Derek Shulman of Gentle Giant Interview with Pods & Sods - September 2017

Derek Shulman of Gentle Giant joins Eric in conversation to discuss his early days discovering music, working as Simon Dupree and The Big Sound, his early friendship and the Gentle Giant audition of Elton John, the formation and creative process of Gentle Giant, working with Tony Visconti, the ups and downs of Gentle Giant, his time working A&R at Polygram and as the President/CEO of Atco Records where he helped discover and sign such bands as Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Tears for Fears, Dream Theater, Pantera, thoughts on Dan Reed Network, the new Gentle Giant Blu-Ray and CD release Three Piece Suite featuring remixes by Steven Wilson, does he still write music, does he miss performing, what’s next and much more.
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[@waynedent5559]

That band, Gentle Giant was absolutely bursting with creativity and brilliance!

[@giorgioformicola5287]

Great guy, great musician!!

[@waynedent5559]

This was very well done with the intermittent songs between the interview. I was a little surprised that you skipped over Octopus because with that album it all came together. They had found the right way to record the band and it was John Weathers' first introduction with the band which really grounded them for all their future work. Great songs too. However, In a Glass House was an incredible feat of composition and masterful performance! WHAT A BAND!

[@dbc7772011]

I could listen for hours if they would dissect each album song by song. So many fascinating themes and unique sounds. How did they create the smashing glass intro, how was it performed, how about the snapping fingers on Just the Same, the riff on Peal the Paint, so much incredible music.

[@TheMrZif]

Saw the civilian tour. Best concert I ever attended.

[@dbc7772011]

I was also fortunate to see them during their Civilian tour. They were so talented, playing numerous instruments, xylophones, violins, drums, all gelling into incredible music. 1980 Kleinhan’s Music Hall, perfect venue for their amazing music.

[@charleslyall5857]

The inimitable, great Gentle Giant.

[@dbc7772011]

Probably the best Derek Shulman/Gentle Giant interview I have heard. Thank you so much for this interesting insightful history of the incredible Gentle Giant and his illustrious career. Derek is extremely intelligent and has a Street smart edge also.

[@fusionhar]

Wonderful, insightful conversation....thanks Eric

[@waynedent5559]

I feel for you Eric! I would love to hear this program expanded to five hours so that you could spend more time on each album and offer more of what was going on in the group at the time the album was recorded. This band deserves an anthology like The Beatles did!

[@waynedent5559]

Derek is incredibly smart to not try to recapture former glory! The body of work stands and always will!

[@edwardpowellmusic]

Thanks so much for this. Derek is one of my Heros, and I wish there were more such interviews available. For me it is a pity that GG stopped making albums.

[@josecruz-gd2to]

what a great interview!! GG is probably the BEST music band ever. I am so glad to hear this friendly conversation.

[@likesnoozn]

Great interview!
Was lucky enough to see Derek and the band’s tours in NY in ‘76 and ‘77. Their live shows were second to none.

[@waynedent5559]

That quote from Acquiring the Taste would be presumptuous from any other band but it rang true for GG!

[@Beadbud5000]

Recommended for any GG fan! Wow, thanks for posting!

[@guilhermewallau9662]

Thaaaaaank you for the interview!! Do one with Ray! There's nothing on the web

[@dollhaus1]

Great interview

[@iindacrowther9559]

Great job.john c.