Gentle Giant's Free Hand: An Exploration

An in-depth look at Gentle Giant's 1975 album, Free Hand.
Standing on the shoulders of Giants:
These Giants are Dan Bornemark, Dan Barrett, Geir Hasnes and Jack Skelly, without whom the band might have lapsed into historical obscurity.
Transcriptions used; Phil Smith, Paul van de Hart and Geir Hasnes.
There’s no great original research here, I’ve put this together from multiple sources that are all freely available. It’s done out of love for the record and the band, not for subscribers, likes or monetisation.
Special thanks to Keith from Barnsley, who traded Giant tapes with me, in the pre-world wide web days, and to Garry Green, who, with Malcolm Mortimore et al, allowed me to hear some Giant music live.
Thanks also to Wendell G and Juvey P for laying on the quad experience.

Covers Playlist:

Music Copyright: Alucard Music

[richardmcnichols]

This is a very thoughtful and deep analysis of one of my favorite bands and composers. I have some of the sheet music and can even play some of it. Many thanks for this!

[julianoricardo]

Fantastic analysis. Gentle Giant is one of the most authentic bands of all time. You can love or hate them, but their musical prowess and originality can't be denied.

[slapshack]

Thanks for giving Giant the in-depth analysis they deserve!

[Claytone-Records]

Been digging the Giant since hearing Knots on late night FM radio in the states ~73. But Free Hand was their first lp I bought when it was released and I have been listening and collecting the other albums ever since. FH is the one I spin the most followed by Acquiring the taste and Interview. I enjoyed your video with it’s many nice pictures I have not seen, alternate takes, excellent sound and voice over. Will look around your channel for more. Happy new year and cheers! CK, Austin

[willcrab]

Thanks SO much for compiling all of this. Enjoyed your thoughts and insights a great deal.

[RalphDissonant]

Nice job - and thank you for the shout-out to my transcriptions :) - Phil Smith

[vano]

From GG fans in the Ukraine : thank you very very much for such an amazing and educative documentary.

Thank for posting this and beautifully done-great insight and analysis

[deanjonasson]

Exemplary analysis given with detail and obvious love.

The greatest most epic legendary genius most criminally underrated band ever,

[beammeupscotty]

Really enjoyed hearing your take on this album. Very detailed and informative.

[galbaribeirodefaria]

It's great! Thanks a Lot!! From BRAZIL!!!

[joaocuccineto]

What a surprise! The label of the album Power and the Glory is from the Brazilian edition!

[dreamcruise]

There's nothing anyone can tell me about this band. They are pure genius. Of course I have not heard every band there is, or even every 'prog' band there is, but all I know is a friend of mine played me the "acquiring the taste" album in 1971, and I was hooked forever! I still pretty much every listen to some Gentle Giant, every day! Hail!

[zootallures]

GG has always been my favorite band – and Gary Green my unfavorite guitar player. He is using the wah-wah pedal in pretty much every guitar solo and hardly anything else.
The band would have been better off with another type of guitar playing, like the multifaceted Hackett or even Howe, Gilmour.

Thanks for your work.

[awrogers]

Steve Wilson has nothing to do with this