Gryphon

Release Overview

Gryphon's second album, Midnight Mushrumps, was released in April 1974 by Transatlantic Records. This album is cataloged under TRA 282 and is available in vinyl LP format. It features a blend of progressive rock and traditional music elements, showcasing the band's diverse musical abilities.

Track Highlights

The album's title track, "Midnight Mushrumps," spans nearly 19 minutes and occupies the entire first side of the record. This piece was composed by Richard Harvey and originated from music he created for a National Theatre production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest." The track is a significant exploration of Gryphon's sound, combining rock with classical influences.

On the second side of the album, listeners will find five shorter compositions. These tracks include traditional arrangements and original works composed by various band members. For instance, "The Ploughboy's Dream" is a traditional piece arranged by Gryphon, while "The Last Flash Of Gaberdine Tailor" and "Dubbel Dutch" were written by Graeme Taylor. The mix of styles on this side offers a varied listening experience that reflects the band's eclectic influences.

Musical Composition and Instrumentation

The band consists of Graeme Taylor on multiple guitars and vocals, Philip Nestor on bass guitar and vocals, Brian Gulland playing bassoon and crumhorn among other instruments, Dave Oberlé on drums and lead vocals, and Richard Harvey handling an array of keyboards and recorders. This rich instrumentation contributes to the album's unique sound. The production was managed by Gryphon, with engineering by Dave Grinsted. Art direction was led by Ann Sullivan, and photography was done by Clive Boursnell.

Release Context

Released in the mid-1970s, Midnight Mushrumps reflects Gryphon's commitment to blending rock with traditional music influences. The album is an example of the progressive rock movement that was prominent during this period. Gryphon's approach to music is marked by intricate arrangements and a focus on musicianship, making this release an interesting study for fans of the genre.

The album was produced by Gryphon and features a total of six tracks, with the longest being "Midnight Mushrumps," which lasts 18 minutes and 58 seconds.