This documentary begins with Melvyn Bragg providing a very brief synopsis of Gabriel's time in Genesis and his early solo hits, before concentrating in detail on the recording sessions of his fourth solo album. We get an insight into Gabriel's attention to detail, experimentation and perfectionism, as well as contributions from his collaborators David Lord, Jerry Marrotta, Tony Levin, David Rhodes, John Ellis and Larry Fast.
This show is very factual and, by concentrating in so much depth on the recording sessions of one album, is unlikely to convert many new fans but remains a rare and interesting look at the young Gabriel and his musical ideas. He talks about how he likes to use new technology and his growing interest in world music, both of which are consistent hallmarks of his solo career. Sadly, this is the only time The South Bank Show has profiled this most innovative and diverse of songwriters. Gabriel would continue to expand his horizons in subsequent years to even greater commercial and critical success, with albums such as So and Us, moving into film soundtracks with Birdy, The Last Temptation of Christ and Rabbit-Proof Fence, a growing dedication to humanitarian causes and a pioneering role in the further popularisation of both world music and digital distribution. Surely it's time for another, more comprehensive South Bank Show on the man's career?
This show is very factual and, by concentrating in so much depth on the recording sessions of one album, is unlikely to convert many new fans but remains a rare and interesting look at the young Gabriel and his musical ideas. He talks about how he likes to use new technology and his growing interest in world music, both of which are consistent hallmarks of his solo career. Sadly, this is the only time The South Bank Show has profiled this most innovative and diverse of songwriters. Gabriel would continue to expand his horizons in subsequent years to even greater commercial and critical success, with albums such as So and Us, moving into film soundtracks with Birdy, The Last Temptation of Christ and Rabbit-Proof Fence, a growing dedication to humanitarian causes and a pioneering role in the further popularisation of both world music and digital distribution. Surely it's time for another, more comprehensive South Bank Show on the man's career?
