Gryphon ~ England

Treason (1977)

Back to the newly acquired collection. As with Gilgamesh's second album, this is one of those albums I owned through the mid 90s, and haven't heard since. Though I've had a recent reunion with their second effort (see below and he also had this title, which I won't keep). And that album reminded me why I didn't keep four of the five Gryphon albums that I owned in 1995. I had some distant notes from 2001 that stated Treason was a bit more commercial in nature with some Gentle Giant overtones. The latter becomes apparent right away on A1, though the chorus' overstay their welcome. A2 continues in similar fashion. A3 adds in some funk clearly indicating a departure from their English folk roots. B1 goes for a Queen like Broadway play sound. It reminds more of another UK band actually, which completely escapes me and AI is no help (ah yes, Capability Brown). B2 gives jazz fusion a go, why not? B3 could have been amazing like Kestrel but comes across closer to Elton John. B4 was a go for commercial pop with recorders, and you can imagine how that went. Well, one cannot blame Gryphon for trying to be relevant, and they decided to throw a lot of ideas against the wall to see what might stick. None of it, as it turns out, and that was to be the end of Gryphon until a reformation some 40 years later. 

My former rating here was a bit too low, and the opening two tracks had me thinking it was a keeper. But this is an easy let-go. 

Former ownership: 1977 Harvest UK (LP)

1/19/26 (review)

Midnight Mushrumps (1974)  

On the last day of the Austin show some dealers were essentially giving away albums. This one was $2. I can't let albums like this sit for $2 no matter my feelings about them. Been many a year since I last parted with my first copy (mid 90s). I'm not too fond of traditional English folk, even if mixed with prog rock as is the case here. Lots of recorders, krummhorns, and harmonium to frolic in the field with, and I enjoyed a +1 listen. But still not something I need to hold onto. 

Former ownership: 1974 Transatlantic (LP)

5/15/23 (notes)

Also own and need to review Red Queen to Gryphon Three.

Once owned: Gryphon (1973); Raindance

1/19/26 (new entry)