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Talking Elephant [Release date 06.09.24]
It’s some 50 years since Gryphon donned doublet and hose and became something of a media sensation with their blend of medieval folk rock. This is the band’s first ever live album although some of their BBC live sessions were released in 2002/3.
Original stalwarts Graeme Taylor, Brian Gulland and Dave Oberle keep the flag flying with a double-CD set recorded in December 2023.
It’s a satisfying trawl through their back catalogue and seamlessly tracing their progress from Henry VIII revivalists to things more prog. The story is brought up to date with pieces from their latest two albums. And thankfully they’ve picked out the best tunes such as ‘Normal Wisdom From The Swamp’ and ‘Forth Sahara” (from ‘Get Out Of My Father’s Car!’).
There’s always good humour in their endeavours and whilst ‘The Brief History Of A Bassoon’ and ‘Hospitality At A Price…(Dennis) Anyone For?’ may be happy diversions there’s also some erudite instrumentals such as ‘Dumbe Dum Chit’, ‘A Bit Of Music By Me’ and ‘Sailor V’.
The band’s first album is recalled on ‘The Astrologer’, ‘The Unquiet Grave’ and a rousing ‘Estampie’ whilst ‘Reduced Krum Dancing’ brings that story up to date. The crumhorn is an instrument which largely characterised the early music revival of the 1970s.
Fans might be disappointed that the subsequent 1970s albums are not referenced apart from the mash-up ‘The Red Queen Muddle’ but in truth ‘Midnight Mushrumps’ would have dominated the set list.
Graeme Taylor’s long piece – ‘Haddock’s Eyes’ – from 2018′s “comeback” album ‘Reinvention’ is also included. The band veers towards Home Service territory at times, hardly surprising given Taylor’s close association with that band along with two of his other band members.
‘A Sonic Tonic’ is a suitable celebration of an eclectic and enduring phenomenon. ****
Review by David Randall
Gryphon play the Nene Valley Rock Festival, Lincolnshire on 6 September.
Album review (Get Out Of My Father’s Car!, 2020 )
Album review (Reinvention, 2018)
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