Recorders, krumhorns, bassoons, mandolins, oh my! Thanks to the BBC and Hux Records this collection of live recordings from British progressive rock stalwarts Gryphon has just hit the CD racks. Made up of three tracks recorded for Radio 1 in 1974, and five in 1975, this is a landmark release of vintage progressive rock from a band that had heavy leanings into folk, medieval, and Renaissance music.
With maybe the exception of Gentle Giant, very few bands utilized the wide assortment of instruments that Gryphon was famous for, especially in a rock contect. While some may find it strange to hear flutes, recorders, bassoons, and krumhorns mixed in with electric guitars and keyboards, this band really made it work. The lengthy "Midnight Mushrumps", the title track of the bands second album, is played here in all its glory, complete with haunting organ, monstrous melodic bass lines, and cheerful recorders. Guitarist Graeme Taylor effectively switches off throughout between acoustic and electric guitar, and mandolin, which adds a great balance of rock, folk, and Renaissance flavors. Richard Harvey, always the "complete" musician, helps out the cause with tons of symphonic keyboards, recorder, and krumhorn. Fans of the classic album Raindances will rejoice in the inclusion of live tracks from that album, such as "Le Cambrioleur Est Dans Le Mouchoir" and "Ein Klein Heldenleben."
This is a thoroughly enjoyable CD filled with instrumental brilliance that will have you tapping your toes. I'm sure these guys were as likeable a bunch of English blokes as their music portrayed. Considering their short career ended many years ago, it's a blast to see these rare recordings surfacing now, a reminder of the great music Gryphon created.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
