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User:Bananastander/sandbox

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Abel Ganz
OriginGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Genres
Years active1980–present
LabelsAbel Records
Members
  • Stuart 'Mick' Macfarlane
  • Alan Hearton
  • Dawid Zielinski
  • Stevie Donnelly
  • Denis Smith
Past members
  • Hugh Carter
  • Hew Montgomery
  • Davie Mitchell
  • David King
  • Jack Webb
  • Stephen Lightbody
  • Allan Reed
  • Malkie McNiven
  • Ken Weir
  • Gordon Mackie
Websiteabelganz.com

Abel Ganz is a Scottish progressive rock band from Glasgow. Abel Ganz's music is characterized by intricate arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies, and a strong emphasis on melody. The band's musical style includes elements of progressive rock, Celtic and folk music and contemporary rock, resulting in a unique and innovative sound. With a career spanning decades they continue to be active in the music scene and have a dedicated fan base around the world.

History edit

Abel Ganz[1][2] was formed in Glasgow in 1980. The band's original lineup consisted of Alan Reed (vocals), Malkie McNiven (guitar), Hew Montgomery (keyboards), Hugh carter (bass), and Ken Weir (drums). Alan Reed departed to join Scottish Progressive band Pallas and the band has undergone various lineup changes, with none of the original members being present in the current version of Abel Ganz.

Abel Ganz began playing gigs in and around Glasgow, gaining a reputation for their dynamic live shows and unique sound, which blended elements of progressive rock, folk, and classical music.

In 1984, the band released their debut album, Gratuitous Flash,[3] which received positive reviews and helped establish Abel Ganz as one of Scotland's most promising up-and-coming bands. The album featured intricate arrangements, virtuosic musicianship, and thoughtful lyrics, and showcased the band's diverse musical influences.

Over the years, Abel Ganz continued to refine their sound, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums, including The Dangers of Strangers. (1988)[4] After a long hiatus the band released Shooting Albatross (2008), the album marked a departure from their earlier Neoprog roots with acoustic, folk and Celtic music coming to the fore. The release of the self titled Abel Ganz (2014),[5][6] saw Stuart 'Mick' Macfarlane assume the role of lead vocalist. With notable contributions from Jerry Donahue and Runrig's Malcolm Jones, the album is an eclectic mix of styles and sounds. Abel Ganz released The Life Of The Honeybee And Other Moments Of Clarity in 2020, a concept album exploring our relationship with memory and loss. Produced by Denis Smith, mixed by Simon Vinestock and mastered by Jacob Holm Lupo "The Life Of The Honeybee And Other Moments Of Clarity" has been the band's most successful release to date both commercially and artistically.[7]

Discography edit

  • Gratuitous Flash (1984)
  • Gullibles Travels (1985)[8]
  • The Dangers of Strangers (1988)
  • The Deafening Silence (1994)
  • Shooting Albatross (Abel Records, 2008)[9][10]
  • Abel Ganz (Abel Records, 2014)[11]
  • The Life Of The Honeybee & Other Moments Of Clarity/ (Abel Records, 2020)[12][13][14]

References edit

  1. ^ "Artist Search for "abel ganz"". AllMusic. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  2. ^ "ABEL GANZ". Progarchives.com. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  3. ^ Hutchins, Martin (2017-08-15). "Review – Abel Ganz – Gratuitous Flash (2016 Remaster) by Progradar". Progradar. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  4. ^ Michalski, Piotr. "ABEL GANZ – The Dangers of Strangers -20th Anniversary Edition (review) – Rock Area" (in Polish). Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  5. ^ Hutchinson, Martin (2020-01-08). "Archive Review – Abel Ganz – Abel Ganz from 2014". Progradar. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  6. ^ "BBC Radio Scotland - Music Through Midnight, 30/08/2014". BBC. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  7. ^ Hutchinson, Martin (2020-06-20). "Review – Abel Ganz – The Life of the Honey Bee and Other Moments of Clarity". Progradar. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  8. ^ Sfetcu, Nicolae (2014-05-07). The Music Sound. Nicolae Sfetcu.
  9. ^ Michalski, Piotr. "ABEL GANZ – Shooting Albatros (review) – Rock Area" (in Polish). Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  10. ^ Michalski, Piotr. "2008.06.30 – ABEL GANZ – Denis Smith, Hew Montgomery, Hugh Carter (interview) – Rock Area" (in Polish). Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  11. ^ "Abel Ganz - Abel Ganz BACKGROUND MAGAZINE Review". www.backgroundmagazine.nl. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  12. ^ Trimming, Leo (2020-07-06). "Abel Ganz – The Life of the Honey Bee and Other Moments of Clarity". T P A. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  13. ^ "Abel Ganz - The Life of the Honey Bee & Other Moments of Clarity". FabricationsHQ - Putting the Words to the Music. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
  14. ^ "Abel Ganz: The Life Of The Honey Bee And Other Moments Of Clarity (Review/Kritik) - Album-Rezension (Progressive Rock mit Konzept)". www.musikreviews.de. Retrieved 2023-03-15.

Category:Scottish progressive rock groups Category:Musical groups from Glasgow Category:Musical groups established in 1980 Category:1980 establishments in Scotland

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