Ray Shulman, a versatile multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Gentle Giant, has died at 73. The report comes from NME. (NME)
Derek Shulman, his brother and former bandmate, shared the news from London, noting that Ray passed away at his home on March 30 after a prolonged illness. He described his sibling as deeply loved and a constant presence who faced his decline with quiet courage alongside his family. (NME)
The two brothers launched their musical journey together in the early 1960s with a group called The Howling Wolves. Their younger sister or brother, Phil, initially acted as an unofficial manager and later joined the band, contributing to its evolving dynamics. Elton John even sat at the piano for a period during the group’s early years, a testament to the ties they forged in the wider rock scene. The band dissolved around the turn of the century, leaving behind a chapter of energetic experimentation. (NME)
From the remnants of The Howling Wolves emerged Gentle Giant, a pioneering prog rock outfit that sought to push the boundaries of mainstream music. The band captured attention with a distinctive blend of intricate arrangements and bold experimentation, aiming to expand the horizons of contemporary popular sound even at the risk of alienating some listeners. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1970, inaugurating a prolific run that would span more than a decade and yield ten additional albums. (NME)
After Gentle Giant disbanded in 1980, Ray Shulman continued to shape music behind the scenes as a producer. His later collaborations included work with The Sugarcubes, The Sundays, The Trash Can Sinatras, and The Defects, among others. In every project, his knack for uncovering fresh textures and guiding artists through creative turns remained evident, helping to define a recognizably bold sound for each collaboration. (NME)