The Power and the Glory (Gentle Giant album)



The Power and the Glory is the sixth album by the British progressive rock group Gentle Giant, released in 1974. Contrary to popular belief, the title of the album and its many lyrical themes were not inspired by author Graham Greene's novel of the same name, although Derek Shulman was aware of Greene's novel. Guitarist Gary Green has cited this album as his favourite by the band.

The concept album focused on an individual who means to do good using political power. He finds himself tempted to abuse the power, as have all of those who have come before, and ultimately becomes what he fought against.

The original LP cover was diecut, with rounded upper corners.

Releases
The album was originally released in the US and Canada by Capitol Records, as would all Gentle Giant's albums until Civilian.

In a 2010 interview Derek Shulman announced that the band are working at creating an animated film based around the themes, characters and songs of the album. The animations subsequently became available in the album's Blu-ray release, of July 2014, which also features a surround remix (both in stereo and 5.1 surround format) by Steven Wilson. The new edition was released by Alucard, the company that managed Gentle Giant material.

Personnel

 * Derek Shulman – lead vocals on tracks 1, 2 and 4-8, tenor saxophone (track 2)
 * Kerry Minnear – Hammond organ (tracks 1, 2, 4-8), piano (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7), Minimoog (tracks 2, 4, 5, 8), Clavinet (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7), electric piano (tracks 1, 3, 4), Mellotron (track 4), marimba (track 4), vibraphone (track 6), cello (track 2), lead vocals on tracks 2-4
 * Ray Shulman – bass, violin (tracks 2, 4, 7), electric violin (track 7), acoustic guitar (track 6), vocals (tracks 1, 6, 8)
 * Gary Green – electric guitar (tracks 1, 2, 4, 8), electric guitars (tracks 5-7), acoustic guitar (tracks 3, 4, 6), vocals (tracks 1, 6, 8)
 * John Weathers – drums, tambourine (tracks 2, 5, 7), sleigh bells (track 6), cymbals (track 1)