Gentle Giant's Ray Shulman Dead at 73, Fans + Rockers Pay Tribute

Ray Shulman, co-founding multiinstrumentalist for English prog rock group Gentle Giant, has died at 73, older brother Derek confirmed yesterday afternoon (April 1) by way of Facebook.

His publish reads:

I’m deeply saddened to announce that my youthful brother and my greatest buddy Ray Shulman handed away on March thirtieth at his residence in London. I used to be with him till the tip as he bravely battled an extended sickness. At least I do know he’s now at peace. Ray actually was a genius in so some ways. He was such a form and caring soul. He was an unbelievable composer, musician, music producer & tech wizard. He was a real artist and most well-liked to remain within the background and let his physique of labor communicate for him fairly than speak about himself.

Together with myself and my elder brother Philip he was a founding member of Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and subsequently Gentle Giant. He went on to supply artists like The Sundays, The Sugarcubes, Ian McCulloch and plenty of extra. More just lately he devoted his tech and musical experience in authoring and remixing different artists. He will probably be deeply missed by the music group as an entire. More importantly, I’ll miss him as my brother and really my greatest buddy. He leaves behind his spouse Barbara Tanner & his older brother Philip. To all who knew Ray or know of him ‘Think of him with kindness’.

READ MORE: 10 Best New Prog Rock + Metal Bands Since 2010, Chosen by Haken’s Ross Jennings

Born in Portsmouth, England in 1949, Shulman’s first instrument was the trumpet, and by his teen years, he’d additionally realized to play guitar, bass and violin (all of which he performed in Gentle Giant). In 1966, he, Derek (vocals), and brother Phil (horns) shaped psychedelic/pop/soul band Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. Although that they had reasonable success with 1967’s “Kites” and their lone LP (Without Reservations), points with how they have been being marketed led to them breaking apart in 1969.

Almost instantly, the Shulman trio teamed up with guitarist Gary Green, keyboardist Kerry Minnear and drummer Martin Smith to type Gentle Giant.

Between 1970 and 1976 (and amidst just a few line-up adjustments), they crafted among the most beloved, attribute and influential albums within the historical past of progressive rock, corresponding to In a Glass House, The Power and the Glory and Free Hand. Afterward, they ventured into an easier, extra commercially viable rock aesthetic till their remaining report: 1980’s Civilian.

Following Gentle Giant’s disbandment, Ray Shulman grew to become a report producer, and he finally labored with artists corresponding to The Sugarcubes, Ian McCulloch and The Defects. He additionally scored just a few video video games (1996’s Privateer 2: The Darkening and Azrael’s Tear) and launched trance EPs beneath the pseudonym Head-Doctor.

Seeing as how Gentle Giant impressed legions of style proteges – Haken, Spock’s Beard, The Flower Kings, Echolyn and Dream Theater, to call just a few – it didn’t take lengthy for followers and fellow musicians to pay tribute to Shulman.

For occasion, Mike Portnoy tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of Ray Shulman. In addition to being the bassist/multi instrumentalist in the legendary Prog band Gentle Giant, I’ve had the honor of working with him through the years on various DVD/Blu-ray Authoring projects for Inside Out. My condolences.”

Likewise, Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment keyboardist Jordan Rudess replied to Gentle Giant’s Instagram publish: “This is sad news. Gentle Giant had a huge influence on my musical life. Sympathies go to the family and friends.” Meanwhile, New Jersey troupe The Tea Club posted to Facebook: “Ray Shulman was one of the most talented musicians in progressive rock history. Rest In the Power and the Glory.”

Similarly, Jethro Tull mastermind Ian Anderson reminisced: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Ray Shulman, bassist of Gentle Giant and the authoring of many Tull DVDs over the years in his capacity as technical audio and video engineer. I remember Ray fondly for the many tours we did with Giant in the 70s. He will be missed greatly by fellow professionals in the music industry and by all fans of Gentle Giant.”

You can see extra tributes to Shulman under, in addition to try a few of his distinctive work with Gentle Giant.

Of course, Loudwire sends our condolences to Ray Shulman’s mates, household and numerous followers.