Gryphon

Gryphon are a progressive rock group from London, active from 1973 to 1977. They are associated with classic rock, folk rock, medieval, medieval rock, progressive and progressive folk, and are known as a 1970s UK progressive rock band with an unusually distinctive sound and use of instrumentation.

Formation and early sound

The group begins as an all-acoustic project led by multi-instrumentalist Richard Harvey and Brian Gulland, who both study at the Royal Academy of Music. Their early music combines traditional English folk with medieval and Renaissance influences, and on initial recordings it often sounds closer to rural English folk or Renaissance chansons than to rock.

After their debut album, the band expands to include electric guitars and keyboards alongside wind instruments such as bassoons and crumhorns, which are uncommon in rock music. This broader instrumentation remains part of their identity before their later recordings become more conventional.

Key recordings and recognition

Gryphon’s second album, Midnight Mushrumps, and the all-instrumental Red Queen to Gryphon Three are generally regarded by listeners and critics as their strongest releases. The title track of Midnight Mushrumps grows out of music the band writes for a stage production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the National Theatre in 1974, directed by Sir Peter Hall and first staged at the Old Vic in April that year.

The music for The Tempest also leads to a Sunday evening concert at the Old Vic in July 1974, the first rock concert held at Britain’s National Theatre. The performance, which includes “Midnight Mushrumps,” is widely seen as an important moment for progressive music.

Later period

Following Red Queen to Gryphon Three and a supporting tour with Yes, the group’s sound becomes less dependent on unusual instruments. Their final release during the original active period is Treason in 1977.

Members

The group includes Richard Harvey, Brian Gulland, Dave Oberlé, Graeme Taylor, Malcolm Bennett, Rory McFarlane, Andy Findon and Graham Preskett. Among the line-up details given, Harvey plays recorder, crumhorn, mandolin, keyboards and vocals; Gulland plays bassoon, crumhorn, recorder, keyboards and vocals; Oberlé plays drums, percussion and lead vocals; and Taylor plays guitars and vocals. Other listed contributors include Philip Nestor on bass guitar and vocals, Jonathan Davie on bass guitar, Bob Foster on guitar, and Malcolm Bennett on bass guitar and flute.