Gentle Giant's Reimagined ‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’ Coming In May

Gentle Giant's Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience, a brand new reimagined, remixed and remastered version of the classic 1977 live album will be released on May 2nd. The set is to be available in 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 record was remixed and remastered from the original source tapes by producer Dan Bornemark, who has worked extensively with the band on archival projects. 

Pre-order Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience

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.

“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,” Shulman said in a statement, adding: “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.”

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.

“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,” Shulman says.

For more info, visit gentlegiantband.com.