Alan Gowen - Before a Word Is Said

[Udi Koomran]

Essential.

I tend to think of Before A Word Is Said as post-Canterbury, sort of, because many of the Canterbury musicians tend towards Brit Jazz from here on, .

I never thought of it this way - but it seems you have a point

[Progbear]

I tend to think of Before A Word Is Said as post-Canterbury, sort of, because many of the Canterbury musicians tend towards Brit Jazz from here on, and this is kind of a transition point.

Well, the lines were a bit blurred with some of those tangential projects like Soft Head and the like. Frankly, Soft Machine pretty much stop being “Canterbury” and start being straight-up “jazz” starting around 5.

[rcarlberg]

Or alternatively, "Canterbury" opened up to include more improvisation and free jazz starting in the early-'80s.

[mx20]

If *only* there was an English-language book about the Canterbury scene!

Good idea to spin this remarkable album right about now, btw. I think I shall do so ASAP.

[Guitarplyrjvb]

Man, I know this is probably heresy, but Richard Sinclair's vocals ruin a lot of this stuff for me.

[Steve F.]

Man, I know this is probably heresy, but Richard Sinclair's vocals ruin a lot of this stuff for me.

No opinion on music expressed politely is 'heresy', but, yeah. That's not the usual feeling. For most fans of the Canterbury sound, Richard's vocals are a highlight.

[NogbadTheBad]

Ordered, still filling gaps in my Canterbury collection.

[rcarlberg]

Man, I know this is probably heresy, but Richard Sinclair's vocals ruin a lot of this stuff for me.

Apostate! Off with your head!

[Zeuhlmate]

Man, I know this is probably heresy, but Richard Sinclair's vocals ruin a lot of this stuff for me.

I have a friend, a musician, who has the same feelings about Sinclair. I dont share them at all.

[chalkpie]

Man, I know this is probably heresy, but Richard Sinclair's vocals ruin a lot of this stuff for me.

Must. Remain. Calm. Must. Remain. Calm.

Ok, so in all seriousness, name a few English vocalists that you DO like, I'm just generally curious is all.....

[calyx]

Ok, so in all seriousness, name a few English vocalists that you DO like, I'm just generally curious is all.....

Let me venture a guess... Lee Jackson ? Greenslade-era Dave Lawson ?

[Zeuhlmate]

Let me venture a guess... Lee Jackson ? Greenslade-era Dave Lawson ?

[Guitarplyrjvb]

I don't know. It just seems that the "whimsical" nature of Sinclair's vocals (a term I've heard apply to Richard's singing. "Twee" is another!) just never appealed to me. I will now lay my head on the metaphorical chopping block!

A classic album that I just really can't stand is "In the Land of the Gray and Pink". Is Golf Girl on that one? Ugh!! I had it and got rid of it years ago. My favorite of the Canterbury scene is far and away National Health and then the Softs.

I realize that I'm in the extreme minority on this. Maybe I need to give him another chance.

[aith01]

I don't know. It just seems that the "whimsical" nature of Sinclair's vocals (a term I've heard apply to Richard's singing. "Twee" is another!) just never appealed to me. I will now lay my head on the metaphorical chopping block!

A classic album that I just really can't stand is "In the Land of the Gray and Pink". Is Golf Girl on that one? Ugh!! I had it and got rid of it years ago. My favorite of the Canterbury scene is far and away National Health and then the Softs.

I realize that I'm in the extreme minority on this. Maybe I need to give him another chance.

Wow! A strong opinion for sure, but nothing wrong with that. And hey, at least we can agree on National Health and Soft Machine.

I really like Sinclair's singing, and it perfectly matches the music for me. But it's understandable that it won't be everyone's cup of tea.

[Steve F.]

So, you like Robert’s vocals and not Richard’s..

[chalkpie]

So, you like Robert’s vocals and not Richard’s..

Without naming names, I know a few folks (yes, red-white-and blue-blooded 'MURICANS) that have a problem with heavy British accents in vocals. So folks like Tim (Smith), Robert, Peter G, and Richard are problematic for these people. I'm not sure this is the issue here, but this is a potential stumbling block for some. Not me!

[Guitarplyrjvb]

So, you like Robert’s vocals and not Richard’s..

Not a fan of Wyatt's voice, either. Somehow it's not as intrusive to my ears as is Sinclair's. It's just me, I guess! Carry on!

Love Phil Miller's guitaring, though, and just got the album in this thread's title.

[rcarlberg]

Both Rich and Robert have such distinct and iconic voices. I’m generally a bigger fan of instrumental music but I make exceptions for these two. They’re never uncontrolled or screamy.

[NogbadTheBad]

Both Rich and Robert have such distinct and iconic voices. I’m generally a bigger fan of instrumental music but I make exceptions for these two. They’re never uncontrolled or screamy.

With you on this one.

[Steve F.]

Both Rich and Robert have such distinct and iconic voices. I’m generally a bigger fan of instrumental music but I make exceptions for these two. They’re never uncontrolled or screamy.

They are also both - IMO - the EMBODIMENT of the essence of the Canterbury sound and ethos.

[rcarlberg]

Have they ever done anything together???

[Steve F.]

Have they ever done anything together???

They were both in The Wilde Flowers, right?

[Mister Triscuits]

Richard plays bass on Rock Bottom--"Sea Song" is just the two of them. But maybe you meant singing together.

[chalkpie]

Have they ever done anything together???

[rcarlberg]

Silly me. These muscle relaxers I’m on say right on them “may cause drowsiness.”