Gentle Giant’s Kerry Minnear: Reflections on a Prog Legacy and the Resurgence of ‘Playing The Fool’
In this special edition of the Now Spinning Magazine podcast, I am joined by Sue Aston as we sit down with Kerry Minnear, keyboard virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist from legendary progressive rock band Gentle Giant. With the iconic 1977 live album, ‘Playing The Fool’, recently remixed and reissued to acclaim, the conversation explores Kerry’s insights into the band’s renewed popularity, his classical influences, and his thoughts on future creative projects.
Watch the full interview on YouTube
Gentle Giant’s Revival Through the Internet Age
The interview begins by acknowledging how the internet dramatically reignited interest in Gentle Giant’s intricate and pioneering sound. Kerry reveals how collaborations, particularly with Steven Wilson, renowned for his impeccable remixing of classic prog albums, sparked new life into the band’s catalog. Wilson’s meticulous work introduced Gentle Giant to fresh audiences and allowed their sophisticated compositions to shine in the contemporary music landscape.
Kerry humorously notes the additional boost from hip-hop sampling of Gentle Giant’s music, enhancing the band’s visibility—and humorously remarks on its beneficial impact on his “under-contributed pension scheme.”
The Gentle Giant Ethos: Integrity and Experimentation
Reflecting on Gentle Giant’s ethos, Kerry emphasises the integrity and authenticity that always underpinned their music. Despite occasionally looking at contemporaries like Yes and Genesis, who found mainstream success, Gentle Giant remained true to their experimental spirit.
“We genuinely enjoyed what we did,” Kerry shares, highlighting the harmonious relationship among band members. He candidly discusses the band’s evolution, particularly during the transitional phase of their later albums, which presented personal creative challenges for him.
Classical Inspirations and Musical Complexity
Kerry’s classical training heavily influenced Gentle Giant’s sound. He recounts the integration of medieval and baroque musical elements into their progressive rock framework, evidenced by their use of unconventional instruments such as recorders and glockenspiels. Kerry credits early music and composers like Vaughan Williams, Elgar, and even the intricacies of baroque harmony and counterpoint as foundational influences.
Gentle Giant’s Live Experience: Reinventing the Studio Material
The recently reissued ‘Playing The Fool’ album highlights how Gentle Giant consistently reinvented their studio recordings for the live stage, creating immersive and dynamic performances. Kerry describes the meticulous effort involved in arranging music to preserve both complexity and live spontaneity, underscoring the authenticity and enthusiasm that defined their concerts.
Music, Spirituality, and Emotional Connection
Delving deeper, Kerry reflects on the spiritual dimension of his music-making. His involvement in church music today parallels the communal and spiritual essence he experienced with Gentle Giant. The conversation explores how music acts as a universal healer and connector, resonating deeply with audiences who have grown and evolved alongside the band’s legacy.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans and New Creative Directions
Despite the band’s resurgence, Kerry confirms that Gentle Giant has no plans to reunite, valuing the integrity of their legacy. However, he hints at personal ambitions for new music, acknowledging both the excitement and pressure from fans anticipating future projects.
Our interview concludes with heartfelt admiration for ‘Playing The Fool’, celebrated as one of the definitive live albums of its era. Kerry Minnear’s reflections offer a rich, insightful journey into the past, present, and potential future of progressive rock’s enduring innovators, Gentle Giant.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
