The principal elements, which have changed in emphasis as Gryphon have developed, are primarily pre-classical, English Impressionist and contemporary rock music.

          The group began its evolutionary process three years ago, when its co-founders, Richard Harvey and Brian Gulland, met while both studying at the Royal College of Music. Though they were on classical courses, both had strong musical interests in other spheres. Richard had been fascinated from an early age, by medieval and pre-classical music, and was playing renaissance recorders and krumhorns with the early music ensemble, Musica Reservata. Brian, who was a talented bassoonist, had a passion for everything from Church music to contemporary folk and progressive rock. This diversity of tastes and influences encouraged them to form a group with Graeme Taylor, a guitarist friend of Richard, who had predominantly folk and jazz-tinged tastes. For a short while they existed as a trio - playing in simulated medieval eating houses! - until Gryphon's line-up was, for then, completed by the arrival of former rock band drummer, David Oberle. This was early in 1972.

          From that point on, the group really took shape. Drawing initially on a nucleus of renaissance pieces and re-arranged folk tunes, they easily developed their own distinctive style. Richard played recorders, krumhorns and harmonium; Brian, bassoon and bass krumhorn; Graeme, acoustic guitar; and David, a small percussion kit. By the beginning of 1973 they had started recording their first album for Transatlantic: "Gryphon (TRA 262) - and, with that record's release, there was a great surge of interest in the group.

          They gave concerts to a complete cross-section of audiences - playing in folk clubs, rock concerts, formal recitals, Cathedrals (St. Paul's and Southwark), prisons, universities and schools. In July they gave a very successful series of concert/lectures at the Victoria and Albert Museum, for young people, at which they played, and then explained the making of their music. In August they appeared at the Edinburgh Festival. They were lauded in a wide variety of newspapers, they appeared on several major television shows, and performed the unique feat of appearing on BBC Radio's 1 - 4 (inclusive) all in one week!

          All this served to highlight how Gryphon's music was (without contrivance) universally acceptable. It stimulated the interest of folk, rock and classical buffs alike, and delighted all age groups.

          In September of last year, they were personally commissioned by Peter Hall (Director of the National Theatre) to write and pre-record the music for his new production of "The Tempest". They had previously provided the theme music for the film "Glastonbury Fayre", and individual members had contributed to the sound tracks of "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", "Mary Queen of Scots", "Pope Joan" and various television plays.

          After completing a tour of concerts in Ireland, Belgium, Holland and England in the autumn, they settled down to write "The Tempest" music, and music for their second album. By recording time in January, they had decided to add a bass guitarist, Philip Nestor, to provide a more solid anchor, and to give each musician wider scope.

          The music they composed for "The Tempest" inspired a separate work: the 19-minute fantasia "Midnight Mushrumps" which provides the title and one entire side of their new album. Gryphon feel that their music is constantly evolving, and this is reflected in their concert presentation. Richard is now surrounded by a bank of keyboards, whilst still utilising recorders and krumhorns; David has expanded his kit to incorporate a battery of orchestral percussion including tympani; Graeme now plays a range of electric and acoustic guitars; Brian concentrates on bassoon with occasional recorders and krumhorn; and Philip provides electric bass.

          Gryphon intend to keep evolving new sounds and ideas, and generally building bridges between musical styles. With their undoubted talents in composition and playing, and the energy they devote to pursuing their ideals, they are well on their way to achieving the success they so rightly deserve.