Memory:Larry Davis
I happened across an old concert ticket last night dated Sept. 7, 1972. It's been 25 years since the only time I've seen them. They were an opening act for Black Sabbath in Jackson, Miss. I had really gone to see Argent who was the second group to play that night. I have always been a big fan of the Zombies and Rod Argent.
I was the first person there, arriving about 4 hours before the concert was to begin. They weren't even taking up tickets yet; thus I still have the whole thing carefully preserved. This was also before the days of very strict security regarding cameras. I had brought along my 35mm and my Super 8 movie camera loaded with fast film to record what I could.
I immediately grabbed the first row center seat and was able to hold it for the entire night, fighting off other fans and stoned hippies. I even caught one of Argent drummer Robert Henrit's drumsticks when he tossed them to the crowd later that night.
The roadies were still setting up equipment when I got there and I watched intently. I was then and am now a musician (drums) and was fascinated by the complex intermingling of equipment for 3 different bands on one stage. I watched the sound check. I actually got to meet and get an autograph from Rod Argent. We spoke only briefly as he was double checking the keyboard settings. God, he even had a Mellotron!! Those were the days.
I had never heard of Gentle Giant before that night but when they took the stage and did some music from the first two albums I was absolutely blown away. Never before had I seen this level of talent and precision. Not even the famous James Brown band could touch this. I had brought along three reels of movie film so I shot one whole 50' roll of Tri-X on them. I still have it.
After they left the stage the rest of the concert was a letdown. Even Argent with it's great talent and original arrangements was lacking. Sabbath was good but I kept flashing back to Derek Shulman stalking the stage during Alucard. I wanted to see Kerry Minnear play the Marimba again. I wanted to hear the harmonies. I was hooked!!
The next day I bought both of the first two albums. I never let up from there. I have everything they have done with the exception of the "best of" album; I didn't see a need for it as I had all the songs on the original albums. (All I have is vinyl)
Now, I really did not like "OCTOPUS" nearly as much as "Glass House," "Free Hand," or "Interview." I also prefered "Power & Glory," All of it is good. Here I am, 50 years old and still listening to this obscure band that knocked me out 25 years ago. I do not hear any new stuff that can compare. The closest I have been able to find was Jethro Tull.