Gryphon-Red Queen To Gryphon Three (1974)

Gryphon are another of those great bands unknown to the general public. Their style fused different genres such as folk, Baroque and Renaissance music, avant-garde and medieval elements, and progressive rock. Their career was forged throughout much of the 1970s with five interesting albums, with "Red Queen To Gryphon Three" being their most celebrated work. Formed in London in the early 1970s by Richard Harvey (keyboards and flute) and Brian Gulland (bassoon), both students at the Royal Academy of Music, they shared a passion for Baroque sounds, traditional English folk, and a modern vision of Renaissance music. In 1973, guitarist Graeme Taylor and singer/drummer David Oberle joined the band, and with them, they recorded their self-titled debut acoustic album. A year later, bassist Philip Nestor joined the band, participating in the recording of "Midnight Mushrooms", an album featuring a greater number of original compositions and a clear inclination towards purer rock sounds. 1974 saw the release of the album we're discussing, "Red Queen to Gryphon Three", a concept album about the game of chess, inspired by typical classical music suites. A highly complex work, with a high level of song structure, constant changes of rhythm, and consisting of four extensive pieces performed impeccably. Medieval, folk, and Renaissance influences are all present, interpreted through flutes, bassoon, piano, organ, synthesizers, electric and acoustic guitars, and various percussion instruments. This is definitely a classic progressive rock album, where all the content is superb from beginning to end, with no single composition standing out above the rest.