If you’re even remotely aware of Madfish Records then you’re already aware that they do a ground-breaking work with their boxed sets. So much so, that the rest of the industry should take note and follow the template (and the program). They’re going to do the same (again), this time with Gentle Giant, who are no strangers to progressive fans’ hearts. This new Madfish release will be an LP boxed set (so you can stop reading if you’re not interested in vinyl).
On September 23, watch for a 10LP Boxed set to be called Front Row Center: US Dates 1976-1980. This set will feature four complete shows, all pressed for the first time on vinyl for vinyl aficionados who are Gentle Giant fans. Those shows include:
• HEMPSTEAD, New York – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – JULY 13, 1976 (3LP) – Originally broadcast live on New York City’s WLIR radio as part of the station’s Bicentennial celebration.
• HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – NOVEMBER 16, 1977 (3LP) An outstanding previously unreleased performance sourced from guitarist Gary Green’s personal collection.
• CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – WIDENER COLLEGE – NOVEMBER 18, 1977 (2LP) – Available for the first time on vinyl sourced from Gary Green’s collection.
• ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AGORA BALLROOM – MAY 29, 1980 (2LP) – A rare recording from the band’s final tour prior to their split in the summer of 1980.
A 60-page book will accompany the box, along with a numbered certificate of the limited edition set. You can pre-order here.
Front Row Center: US Dates 1976-1980 – Gentle Giant
LP1 (The Bicentennial Celebration, Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – July 13, 1976)
A.1. Intro/Just The Same
A.2. Proclamation/Valedictory
B.1. On Reflection
B.2. Interview
LP2 (The Bicentennial Celebration, Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – July 13, 1976)
C.1. The Runaway/Experience
C.2. So Sincere
D.1. Excerpts From Octopus
LP3 (The Bicentennial Celebration, Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – July 13, 1976)
E.1. Give It Back
E.2. Timing
F.1. Free Hand
LP4 (Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – November 16, 1977)
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain
A.2. Free Hand
B.1. On Reflection
B.2. I’m Turning Around
LP5 (Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – November 16, 1977)
C.1. Just The Same/Playing The Game
C.2. Memories Of Old Days
D.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It
D.2. Funny Ways
LP6 (Calderone Concert Hall – Hempstead, NY – November 16, 1977)
E.1. The Face
E.2. For Nobody
F.1. Excerpts From Octopus
LP7 (Widener College – Chester, PA – November 18, 1977)
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain
A.2. Free Hand
A.3. On Reflection
B.1. I’m Turning Around
B.2. Just The Same/Playing The Game
B.3. Memories Of Old Days
LP8 (Widener College – Chester, PA – November 18, 1977)
C.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It
C.2. The Face
D.1. For Nobody
D.2. Excerpts From Octopus (Part 1)
D.3. Excerpts From Octopus (Part 2)
LP9 (The Agora – Atlanta, GA – May 29, 1980)
A.1. Convenience (Clean And Easy)
A.2. All Through The Night
A.3. Free Hand
A.4. Knots
A.5. Playing The Game
B.1. Memories Of Old Days
B.2. Giant For A Day
B.3. Inside Out
LP10 (The Agora – Atlanta, GA – May 29, 1980)
C.1. It’s Not Imagination
C.2. Underground
D.1. For Nobody
D.2. The Advent Of Panurge
D.3. Number One