Proclamation

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Proclamation" by Gentle Giant from their 1974 album The Power and the Glory. This track kicks off the album’s concept, a sharp commentary on power and corruption, with a rhythmic, polyphonic energy driven by Kerry Minnear’s electric piano. The song’s lyrics, like “You may not have all you want or you need / All that you have has been due to my hand,” paint a picture of a leader’s manipulative rhetoric, a theme that resonates even today. In a 2016 blog post on The PROG Mind, the lyrics were called prophetic, noting their relevance to modern political figures who claim credit for societal gains while dismissing public struggles.

One of the coolest stories about "Proclamation" came in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans worldwide, alongside most of Gentle Giant’s members, created a virtual reunion video for the song, the first time in 40 years the band appeared together on screen. Directed by Noah Shulman, son of vocalist Derek Shulman, the project featured over 100 fans and notable musicians like Jakko Jakszyk of King Crimson and Billy Sherwood of Yes. Posted on YouTube, the video won “Music Event of the Year” at Prog’s 2020 awards, as shared on Make Weird Music. Noah explained on Waves that the pandemic inspired this positive, global collaboration, bringing Zoo Freaks and prog lovers together in a unique way.

Social media buzz from fans highlights the song’s live impact. A 2020 MetaFilter post by user philip-random described a TV broadcast of Gentle Giant performing "Proclamation" as a moment that revealed the band’s “weird light,” showcasing their virtuosity. Another fan, SoberHighland, commented on the same thread, praising the band’s complex, quirky sound, though noting they shine most when leaning into their oddity rather than rocking out. The song’s intricate vocal harmonies and experimental edge, as noted in a ProgArchives review, make it a standout for Zoo Freaks who dig deep, cerebral grooves.

Gentle Giant formed in London in 1970, born from the ashes of the Shulman brothers’ pop band, Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. Derek, Phil, and Ray Shulman, frustrated with pop’s limitations, teamed up with multi-instrumentalists Gary Green, Kerry Minnear, and drummer Martin Smith to create a sound that blended rock, jazz, classical, and baroque influences. Their mission, as stated on their debut album’s liner notes, was to “expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular,” per Wikipedia. This bold vision led to a cult following, despite limited commercial success, as they pushed boundaries with complex compositions and virtuosic performances.

The band’s early days were marked by rapid evolution. After their 1970 debut, producer Tony Visconti helped shape their sophomore album, Acquiring the Taste, where they declared their intent to stretch musical norms. Drummer changes followed, with Malcolm Mortimore joining for 1972’s Three Friends, their first concept album. By the time The Power and the Glory dropped in 1974, Gentle Giant had honed their eclectic prog style, with John Weathers on drums, creating a sound that was both intricate and accessible, as noted on ProgArchives. Their journey continued through the ’70s, with later albums like Interview poking fun at the music industry, though Derek Shulman later admitted it marked the start of creative challenges.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Gentle Giant at their official website, where you’ll find merch and tour history. Check out their Facebook for updates and fan interactions, or follow their Instagram for visuals and throwbacks. On X, they share news and engage with fans. For deeper dives, join the Gentle Giant Fan Group on Facebook, boasting over 15,000 members, or visit fan sites like Gentle Giant Home Page for discographies and community content. Keep spinning those progressive vibes, Zoo Freaks!