Gong/UK 1975

GONG is a legendary band that exuded a particularly strong individuality even in the dominant 70’s progressive rock scene. Introducing a valuable superb soundboard album from the transition period when they strengthened their jazz/fusion colors. This work includes “November 9, 1975 Guilford Performance”. This is a stereo soundboard recording. At that time, GONG produced the famous album “YOU”, but founders David Allen, Tim Blake, and Jiri Smythe left the group one after another. It was a transitional period where things changed drastically. The masterpiece “SHAMAL” that became their new chapter was recorded in December 1975, and the Guilford performance of this work was a concert held just before that. This work is a truly wonderful stereo sound board. Although the sound has a slight vintage feel, it can be called official quality. The line’s unique direct adhesion is on full display, and the mix is ​​perfect. The stereo feel of the unique phrases and complex rhythm work flying around is also vivid. The most amazing thing is the freshness of the master. I mentioned earlier that it has a “vintage feel,” but I’m just talking about the tone. There is no tape deterioration or noise in the master itself, and the beautiful sound is full of rich luster and has a great sense of stability. It is of such exquisite quality that it can be officially released as an excavation board as it is. What is depicted with such a sound is a wonderful show on the eve of “SHAMAL”. The members are the five people who created “SHAMAL”, and Steve Hillage and Miket Giraudi, who were treated as guests on the album, also fully participate. On the other hand, Pierre Moulin is a guest. He is sitting on a stool only in the last “Master Builder”, and most of the show is played by Laurie Alan, who also participated in “FLYING TEAPOT”. And the set has an even richer “SHAMAL” color. “YOU”’s “The Isle Of Everywhere” and “Master Builder” will also be played, but that is the only past repertoire, and all songs from “SHAMAL” except “Mandrake” will be performed. Furthermore, Hillage’s solo style is also strong. It will include the masterpieces “The Salmon Song”, “Lunar Musick Suite & Electrick Gypsies”, “Aftaglid”, and even “Beginning To See The Light”, which will be included in his solo album. Some people may remember “LIVE IN SHERWOOD FOREST ’75”, which was made official with such members and songs, but in fact, this work can be said to be its sister edition. That official version was recorded on “November 25, 1975,” and the Guilford performance of this work was 16 days before that. The official version is played entirely by Mulan, and the members and ensemble are very similar, except for the fact that Giorgi Pinchevsky (violin) also participated. On the other hand, the biggest difference is the recording time. This work is much longer, and the aforementioned “Lunar Musick Suite & Electrick Gypsies”, “Beginning To See The Light” and “Bambooji” can only be heard in this work. 1975’s GONG, which is a live performance version of “SHAMAL” and is directly connected to Hillage’s “FISH RISING” and “L”. This is a masterpiece live album where you can enjoy the live performance on the finest stereo soundboard. This is a soundboard album that is much longer than the official version of “LIVE IN SHERWOOD FOREST ’75,” and allows you to fully enjoy the jazz rock that is only available at this time. Live at Civic Hall, Guildford, UK 9th November 1975 SBD Disc 1(52:35) 1. Introduction 2. The Salmon Song 3. Chandra 4. Lunar Musick Suite & Electrick Gypsies 5. Cat In Clark’s Shoes Disc 2(60:11 ) 1. I’m Beginning To See The Light 2. Aftaglid 3. Bambooji 4. The Isle Of Everywhere 5. Wingful Of Eyes 6. Shamal including Searching For The Spark riff 7. Master Builder SOUNDBOARD RECORDING Didier Malherbe – saxophone, flute, voice Steve Hillage – guitar, voice Miquette Giraudy – dancing, voices, occasional synthesizer Mike Howlett – bass, voice Mirelle Bauer – percussion Patrice Lemoine – keyboards Laurie Allan – drums Pierre Moerlen – drums on Master Builder