Same" to the live bonus track of "Just the Same" a thoroughly enjoyable ride! Caught the Giant in '76 on a bill that included Peter Frampton and Yes. These guys blew me away and remain the most remarkable and memorable part of that day long festival. This reissue is cleaner than some... agree with above reviewers regarding emotional vs. intellectual and cranking this one up in the car or dedicated listening room. Destined someday to be sampled if they're ever discovered by some emotional intellectual of the hip-hop genre.
Submitted by longago (Sweet SoCal) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Who would believe me now
Who would believe me now that 35 years later this group is as popular as ever. I would -- always said this is classical music and will be around for a very long time. This CD recording is not up to the standards of the original LP, and has a degree of murkiness to it, but I suspect this is the best available ever on CD. Good bonus track makes this a smart purchase for anyone that needs a CD copy of this masterwork. In terms of musical content, this is Gentle Giant's last masterpiece before a general decline culminating in the horrible "Giant for a Day." Minnear hands were not yet tied, and infused the group's collaborations with wit, wisdom and quirky angularity that made the music relevant and special. Music meant to be enjoyed more emotionally than intellectually despite the quasi-fugue section contained in "On Reflection" and the wonderful "neo-early renaissance" counterpoint of Talybont. Best heard in both the car and in the dedicated listening room.
Submitted by Music Lover (United States) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 My Favorite GG
This is, without a doubt, the best GG ever. The title track in particular, is a one of my favorites. And On Reflection's influence on Spock's Beard and Neal Morse is almost frightening. I will be skipping through the live track, but it was fun once or twice. I wish I'd seen them perform, but this town has never been able to attract much prog consistently. Anyway, you can't go wrong with this one - unless you like the crap that is supposed to pass for music that's been popular for the past few years.
Submitted by marc_warren (Minneapolis, MN, USA) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 fantastc !!!
Thank you ,Derek, for remastering this classic album. All the elements that made G.G. great are here. Pick this one up asap.
Submitted by cyea (roseville,ca. usa) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

List All Reviews

Have you heard this album?