GIANT

GIANT
The Monument of Melodic Rock Built by the Masters of Nashville and Its Complete Picture

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

In the late 1980s, the American music scene was in a period of transformation, where commercial hard rock, so-called "arena rock" and "hair metal," reached its peak and simultaneously began to saturate. In this era, "craftsmen" active at the forefront of the studio session scenes in Nashville and Los Angeles gathered to form GIANT, a band armed with extremely high level of musical technique and sophisticated songwriting capability.

1.2. The Music Industry of the Late 1980s and the Definition of a "Supergroup"

To understand GIANT, it is essential to comprehend the context that they were not "star candidates chosen through auditions" but rather an "assembly of professionals who had already established legendary status within the industry (a supergroup)." As represented by TOTO and Journey, the trend of studio musicians forming bands to pursue their own artistry had existed since the 1970s, but GIANT is positioned as the "second generation" or the "ultimate evolution" of this movement. GIANT's sound was a rare coexistence of perfectly calculated production and the passion of improvisational performance.

2. Pre-Formation History: The Rulers of Session Work

2.1. Dann Huff: From Nashville Prodigy to World-Class Top Guitarist

The career of Dann Huff, the founder of the band and the core of its sound, had already reached a pinnacle before the formation of GIANT. Born to the prominent Christian music arranger Ronn Huff and raised with an elite musical education, he, along with his younger brother David Huff, began his career as a founding member of White Heart, a band that led the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene in the early 1980s. During his tenure from 1982 to 1984, he established a unique guitar style that fused the dynamism of rock with the accessibility of pop.

After leaving White Heart, Dann Huff expanded his activities as a session musician in both Los Angeles and Nashville. The projects he participated in during the mid-1980s are too numerous to mention, but his contributions to the following global hit songs are particularly noteworthy:

• Kenny Loggins: In soundtrack hits such as "Footloose" and "Danger Zone," his rhythm guitar and lead play determined the driving force of the songs.
• Michael Jackson: His session participation in the albums "Bad" and "Man in the Mirror" proved that he was top-notch even in the realms of R&B and pop.
• Whitesnake: In the 1987 mega-hit album "Whitesnake," re-recording the guitar parts for the single version (radio mix) of "Here I Go Again" was a shocking fact for rock fans at the time.
• Madonna: Participated in albums such as "Like a Virgin."

Through these activities, Dann Huff established an unshakeable position as a "first-call" guitarist, alongside Steve Lukather and Michael Landau, for his ability to "instantly understand the sound a song requires and embody it with perfect tone."

2.2. The Joining of the Rhythm Section and the Keyboard Wizard

The formation of GIANT originated from Dann Huff's desire for a "band" to express his own artistic vision. As a reliable rhythm section, he recruited his real brother David Huff on drums, and Mike Brignardello, a session colleague from Nashville whose sense of groove was highly regarded, on bass.

The crucial role of adding sophisticated AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) colors to the band's sound was filled by keyboardist Alan Pasqua. He had earned fame not only in the rock field but also in the jazz-fusion world through his work with The New Tony Williams Lifetime and Santana, and his harmonic sensibility and synthesizer work elevated GIANT into an entity that stood apart from mere hard rock bands.

3. Phase 1: The Golden Era (1987-1992)

3.1. Debut Album "Last of the Runaways" (1989)

Formed in 1987, the band signed with A&M Records and released their debut album "Last of the Runaways" in 1989. British rock veteran Terry Thomas was appointed as producer. His involvement successfully added a British dampness and deep acoustic processing to the dry, punchy American sound.

Commercial Success and Acclaim
The lead single from the album, "I'm a Believer," reached No. 13 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and No. 56 on the Hot 100, instantly boosting the band's recognition. However, what made the name of GIANT eternal was the massive hit of the subsequent power ballad, "I'll See You in My Dreams." This track entered the Top 20 on the US Hot 100 (peaking at No. 20) and reached No. 7 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

Hitmaker Mark Spiro was involved in composing this song, and the contrast between Dann Huff's soulful vocals and the passionate, technical guitar solo developed in the latter half is still highly praised today as one of the ultimate forms of 1980s power ballads.

3.2. Reception in the Japanese Market and Activities During the "Last of the Runaways" Era

In Japan, GIANT was featured prominently in specialized magazines (such as "BURRN!") from the beginning of their debut, instantly capturing a fanatical fan base. In particular, the "crystal clean" and "thick distortion" sounds generated by the James Tyler guitars used by Dann Huff and his intricately constructed rack effect systems became the object of admiration for amateur Japanese guitarists at the time.

The band embarked on a large-scale tour to promote and support the album. While the setlist at the time might have included cover songs reflecting the members' roots (which also suggested interactions during tours with contemporary bands like Extreme), GIANT's live performances were highly acclaimed for having "reproducibility and power that surpassed the studio recordings."

3.3. Second Album "Time to Burn" (1992) and the Headwinds of Grunge

Following the success of their debut work, the band moved their label to Epic Records and released their second album, "Time to Burn," in 1992.

This work was an ambitious release that steered heavily away from the glamorous AOR route of the first album toward a more earthy, bluesy, and hard rock sound. Especially in the opening track "Thunder and Lightning" and the title track "Time to Burn," Dann Huff's guitar playing became even more aggressive, and the band's ensemble grew tighter. The single release "Chained" charted at No. 16 on the Mainstream Rock chart, gaining radio airplay despite being an extended track exceeding seven minutes.

The release timing of 1992 was unfortunate for GIANT. The grunge/alternative rock movement, represented by Nirvana and Pearl Jam emerging from Seattle, began to sweep the world, and "technically sophisticated, industrial, and gorgeous rock" like GIANT's was being labeled as "outdated." Despite its high musical quality, sales fell below the previous work, and the band suspended its activities after this album.

Alan Pasqua chose to return to the jazz field, and Dann Huff went back to studio work. Thus, the curtain fell on the history of the first phase of GIANT.

4. Phase 2: The Hiatus & Transitional Phase

4.1. The Birth and Success of Producer Dann Huff

After the band's hiatus, Dann Huff's operational base completely shifted to Nashville. In addition to his activities as a guitarist, his talent as a producer blossomed. From the late 1990s through the 2000s, he reigned as a top genre-transcending producer, working with Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and even handling metal heavyweight Megadeth's "Cryptic Writings" and "Risk." This busy schedule would become the biggest factor preventing him from returning as a full-time member when GIANT later reunited.

4.2. The Release of the Album "III" (2001)

In 2001, about ten years after suspending activities, the third album "III" was released due to strong urging from Frontiers Records, an emerging Italian label advocating the revival of melodic rock.

Rather than a formal reunion, this album was a studio-project-like work, consisting of unreleased demos and newly written songs preserved by Dann Huff and David Huff, completed alongside Mike Brignardello. Although Alan Pasqua did not participate, Dann Huff himself handled lead vocals and guitars on all tracks, which was enthusiastically welcomed by fans who had been longing for his voice and guitar tone. Tracks like "Combustion" and "You Will Be Mine" fused the modern acoustic processing developed in country music production with vintage hard rock sensibility, demonstrating that the band was still alive and well. However, no full-scale activities such as touring took place.

5. Phase 3: Resurrection & Evolution (2009-2024)

5.1. "Promise Land" (2010): The Joining of Terry Brock

In 2009, Frontiers Records announced the full-scale revival of GIANT. However, because Dann Huff's schedule was filled with producing work, a return to the band was impossible. Therefore, David Huff and Mike Brignardello decided to keep the band alive by welcoming new members.

• Lead Vocals: Terry Brock
  A talented vocalist with achievements in Strangeways and Seventh Key. His husky and emotional vocal quality was deemed the optimal choice to succeed Dann Huff.
• Guitars: John Roth
  A guitarist known for his work with Winger and Starship.

The fourth album "Promise Land," released in 2010, was made under an "officially authorized" structure; although Dann Huff was not credited as a member, he cooperated fully in songwriting and provided guitar solos on two tracks (including "Believer (Redux)"). The album featured high-quality melodic rock numbers such as "Promise Land" and "Our Love," brilliantly resurrecting the band's brand.

5.2. "Shifting Time" (2022): The Appearance of Kent Hilli

Twelve years after the previous work, the fifth album "Shifting Time" was released in 2022. With this work, the band acquired a new "voice."

• Lead Vocals: Kent Hilli
  The frontman of the Swedish melodic rock band Perfect Plan. Possessing a powerful and soulful singing ability reminiscent of Jimi Jamison (Survivor) and Lou Gramm (Foreigner), he is regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the modern AOR scene.

The album included "Never Die Young," featuring Dann Huff as a guest guitarist, achieving a collaboration between old and new members. The music video for this song and the production of the entire album were handled by David Huff and Frontiers Records' house producer Alessandro Del Vecchio, resulting in a sound that combines modern sound pressure with 1980s nostalgia.

6. Phase 4: The Latest Work "Stand and Deliver" and the Future (Current Era 2025-)

6.1. The Joining of New Guitarist Jimmy Westerlund

In 2025, the band announced the release of their sixth studio album, "Stand and Deliver" (scheduled for May 16, 2025). Starting with this work, Jimmy Westerlund, the guitarist and producer of the Finnish band One Desire, joined the band, replacing long-time guitarist John Roth.

Jimmy Westerlund is highly acclaimed not only for his playing but also for his skill as a mixing engineer, playing a central role in the sound-making of this album. With his joining, the guitar sound evolved into something sharper, combining Nordic metal-like transparency with American hard rock tenacity.

6.2. Detailed Analysis of the Album "Stand and Deliver"

The biggest feature of this work is the inclusion of numerous unreleased tracks that Dann Huff had accumulated in the past, as well as co-written songs with his late close friends.

• "Time To Call It Love": Co-written by Dann Huff and the late Mark Spiro, who co-wrote the masterpieces of the first album.
• "Holdin' On For Dear Life": Co-written by Dann Huff and the late Van Stephenson (BlackHawk), who co-written many tracks on the second album.
• "Paradise Found": Also co-written with Van Stephenson.

The inclusion of these tracks proves that the band is not merely surviving in name only, but is legitimately inheriting its musical roots and soul, making it the ultimate gift for long-time fans. The album's closer, "Pleasure Dome," is an epic exceeding six minutes, featuring a grand arrangement reminiscent of a futuristic sci-fi movie soundtrack.

7. Detailed Member Profiles (Biography of Members)

7.1. Current Members (Current Members 2025)

Kent Hilli

• Role: Lead Vocals (2021-Present)
• Origin: Sweden
• Related Bands: Perfect Plan
• Characteristics: Possesses a unique background as a former professional soccer player. His voice is praised as "the ideal form of AOR," featuring a wide vocal range and emotionally rich expressiveness. By joining GIANT, he achieved international recognition.

Jimmy Westerlund

• Role: Guitars, Backing Vocals (2024-Present)
• Origin: Finland
• Related Bands: One Desire, Sturm und Drang (Production)
• Characteristics: Excels not only in technical playing but also in arranging from a producer's perspective, overseeing the entire track.

Mike Brignardello

• Role: Bass, Backing Vocals (1987-1992, 2000-2002, 2009-Present)
• Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
• Characteristics: An original member who has never left the band since its formation. Having participated in thousands of recordings as a session bassist, his solid and melodic basslines form the foundation of GIANT's sound.

David Huff

• Role: Drums, Backing Vocals (1987-1992, 2000-2002, 2009-Present)
• Origin: USA
• Related Bands: White Heart
• Characteristics: Real brother of Dann Huff and the leader-like figure of the band. Not only as a drummer but also as an engineer/producer, he showcases his skills and oversees GIANT's recent album production.

7.2. Past Major Members (Past Members)

Dann Huff

• Role: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards (1987-1992, 2000-2002) / Guest & Songwriter (2010-Present)
• Importance: The founder of the band and the architect of its sound. Even after his retirement (as a band member), he continues to be involved as a spiritual pillar.

Alan Pasqua

• Role: Keyboards, Backing Vocals (1987-1992)
• Characteristics: Possesses a background as a jazz pianist and elevated the role of keyboards in a rock band from "backing" to an "entity on equal terms with lead instruments."

John Roth

• Role: Guitars, Backing Vocals (2009-2024)
• Characteristics: Supported the band for many years under the heavy pressure of being Dann Huff's successor.

Terry Brock

• Role: Lead Vocals (2009-2021)
• Characteristics: Has achievements in serving as a backing vocalist for many renowned bands, and his ability to construct chorus work was fully demonstrated in "Promise Land."

8. Discography

Below are the detailed data of the major studio albums released by GIANT.

8.1. Studio Albums

Track	Song Title (English)	Songwriters	Time	Remarks
1	I'm a Believer	D. Huff, D. Huff, A. Pasqua, M. Spiro, P. Naish	5:45	Mainstream Rock #13. A fast-paced opening track.
2	Innocent Days	D. Huff, M. Spiro	5:15	Mainstream Rock #11. Characterized by a refreshing chorus.
3	I Can't Get Close Enough	D. Huff, M. Spiro	6:06
4	I'll See You in My Dreams	A. Pasqua, M. Spiro	4:46	US Hot 100 #20. The band's biggest hit song.
5	No Way Out	D. Huff, T. Thomas, A. Pasqua, D. Huff	4:04
6	Shake Me Up	D. Huff, A. Pasqua, M. Brignardello, T. Thomas	4:16
7	It Takes Two	A. Pasqua, M. Spiro	4:59
8	Stranger to Me	D. Huff, M. Brignardello, T. Thomas	5:56
9	Hold Back the Night	D. Huff, M. Spiro, A. Pasqua	4:11
10	Love Welcome Home	D. Huff, M. Spiro, P. Naish	4:51	A ballad with a gospel-like development.
11	The Big Pitch	D. Huff, T. Thomas, A. Pasqua	5:07

Track	Song Title (English)	Songwriters	Time	Remarks
1	Thunder and Lightning	D. Huff, V. Stephenson	4:23	A hard number bursting with aggressive guitar riffs.
2	Chained	A. Pasqua, D. Huff, M. Brignardello	7:19	Mainstream Rock #16. A heavy, mid-tempo epic track.
3	Lay It on the Line	D. Huff, M. Brignardello	5:21
4	Stay	A. Pasqua, D. Huff, V. Stephenson	4:46	A melancholy power ballad. Released as a single.
5	Lost in Paradise	A. Pasqua, V. Stephenson	5:30
6	Smoulder	D. Huff	0:29	Instrumental.
7	Time to Burn	A. Pasqua, D. Huff, M. Brignardello	4:49	The title track packed with high-level techniques.
8	I'll Be There (When It's Over)	D. Huff, T. Thomas, J. Vallance	4:28	Featuring Jim Vallance, co-writer for Bryan Adams. Included as a CD bonus track, etc.
9	Save Me Tonight	A. Pasqua, D. Huff, M. Brignardello, T. Cerney	6:00
10	Without You	D. Huff, J. Vallance, M. Brignardello	4:25
11	Now Until Forever	D. Huff, R.W. Johnson	5:44

Track	Song Title (English)	Remarks
1	Combustion	A driving rock track featuring vocals by Dann Huff.
2	You Will Be Mine
3	Over You
4	Don't Leave Me In Love	Co-written with Mark Spiro.
5	Love Can't Help You Now
6	The Sky Is The Limit
7	It's Not The End Of The World
8	Oh Yeah
9	Can't Let Go
10	Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)	A cover of the song known for being a hit by Robert Palmer, etc.

Track	Song Title (English)	Remarks
1	Believer (Redux)	A remake of a song from the 1st album.
2	Promise Land
3	Never Surrender
4	Our Love	Acoustic version additionally included on the Japanese edition.
5	Prisoner Of Love
6	Two Worlds Collide
7	Plenty Of Love
8	Through My Eyes
9	I'll Wait For You
10	Dying To See You
11	Double Trouble
12	Complicated Man
13	Save Me	Bonus track. Featuring a solo by Dann Huff.

Track	Song Title (English)	Remarks
1	Shifting Time
2	Let Our Love Win
3	Never Die Young	Feat. Dann Huff (Guitar Solo)
4	Don't Say a Word
5	My Breath Away
6	Highway Of Love
7	It's Not Over
8	The Price Of Love
9	Standing Tall
10	Anna Lee
11	Don’t Wanna Lose You
12	I Walk Alone
13	Anna Lee (Acoustic Version)	Japanese edition bonus track

Track	Song Title (English)	Songwriters / Details
1	It's Not Right	A powerful rock track positioned like a leading single.
2	A Night To Remember
3	Hold The Night
4	I Will Believe
5	Beggars Can't Be Choosers
6	It Ain't Over Till It's Over
7	Stand And Deliver	The title track.
8	Time To Call It Love	Co-written by Dann Huff & Mark Spiro.
9	Holdin' On For Dear Life	Co-written by Dann Huff & Van Stephenson.
10	Paradise Found	Co-written by Dann Huff & Van Stephenson.
11	Pleasure Dome	An extended 6:23 track with progressive development.
12	Paradise Found (Acoustic Version)	Japanese edition bonus track

9. GIANT's Legacy and Present Status (Legacy & Conclusion)

The history of GIANT is a mirror reflecting a turbulent era when the American music industry shifted from the "zenith of analog recording" to the "age of digital and grunge." GIANT was the last guardian to sublimate the supreme musical techniques cultivated in 1980s Nashville and Los Angeles into the format of commercial rock.

While their contribution as the cradle that produced the peerless guitarist and producer Dann Huff is immeasurable, more than that, the two albums left behind by GIANT, "Last of the Runaways" and "Time to Burn," continue to be referenced by musicians worldwide today as textbooks of melodic rock. And in 2025, through the obsession of the original rhythm section David Huff and Mike Brignardello, combined with the rare singer Kent Hilli and the new talent Jimmy Westerlund, GIANT continues to "Stand and Deliver" as an ongoing rock band.