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Gryphon

Gryphon was a unique and progressive English band known for their distinctive blend of medieval and Renaissance music with rock influences. Formed in 1971 by Richard Harvey (woodwinds, keyboards) and Brian Gulland (bassoon, krumhorn) after meeting at the Royal College of Music in London, Gryphon distinguished itself early on for its unusual instrumentation and historical sound palette.

On their self-titled debut album, "Gryphon" (1973), the band showcased their ability to merge ancient melodies with contemporary arrangements, capturing the attention of the progressive rock community. Their second album, "Midnight Mushrumps" (1974), included the title track which was initially composed as part of a stage play. This was succeeded by the ambitious "Red Queen to Gryphon Three" (1974), a concept album consisting of four instrumental suites inspired by chess and widely considered a highwater mark in progressive folk circles. "Raindance" (1975) saw the band expanding their sound further, incorporating more varied elements and exploring a broader musical landscape. Gryphon’s innovative approach to blending the old with the new garnered them a cult following and solidified their position as pioneers in the progressive rock genre, bridging the gap between the ancient world and the modern era of music. Despite their initial disbandment in the late '70s, their music continued to resonate with fans, leading to re-formations and tours, and maintaining their legacy as a unique and imaginative force in the progressive music scene.

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