‘The Missing Piece’ signalled a change in attitude from Gentle Giant. Originally released back in 1975, it included ‘almost conventional’ pop songs as well as their more usual esoteric material. As ever, it was more successful in the US than in the UK, but it has been a point of argument between different factions of GG fans since its release.
There have been a number of previous remixes of GG albums by Steven Wilson and generally he brings out detail that has been hidden in the original mixes, but the remix of ‘The Missing Piece’ sounds to me like his most successful to date. Wilson has a great ear for the natural sound of instruments, and he brings almost a new tonal palette to the album, as well as bringing out the late Ray Shulman’s sublime bass playing. The soundstage seems larger than the original version and there is an element of brightness that lifts the music. I was able to compare it to the original and It definitely adds a sparkle and ‘life’ to the original release. Kerry Minnear’s keyboards are still beautifully presented and Derek Shulman’s vocals get extra air around them. John Weathers drumming is as complex and funky as ever but it does feel as though Gary Green’s guitar is less forward in the mix.
The album is being released in a Tri-fold digisleeve plus booklet with CD including 2024 Steven Wilson Remix and Blu-Ray including 2024 Steven Wilson Remix, Dolby Atmos, Stereo and Instrumental Mixes.
If you are a fan of Prog, it is very well worth digging into.
