Gryphon’s Origins: Blending Early Music, Folk, and Rock
The birth of Gryphon in the early months of 1972 marked the convergence of various musical influences and personalities. It all began when Richard Harvey and Graeme Taylor crossed paths at Tiffin Boys’ School in Kingston, England, in 1965. Their connection was rooted in a shared admiration for early European music. While Harvey’s musical inclinations leaned towards the classical tunes of Ottorino Respighi, Taylor found himself drawn to the worlds of pop, blues, and rock. They found inspiration in the fusion of genres by artists like John Renbourn, Shirley and Dolly Collins, and David Munrow’s Early Music Consort of London.
Harvey, who pursued further musical education at the Royal College of Music, eventually crossed paths with Brian Gulland, a former Canterbury Cathedral chorister with roots in the National Youth Orchestra scene. Gulland, having been inspired by the likes of The Doors and The Incredible String Band, yearned to venture beyond the classical music sphere. Encouraged by Harvey, he delved into the realms of medieval and Renaissance music, leading them to collaborate within the confines of the early music group Musica Reservata.
Building on their shared interests, Harvey and Gulland established The Spelthorne Ensemble in 1971. Their performances of historical pieces in London eateries set the stage for musical expansion. The group saw a pivotal moment in 1972 when Taylor entered the scene following the departure of their guitarist. His presence ushered in a shift towards a more eclectic sound. The game-changer came with the inclusion of drummer and vocalist Dave Oberlé, known for his rock background, completing the quartet. Naming themselves Gryphon, the band melded progressive rock elements with early music influences to create a distinct musical landscape.
The group’s journey into the recording realm took off in June 1973 with the release of their self-titled debut album by Transatlantic. Recorded in engineer Adam Skeaping’s attic, the album showcased a range of instruments rarely heard in rock at the time, such as electric guitars, keyboards, bassoons, and crumhorns.
The band quickly garnered attention within the UK’s club circuit, seamlessly transitioning between folk and rock venues. Their performances extended to iconic locations like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral during Shakespeare celebrations. National exposure followed suit, with Gryphon featured across all BBC Radio stations within a five-day span. This wave of recognition led to a European tour and a feature in the documentary film, Glastonbury Fayre, solidifying Gryphon’s presence in the musical landscape.
In the years that followed, Gryphon continued to evolve their sound, exploring new musical territories and embracing personnel changes. With albums like Midnight Mushrumps, Red Queen To Gryphon Three, Raindance, and Treason under their belt, Gryphon left an indelible mark on the progressive folk and rock scenes.
Despite a brief disbandment in 1977 due to shifting musical trends and individual pursuits, Gryphon resurfaced decades later with a renewed vigor. The band’s legacy lives on through their reinvigorated performances and recent studio albums like ReInvention and Get Out Of My Father’s Car!
Gryphon’s musical journey exemplifies the enduring spirit of exploration and innovation in the realm of progressive folk and rock music. Their intricate blend of diverse influences continues to captivate audiences, solidifying their place as trailblazers in the world of music.