John Weathers of Gentle Giant (Part 1) - The ProgCast with Gregg Bendian
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 ноя 2022
- BONUS EPISODE AVAILABLE ONLY ON PATREON: / theprogcast
JOHN "PUGWASH" WEATHERS returns to The ProgCast! GENTLE GIANT's heartbeat is back to discuss the upcoming reissue of "Civilian" and as always, JPW enlightens us with tales of the inner workings of one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time. We've known each other for about 20 years now, and it's always a pleasure to geek out with John, and pick his brain about all things Giant.
PATREON: / theprogcast
Study Drums/Composition/Music with Gregg: www.bendianmusic.com
GREGG BENDIAN is a percussionist/composer/producer/educator/podcaster from Teaneck, New Jersey. During his wide-ranging career he has toured internationally and recorded with Todd Rundgren, Jan Hammer, The Mahavishnu Project, Keneally-Bendian-Lunn, The Musical Box, John Zorn, Derek Bailey, Nels Cline, Cecil Taylor, Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman and Zoot Horn Rollo. On the academic front, Gregg develops and teaches courses in studio production aesthetics, music history, and composing/arranging at William Paterson University of New Jersey. For the Yale Oral History of American Music, he has contributed over 100 expansive interviews with major figures including Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, Carla Bley and Steve Reich. Bendian is archivist/producer for the Bottom LIne Archive of historic concerts. Recorded over 30 years at the Greenwich Village venue, the series features discs by Jack Bruce with Billy Cobham, The Brecker Bros, Lou Reed/Kris Kristofferson, Pete Seeger/Roger McGuinn, and Doc Watson. An accomplished percussionist and a composer of over 200 works, he has created a body of innovative music for jazz, rock, percussion (solo and ensemble) and mixed chamber groups, which include his Interzone and Trio Pianissimo bands. Gregg's music is published by Iamuziks (ASCAP). Begun in August of 2020, The ProgCast explores the creative process and musical history of a diverse assortment of cutting edge artists.
You can also find us on:
SPOTIFY:
open.spotify.com/show/0x9bzb0...
APPLE PODCASTS:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
www.bendianmusic.com
open.spotify.com/artist/0HBmV...
www.bottomlinearchive.com
guides.library.yale.edu/oham/...
www.mahavishnuproject.com
www.wpunj.edu/coac/department...
I was in college in the early to mid 70's and Gentle Giant was introduced to me by my roommate. Wow! I had never heard anything remotely familiar to their creative expression. John Weathers was a GIANT among the drummers and musicians in the know. Here is a great memory. October 1974 my roommate and I purchase Power and The Glory, invite two friends, buy a case of Miller Lite beer, sit in a tight circle on the floor, and spin this album for two rotations marveling over the imagination of composition and performance. John's drumming and percussion were so dammed tasteful and solid as the band danced around his pocket. GG is the best band of the 70s, period. They were the standard of ensemble playing and musicianship. And what's even better is their music is timeless. It's as fresh today as it was back in the day. They continue to be my favorite band.
Love Pugwash . His contribution to GG is immense. His drum parts are always so tasty and tasteful.
John Weathers had so much groove for being in a Baroque-esque prog band. Incredible drummer!
John thank you for sharing anything related to Gentle Giant. Love your contributions
Like you Gregg, I was fortunate to see GG for the final (Civilian) tour - aged 14 at The Tower Theater, Philly.
My friend Gary was in that band. And John has such a great sense of humor.
First heard Gentle Giant in my dorm at Ohio University in early '74 and FINALLY got to see them twice on the Civilian tour (Detroit and Cleveland). Having only seen Gregg with pianists Cecil Taylor in NYC and Paul Plimley in Vancouver (both sadly passed), I was only familiar with his free improvisation side. Then, when I purchased the first Interzone disc in the late 90s, I only then found out about his progressive influence, as he very openly acknowledges Gentle Giant in the liner notes. John Weathers amazed me, as he kept the band firmly anchored and propelled at the same time.
I wish this interview went on for longer, it's such a pleasure to hear John speak about his recollections of the creative processes within Giant. His drumming has impeccable time, tastefullness and his sense of creation of space within the musical framework is brilliant
Indeed, Gentle Giant is absolutely my number one, and I was blessed to see every tour (usually twice) starting in 1975.
FIRST! Love John and always will!
No surprise that people are talking about Gentle Giant now, there was no band like them before and no band like then since. John should be proud of what he did.
After about 1978, progressive rock was a term you didn’t use unless you wanted to be ostracized.
John, where is the Oakland A's hat? You were the glue that cemented the GG sound. The complexity and melodic content of each and every record was, and is still another realm of music. For the listener who invests the time, GG is an embarrassment of riches. I'm so glad that younger generations are discovering GG. Real musicians playing real instruments!
Can't wait for Pt.2!
Pugwash is one of my two all-time favourite drummers. The other was Ed Cassidy from Spirit. Had the pleasure of shaking hands with Ed at a show in the early 90's. Meeting anyone from GG would be a dream. I was 15 when they broke up, otherwise for sure I would have seen them. Weathers and Ray seem to have kept the lowest profiles online. Ray will be dearly missed, what a talent.
Great to hear more from John about the history of Gentle Giant
I saw gentle giant 3 times in the 70’s, and it was one of the quintessential experiences in progressive music.
PLEASE try to interview Guy Evans from VDGG one day, the lack of interviews with him pisses me off.
John played with the Man band after G.G. and although the music was obviously less challenging his enthusiasm still shone through. Great guy!
Don't know if they did Alucard backing Sabbath, if not they should have done.