I'm Turning Around (Live 1977)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "I'm Turning Around (Live 1977)" by Gentle Giant from their album The Missing Piece. This track, a standout from their 1977 release, is a power ballad with a lush, almost Genesis-like vibe, blending Gary Green's soaring guitar with Kerry Minnear's dreamy synthesizer washes. Fans have noted its theme of personal renewal, making it a poignant moment in the band’s live performances. Interestingly, a 2010 24-bit remaster of The Missing Piece reportedly has the right and left channels switched for all tracks except "I'm Turning Around," suggesting this song might be the only one presented as originally intended. The song was also released as a U.S. single in 1977, backed with "Cogs In Cogs," but it didn’t quite crack the charts, despite its commercial polish.

Another tidbit comes from the band’s attempt to navigate the shifting musical landscape of 1977, when punk and new wave were taking over. "I'm Turning Around" was part of The Missing Piece’s first side, where Gentle Giant experimented with pop and even punk-inspired sounds, a bold move for a prog rock outfit. Some fans felt it resembled Genesis’s "Abacab" era, which sparked mixed reactions—hardcore prog purists were shocked, while others appreciated the band’s versatility. The live version from 1977 captures the band’s tight musicianship, with Derek Shulman’s emotive vocals shining through. The Zoo Crew loves how this track shows Gentle Giant fearlessly stretching their sound, proving they could tackle any style with finesse.

Gentle Giant got their start in 1970 in London, born from the ashes of the Shulman brothers’ earlier band, Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. Derek, Ray, and Phil Shulman, along with Kerry Minnear, Gary Green, and drummer Martin Smith, set out to create music that pushed boundaries, blending prog rock with jazz, folk, and classical influences. Their goal, as stated in their early liner notes, was to "expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular," a mission that defined their complex, multi-instrumental sound. After their debut album in 1970, they cycled through drummers, with Malcolm Mortimore and then John Weathers joining the lineup, solidifying their rhythm section. Despite never achieving mainstream success, their innovative approach earned them a cult following, with albums like Octopus and The Power and the Glory becoming prog rock staples.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Gentle Giant’s official website for merch and updates. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. Fans can also join the vibrant Gentle Giant fan group on Facebook, boasting over 15,000 members, or explore Gentle Giant Home Page for detailed discography and trivia. The Zoo Crew hopes you’re vibing to this classic—keep it locked for more eclectic spins!