Gentle Giantformed out of the blues based group Simon Dupree & The Big Sound, which featured the multi-instrumental Shulman brothers Derek, Ray, and Phil. They joined with guitarist Gary Green, keyboard player Kerry Minnear, and a series of drummers (John Weathers most consistently) to play music beyond the scope of ordinary rock, though with still a hint of blues in Green's guitar. Minnear's elaborate arrangements featured elements of both medieval polyphony and twentieth century composition. In particular, the complex four-part vocal arrangements give the band its unusual character, with each part functioning independently rather than forming simple harmonies. The instrumental parts were just as complex, often featuring interlocking parts often in odd meters, all backed by a solid drum pattern.
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Playing The Game Lyrics
Gentle Giant
As I hold the key to the back door
of the world I feel my
Hand touching bounds never had before.
I can view the power of my position and my
eyes can see more than anyone in any place,
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
I'm the king in fighting competition
and the other pieces
are there for my art and my tactics now.
All my games are won before they're played for
I have planned that no opposition can stage a fight
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
My thoughts never spoken only the
visions inside my head the truth never broken
within my silent words left unsaid.
I will steer the helm of all the nation
as the captain
take my rewards for all the good I'm doing now,
and no words that I'm the knave will alter my
philosophy for if any are heard, the games started
again I'll never ever lose