Playing the Fool

Template:Album infobox 2 Playing the Fool - The Official Live is a live album by British progressive rock band Gentle Giant which was released in 1977. Many consider it to be one of the best live albums of the 70s progressive rock bands. It demonstrates the band's complex musicianship and talent as well as showcasing versions of songs which are often greatly modified from the original album versions.

Track listing

• Disc 1 - Total Time (41:44)
  1. Just The Same (05:57)
  2. Proclamation (05:18)
  3. On Reflection (06:20)
  4. Excerpts From Octopus (15:39)
  5. Funny Ways (08:30)
  • Proclamation [CD-ROM Track]

• Disk 2 - Total Time (36:25)
  1. The Runaway (03:56)
  2. Experience (05:36)
  3. So Sincere (10:20)
  4. Free Hand (07:40)
  5. Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown In Brussels) (01:21)
  6. Peel The Paint / I Lost My Head (07:32)

Note: This track listing is that of the 35th anniversary re-release edition of this album. The track listing and times have changed throughout the years and the different releases that this album has seen.

Personnel

• Gary Green - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, alto recorder, descant recorder, vocals, percussion

• Kerry Minnear - keyboards, cello, vibes, tenor recorder, vocals, percussion

• Derek Shulman - vocals, alto sax, descant recorder, bass, percussion

• Ray Shulman - bass, violin, acoustic guitar, descant recorder, trumpet, vocals, percussion

• John Weathers - drums, vibes, tambour, vocals, percussion

All songs composed by Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman and Ray Shulman. There are no official instrument credits listed on the album.

Release Details

• 1977, UK, Crysalis Records ?, Release Date ? January 1977, LP
• 1994, UK, Terrapin Trucking RGOF Cat# RGF CD 1009, Release Date ? ? 1994, CD (Re-Master)
• 2004, UK, BGO BGOCD435, Release Date 12 July 2004, CD (2 x CD with Civilian)
• 2005, UK, DRT Entertainment RTE354, Release Date 10 October 2005, CD (35th Anniversary Enhanced Re-Master)