Alan Gowen

The Profile

Alan Gowen was an English keyboardist and composer central to the Canterbury scene. Founder of Gilgamesh, he also worked with National Health and Soft Heap/Soft Head, and recorded with Hugh Hopper. He died on May 17, 1981.

Founder of Gilgamesh; member of National Health and Soft Heap/Soft Head; collaborated with Hugh Hopper on Two Rainbows Daily; recorded Before a Word Is Said with Phil Miller, Richard Sinclair, and Trevor Tomkins shortly before his death from leukemia on May 17, 1981; National Health later paid tribute with D.S. Al Coda.

A warmly reverent review celebrates Alan Gowen’s final studio statement, Before a Word Is Said, recorded with Phil Miller, Richard Sinclair, and Trevor Tomkins. It recalls his work with Gilgamesh, National Health, and Soft Heap/Head, and his collaboration with Hugh Hopper on Two Rainbows Daily. The piece underscores the album’s balance, flow, and compositional grace. It closes by noting Gowen’s death on May 17, 1981, and the National Health tribute D.S. Al Coda.