Raindances The Transatlantic Recordings 1973-1975

Description

ANTHOLOGY REMASTERED OF THE LEGENDARY PROGRESSIVE ROCK BAND GRYPHON. ALL TRACKS REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES OF TRANSATLANTIC RECORDS. WITH AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET CONTAINING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH THE BAND.
Gryphon, one of the most original bands of the progressive era, was formed at the initiative of Richard Harvey and Brian Gulland, students at the Royal College of Music, initially with the aim of merging traditional English music with medieval and Renaissance influences. Using traditional instruments such as the crumhorn, recorder, bassoon, and mandolin, Gryphon expanded with the arrival of Graeme Taylor on guitar and Dave Oberle on drums. Signing with Transatlantic Records, Gryphon released their self-titled debut album in June 1973. Their unique musical style earned them a commission to compose the music for a theatrical adaptation of The Tempest in 1974, excerpts of which make up their next album, "Midnight Mushrumps."
At that time, bassist Philip Nestor joined the band, and Gryphon began to explore more progressive influences (the title track of the album being an 18-minute work). Progressive rock influences became even more evident on Gryphon's critically acclaimed third album, "Red Queen To Gryphon Three," released in December 1974. This album is one of the biggest successes of Gryphon's career, and the diversity of their music earned them the distinction of being the first artists to be broadcast on all four BBC radio networks in a single week. During this period, Gryphon also opened for YES on tour, allowing them to gain new fans. "Raindance" was Gryphon's last album for Transatlantic Records. Released in 1975, this record saw the replacement of Philip Nestor by Malcolm Bennett. "Raindances" brings together all the tracks from the four Gryphon albums recorded for Transatlantic Records and has been remastered from the original tapes. This anthology includes an illustrated booklet with an essay by Malcolm Dome and exclusive interviews with Richard Harvey, Brian Gulland, Graeme Taylor, and Dave Oberle.