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Rating: With this review, I'm talking to you about one of the most interesting bands in the English Progressive scene; Gryphon.
The peculiarity of this band is to blend Medieval Folk with its related instruments (Flute, Bassoon, Harpsichord...) with the music of our time (a case almost entirely similar by Gryphon is to pair typically acoustic instruments like the ones mentioned with purely electronic instruments like the electric bass, in my opinion a feat not for everyone!).
Gryphon was formed in 1971 by Richard Harvey (Flute and Keyboards) and Brian Gulland (Bassoon), students of the Royal College of Music in London. Their classical music training quickly expanded with other cultured genres of Ancient Music, and in this circumstance, the most attracted is Harvey, who, particularly taken by Medieval and Renaissance music, enriches his instrumental background with flutes and other wind instruments of that era, which he also played in a band called Musica Reservata. Gulland, on the other hand, is captivated by Sacred Music and the more modern Progressive Rock.
Soon Graeme Taylor, a guitarist passionate about Jazz, and Rock-loving percussionist David Oberlè joined the Gryphon project.
1973 is the year of the release of "Gryphon," the band's first work. The album contains 11 tracks all played with acoustic instruments from Medieval and Renaissance culture. Personally, I highlight the opening "Kemp's Jig," a Jig (as the title of the piece itself says) between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with Harvey's flute already in the spotlight; the immediate follow-up "Sir Gavin Grimbold" should not be underestimated either, which this time highlights the potential of the Bassoon played by Gulland. Other strong points of the album are: "Three Jolly Butchers" written by Taylor and "Pastime With Good Company," a rearrangement of a piece written by... believe it or not, Henry VIII of England!!! It is followed by the sweet and beautiful ballad "The Unquiet Grave," a traditional sung by Oberlè that hints, precisely from the singing, at a slight admiration for Ian Anderson. Finally, I point out what I believe is the gem of the entire album; "Juniper Suite" an instrumental that immerses us in the most total medieval atmosphere, with counterpoints of Bassoon, flourishes of Flute, and sprinkles of Classical Guitar; in my humble opinion, a masterpiece! Listen to believe!
Following the release of "Gryphon," the band grew in interest among the public and the press, playing in various types of society places: clubs, schools, prisons, culminating with performances at St. Paul's and Southwark Cathedrals and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A band that absolutely must be discovered, an album that deserves to be listened to.
4 stars!
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
09 The Astrologer (03:15)
It's of a bold astrologer in London town did dwell
At telling maidens fortunes there's none could him excell
There was a nice young serving girl a-living there close by
She went one day to the astrologer all for to have a try
"I hear that you tell fortunes sir would you tell me mine?" said she
"Of course my dear without a doubt if you'll come upstairs with me"
"To come upstairs with you kind sir I fear I am afraid"
She spoke it in such modesty as if she was a maid
"To come upstairs with me my dear you need not be afraid
Knowing it was but the other day you with your master laid"
Then she began to curse and swear she would her master bring
As witness for both him and her that it was no such thing
"My pretty maid don't swear and curse you'll make the deed the worse
For the crown piece that he gave to you you've got it in your purse"
"Oh indeed you can tell fortunes sir you've told me mine" said she
Then out she pulled the crown piece "good morning sir" said she
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