Gentle Giant were never content to just “play the record” when they played live. Their live shows were always something special, always allowing the individual talents of the band members to come out and for the music to stretch out as far as it would go. Always, also, something special for the audience.
The original release of ‘Playing The Fool’ was well received by the Giant fans and is an excellent album in itself. I have the original so was able to compare that to the new release and a joyous time was spent delving into the new mixes. In short, if you are a fan of Gentle Giant, and have access to turntable source, this is a revelation. If you listen on 5.1 Atmos, it is designed to put you right into the middle of the band but this review will concentrate on the stereo release.
To start with, the new release actually presents the whole set, in the right order and with the between numbers banter from Derek to the audience. Although it was originally taken from one show in Paris, a few of the original masters were not up to scratch, so alternatives were found from other shows in the tour and they fit seamlessly into the album.
The remaster/remix/reimagining is courtesy of Dan Bornemark and he has done not only a stereo mix but a Dolby Atmos 5.1 version as well.
The first thing that struck me about the sound was just how crisp and sharp it is. Everything about it sounds pristine and clean but there is no loss of the ‘funk’ of a genuine live performance. The section where all the band members are playing the drums is clear and you can hear all the different band members and where they are. Positioning of instruments in the soundstage is pinpoint – you can hear Ray’s bass just behind Gary’s guitar and to the left, but in front of the drums which are central. Kerry’s keyboards sit on the right instead of slightly central as on my original.
If one thing stands out to me, it is just how powerful Derek Shulman’s vocals are – ranging between a deep throated bellow to a hearty and soulful singing voice – he really is one of the most underrated British vocalists. I’ve long been a fan of Ray Shuman’s bass playing and it is so much better presented than on the original. There is real grunt to his sound and when you consider he was only playing a 4 string bass, he was head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries. He was an exceptional violinist as well and this release includes his solo, for which there was no room on the original album release. All of the band have the chance to 'show-off', whether it is Kerry Minnear's keyboards and xylophone, or Gary Green and Derek playing recorders, but always true to the music and presenting the songs in their best light.
Live, Gentle Giant were always fun to watch and this issue makes the difference between GG and most of the other Progressive/Prog bands quite clear. If you are into GG or just into Progressive music, this is a must.
