Gryphon
RYPHON evolved 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 from an early age had been fascinated by medieval and pre-classical music - and played renaissance recorders and crumhorns, whilst Brian (strong on bassoon) had a passion for everything from contemporary folk to the music of Yes. This diversity of taste and influences, encouraged them to form a group with Graeme Taylor, a guitarist friend of Richard's -who had predominantly folk and jazz-tinged tastes.
For a short while, they co-existed as a trio - playing in simulated medieval eating houses! - until Gryphon's basis was (for then) completed, by the arrival of former rock-band drummer, David Oberle. From that point (in 1972) on, the group really took shape. Drawing initially on a mucleus of renaissance pieces and re-arranged folk tunes - they easily developed their own distinctive style. Richard played recorders, crumhorns and harmonium -Brian, bass crumhorn and bassoon, Graeme, acoustic guitar and David a peculiar percussion set By the beginning of 1973, they had recorded their first album for Transatlantic - 'Gryphon' (TRA 262) - and with that record's release the action began. The blend of medieval, folk and rock influences was unusual to most ears -and the media had a field day (not to say year!) They were praised in every national and music paper, performed the unique feat of appearing on BBC Radio's 1,2,3 and 4 - all in one week! - and appeared on several major TV shows. All this serves to highlight how universally acceptable Gryphon's music was -since it succeeded in uniting the approval of folk, rock, pop, m-o-r, and classical fans. They performed at folk clubs, rock concerts, in prisons, schools and festivals. In July they gave a 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. These were an outstanding success and directly led to Gryphon (now dubbed by Melody Maker 'The 13th century Slade'!) being personally commissioned by Peter Hall (Director of the National Theatre) to write and pre-record all the music for his new production of 'The Tempest' (which opened in March). The group completed a tour of England in autumn 1973 and then seilled down to write this music and their new album. By recording time in January-they had decided to add a bass guitarist - Philip Nestor, to the group to provide a more solid anchor. The music that emerged in January is now beginning to realise the enormous potential of the individual members eclecticism. Unlike some so-called eclectic music, where the trace elements still appear in their separate form, Gryphon's fusion (like the mythical creature they are named after) has become a real hybrid. The medieval and folk influences are still there, but now, there are equal proportions of rock and classical music all forging something decidedly 'Gryphon'. Their 'Tempest' music ('stately and discreetly turned on' -The Times) (!) inspired the 19 minute title track of their new album 'Midnight Mushrumps' (TRA 282), and this music is indicative of Gryphon's future. Richard is now surrounded by a bank of keyboards, whilst still utilising recorders and crumhorns, and David has expanded his mini-kit to encompass a battery of orchestral percussion including drums and tympani. With Brian on bassoon, crumhorn and recorders, Graeme on a variety of guitars and Philip on bass guitar, all making some truly original music - Gryphon are now on their way to achieving the success they so rightly deserve. M. LEWIS M. Lewis |
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