Abel Ganz

Abel Ganz

Abel Ganz are a progressive rock group from Glasgow, Scotland. They are active from 1980 to the present and are associated with progressive rock, neo-progressive rock, art rock, celtic rock, folk rock and mainstream rock.

History

The group reforms in 2002 after a long hiatus to play a benefit show for the Classic Rock Society in Rotherham, UK. That performance leads to plans for new recordings. In 2008 the band releases Shooting Albatross, an album that marks a new direction for the group.

After that release, founding members Hugh Carter and Hew Montgomery leave the band, with Stevie Donnelly, Mick Macfarlane, Denis Smith, Davie Mitchell and Jack Webb continuing as the core line-up. With this stable formation, the group develops a more pastoral and varied sound.

Later work and style

Following performances at the Baltic Prog Festival in Lithuania and the Electric Garden Festival in the UK, the band begins work on a self-titled release, Abel Ganz. The record draws on the creative input of the full line-up and uses brass, pedal steel, flutes and whistles alongside traditional themes, Americana, rock and jazz-influenced elements. This move takes the group further from its neo-prog and symphonic roots while remaining within progressive music.

Reputation

The group receives strong reviews for the self-titled album from writers around the world, including coverage on Dutch Progressive Rock Page and Lady Obscure. It is also invited to perform at the ROSfest festival in the USA in 2015.

Members

Named members include Alan Reed, Denis Smith, Davie Mitchell, Stephen Donnelly, Mick Macfarlane, Jack Webb, Alan Hearton, David King, Hugh Carter and Hew Montgomery.