Gryphon - Gryphon (1973/2003 JP Mini LP Edition 24-Bit Remaster)
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Artist: Gryphon
Album: Gryphon
Released: 1973/2003
Arcangelo ( ARC-7029)
Genre: Prog-Folk/Medieval
AMG Review: The group's debut album. They were still a quartet at the time, without a full-time keyboard player. The material is essentially progressive folk-rock, elements of jazz and swing ("Over the Rainbow" even turns up interpolated in the arrangement of one number) juxtaposed with traditional folk songs ("The Unquiet Grave," ka "Dives and Lazarus"), works attributed to Henry VIII, and folk-style originals. Brian Gulland's and Richard Harvey's bassoon, krumhorn, and recorders are the dominant instruments. The instrumental tracks tend to overwhelm the tiny handful of vocal numbers, sung by Gulland, guitarist Graeme Taylor, and drummer David Oberle.
Gnosis Review: Gryphon was an English band which fused medieval folk music and progressive rock into a very interesting and unique sound. The main members included Richard Harvey on various keyboards and recorders, Graeme Taylor on guitar, Brian Gulland on bassoon and recorders, and David Oberle on percussion and vocals. The first album is primarily folk based; they were just getting started. A major leap in their sound was presented on Midnight Mushrumps, with the 18-minute title track infusing a much more progressive ethic into their sound. Around this time the band opened concerts for Yes and others, and this influence would work its way more into their music. Their magnum opus presented itself next with the album Red Queen to Gryphon Three. Based around the concept of a chess game, the four masterful compositions are engaging and spectacular. Raindance went back to a similar approach done with Midnight Mushrumps, where there are a series of shorter tunes capped by a side-long track. Their final album, Treason, saw Taylor leave and some new members enter the band. While the folk influence was still there, the tracks became more vocal-oriented and reminiscent of Yes. The ten- minute "Spring Song" is an excellent progressive rock epic, with the remainder of the album comprising shorter tunes. Start with Red Queen and work your way from there. Their music infuses progressive rock structures and various electric and acoustic instruments in a way I haven't heard from other bands. Most others that attempt this take a more straight-ahead folk approach, but Gryphon churned out some truly progressive music.
Progarchives Review 1: This magnificent album is VERY acoustic: the miscellaneous childish but complex MEDIEVAL and slightly Celtic textures of string and wind instruments really steal the show here! The music is VERY sophisticated and well synchronized, rather funny and very disciplined. The bassoon and krumhorns make perfect and solid patterns with the acoustic guitars and mandolin. The rare keyboards I have noticed are harpsichord and harmonium if I am correct. There are no bass, and the rare drums are rather replaced by primitive percussions and small bells. There are many not bad lead & backing vocals like Ian Anderson's ones on the "Rover" track: I think this music does not need such vocals, because they negatively contrast with the delicate and graceful textures. I'm completely transported by the fluid, addictive and catchy second part of the more serious "Unquiet Grave" track. There are NO ordinary tracks. The overall style is a bit like Gentle Giant's Talybont track, without the electric guitars. On the next albums, Gryphon add bass, excellent keyboards and more drums, and they are more progressive rock still with many medieval parts.
Progarchives Review 2: I really like this little album. Much better than the overrated 'Red Queen to Gryphon Three'. I guess that's because I like mediaeval instruments. This one is very ancient sounding - in a good authentic way - played with lots of unusual instruments including their famous 'Krumhorn'. I can't believe it only has 2.88 on the Prog Archive Richter Scale. What's the matter with everyone, eh?
It sounds unlike just about anyone I've heard before (and I sit here swamped by thousands of cd's). It's unusual, cheery, bright, VERY Mediaeval and also very English sounding (which I shouldn't like - being from Scotland!). 'Three Butchers' has some bawdy, funny lyrics sung by blokes who sound completely smashed trying to sound sober. There's also a few 'cover' versions of 14th Century tunes which are superb. Forget 'Rock' folks. This one's as far removed from that kind of music as you'll get. For something a bit different I'd certainly recommend this.
One of the few 5 Star awards I'll be awarding on this site. Brilliant!
1. Kemp's Jig (3:07)
2. Sir Gavin Grimbold (2:45)
3. Touch and Go (1:29)
4. Three Jolly Butchers (3:54)
5. Pastime with Good Company (1:31)
6. The Unquiet Grave (5:40)
7. Estampie (4:53)
8. Crossing the Stiles (2:22)
9. The Astrologer (3:12)
10. Tea Wrecks (1:06)
11. Juniper Suite (4:49)
12. The Devil and the Farmer's Wife (1:55)
Line-up / Musicians
- Brian Gulland / bassoon, crumhorns, recorders, keyboards, vocals
- Richard Harvey / recorders, crumhorns, vocals, keyboards, mandolin, guitar
- David Oberlé / drums, percussion, vocals
- Graeme Taylor / guitars, keyboards, recorder, vocals
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