Alan Gowen - Before a Word Is Said

[progman1975]

Until yesterday, I never knew this existed. It looks like it was recorded whilst Alan was sick. It features, Richard Sinclair and Phil Miller. Any thoughts of this All-Star
Canterbury gem

[Scrotum Scissor]

We have written quite extensively on this title in the Canterbury threads these past years. The album is often considered the final 'classic era' album from that ilk, and it was credited to the entire quartet of Gowen-Miller-Tomkins-Sinclair.

I've got the original on Europa records, and I absolutely cherish it. I like it as much as I do both Gilgamesh records, I think. Some rather sombre and gloomy atmospheres at play, and why on earth wouldn't there be; Gowen was seriously ill during the recordings and AFAIK didn't live to see the album's release. Both the writing and instrumental execution is flawless on this, and that bottom-heavy production fits right in with the overall mood of the music.

[calyx]

We have written quite extensively on this title in the Canterbury threads these past years. The album is often considered the final 'classic era' album from that ilk, and it was credited to the entire quartet of Gowen-Miller-Tomkins-Sinclair.

I don't know if you're intentionally ignoring it (I know some people dislike it, mainly because of the electronic sounds used), but that title would imho go to National Health's "DS Al Coda", which came out at the same time but was recorded six months later, precisely as a tribute to Alan Gowen.

[Scrotum Scissor]

I don't know if you're intentionally ignoring it

Well, yes and no. I don't hate DS, I just don't find it that good or interesting either. What's perplexing about Before a Word, IMO, is the meticulous unity of the whole affair; the compositions, the performance, the aura of it - it has the look and feel and sound of an actual band. More so, I think, than the Soft Heap s/t ("spaghetti album") had. I suppose this is a main reason why I perceive it as highly as said.

[mx20]

Before A Word Is Said is essential, IMO. Haunting and inspired, and more composition-based than I would have originally thought. I've been going back and back and back to this album for years now.

[rcarlberg]

Alan Gowen's passing still saddens me greatly. He had much more to give.

[Sunlight Caller]

Definitely an overlooked Canterbury gem, it seldom gets a mention in the perennial top five lists, but it is a quite wonderful album, and poignantly so, considering what Alan Gowen was going through.

[mogrooves]

Not one I reach for often, but nice stuff nonetheless. Props to the underrated Miller.

[Phlakaton]

Not one I reach for often, but nice stuff nonetheless. Props to the underrated Miller.

+1 on the Phil Miller props. He makes pretty much everything he's on better. Such a unique delivery with his playing. A real stand-out player.

[strawberrybrick]

Like Gilgamesh, a little to jazzy for my tastes.

[Sputnik]

I enjoy this one a lot. It has a very intimate sound. It does have a somewhat somber feel, but maybe I'm projecting knowing the circumstances. Largely this one fits in with Gilgamesh's output for me, which I also like a lot.

Like Gilgamesh, a little to jazzy for my tastes.

I hear 'ya, but if jazz sounded more like this, I'd like jazz more.

Bill

[No Pride]

I never knew of it's existence. I like National Health's DS al Coda, so I imagine I'd like this one.

[Sputnik]

I never knew of it's existence. I like National Health's DS al Coda, so I imagine I'd like this one.

Do you like the Gilgamesh stuff? It's closer to that, though a bit more subdued. The DS al Coda is far more "produced" and has a bigger sound.

I personally like both, so you may as well. If pressed between these two, I'd actually give the nod to Before a Word is Said, but the first two National Health albums are my gold standard.

Bill

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

I like it as much as I do both Gilgamesh records, I think. Some rather sombre and gloomy atmospheres at play, and why on earth wouldn't there be; Gowen was seriously ill during the recordings and AFAIK didn't live to see the album's release. Both the writing and instrumental execution is flawless on this, and that bottom-heavy production fits right in with the overall mood of the music.

yes, an excellent album up there with the 2 Gilgamesh albums. I too have had it since it was released

Before A Word Is Said is essential, IMO. Haunting and inspired, and more composition-based than I would have originally thought. I've been going back and back and back to this album for years now.

I never knew of it's existence. I like National Health's DS al Coda, so I imagine I'd like this one.

It's not like DSaC but you will love it nonetheless, especially if you like Gilgamesh methinks

Love it, and Gilgamesh.

no reason not to!

[Zeuhlmate]

I have had both since they came out but spun DS al Coda a lot more.

There are some tracks on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp-Ms6K2BR8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g809NxWn6Vg

[wideopenears]

Love it, and Gilgamesh.

[rickawakeman]

Found this used recently (along with Richard Sinclair's Caravan of Dreams studio disc), and it seems an essential addition to my Canterbury collection. Great album.

[grego]

I have a CD, bought long time ago. It is essential, for Canterbury aficionados first of all. On par with Gilgamesh, yet a bit more profound.

[jkelman]

LOVE Before a Word is Said! and, when I was in London in the fall of 1983, I saw an early version of Phil Miller's In Cahoots at a pub in Kentish Town: Miller, Richard Sinclair, Pip Pyle, Pete Lemer and Elton Dean. Amazing show, which they let me record (I asked first; even then...and had they said no, I’d not have done it). They opened with a long look at one of my fave tracks from BaWiS: the opening track, "Above and Below."

It was one helluva memorable evening, with a jaw-dropping "Calyx," along with some music that would ultimately show up in later In Cahoots albums.

Talk about right place, right time!!

[Udi Koomran]

LOVE Before a Word is Said! and, when I was in London in the fall of 1983, I saw an early version of Phil Miller's In Cahoots at a pub in Kentish Town: Miller, Richard Sinclair, Pip Pyle, Pete Lemer and Elton Dean. Amazing show, which they let me record (I asked first; even then...and had they said no, I’d not have done it). They opened with a long look at one of my fave tracks from BaWiS: the opening track, "Above and Below."

It was one helluva memorable evening, with a jaw-dropping "Calyx," along with some music that would ultimately show up in later In Cahoots albums.

Talk about right place, right time!!

John could that have been in 1984 and not 83 ?

[jkelman]

John could that have been in 1984 and not 83 ?

Nope. 1983 for sure. I remember the year I went for a month-long UK trip (had an unlimited Brit Rail pass, so went all the way out to the Hebrides (well, them, by boat). Fall of that year, mid-September to mid-October.

[Udi Koomran]

Nope. 1983 for sure. I remember the year I went for a month-long UK trip (had an unlimited Brit Rail pass, so went all the way out to the Hebrides (well, them, by boat). Fall of that year, mid-September to mid-October.

I was asking cause I saw them too
Bull & Gate
1985
Great show

[PROGMONSTER]

I have it and it's pretty cool. I also love Gilgamesh 2nd album.

[MissKittysMom]

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, and this is kind of a transition point. I particularly like Phil Miller's In Cahoots band. Several excellent albums, with my favorite being Conspiracy Theories. Pip Pyle, Richard Sinclair, and others drop in on the In Cahoots albums as well.

[Proghound]

Excellent album, I have this on vinyl...never seemed to find it on cd. Gilgamesh and National Health are huge favorites as well. I was fortunate enough to see NH (Greaves, Miller, Pyle, Gowen) in 1979. Intimate setting and wonderful set list. Big fan of Phil Miller's collaborations as well.