Dear readers, it is with great pleasure that we offer you in this article an interview with a historic UK band that combines traditional Folk sounds with Progressive Rock. We welcome with Brian Gulland from legendary band Gryphon.
Hi, how are you?
BG: “Hallo Jacopo ! Good to be here for you. Itās Brian Gulland talking to you.“
The band was formed in the early 70s, how did the project and the choice of the name Gryphon come about?
BG:Ā “Richard Harvey and I had been playing mediaeval and Renaissance music in classical concert settings since August 1971. We both wanted to explore these and other styles in a freer and less formal setting.Ā
Having added Graeme Taylor (a school friend) on acoustic guitar, we had a twice weekly residency in a small bistro in Chelsea for 18 months, during which time we started playing in folk clubs, and consequently added the odd English folk song to our fledgling repertoire.Ā
Our first manager wanted to call us CODPIECE, which we refused! And spent a couple of fun evenings batting name ideas around, finally deciding on GRYPHON, as the mythical beast isĀ a hybrid, and our music was already showing it wanted to shoot off in many different directions!“
You were protagonists of the early 70s scene, what memories do you have of that magical time?
BG: “Many wonderfulĀ timesā¦ā¦ The Royal Albert Hall Hall, Ā supporting Steeleye Span, Southwark Cathedral with. Richard Thompson, touriing the USA with YES, including Madison Square Garden and the Houston Astrodome. A memorable afternoon playing the Picnic at the Crystal Palace Bowl, on the day Rick Wakeman premiered Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Ā
Appearing on all 4 BBC Radio Stations , and in the same week! Spending time with other groups, listening to their music, becoming brief friends, loads of travelling, other in uncomfortable contraptions,Ā
Too many magical times to mention!“
In September 2024 āGryphon Live – A Sonic Tonicā will be released, how would you describe this live album?
BG: “It is exactly what is says on the tin!, an uplifting collection of our songs and instrumentals, recorded at 3 concerts last Autumn..“
I read in the press-kit that the setlist is a kind of journey through the various eras of the band, what would you like to tell us about it?
BG: “We feature 4 cuts from our eponymous first record, and a medley of material put together by Graeme from Red Queen to Gryphon Three, our most popular album. The remainder are all tracks from the 2 records weāve recorded this centuryā¦. REINVENTION in 2018 and GET OUT OF MY FATHERāS CAR from 2020.“
What was the experience of playing at The Junction Cambridge and what emotions did the night convey to you?
BG: “They’re a very friendly and helpful team who run that venue, and the crowd who came to hear us were very appreciative.“
How do you think the way of gigging has changed since the ā70s? What has changed for you?
BG: “Gigs were much more plentiful way back thenā¦ā¦a thriving College & University circuit allowed up-and-coming, established and popular bands and groups to flourish.Ā In addition, various independent promoters staged live gigs 3 or 4 times a week.“
Your music is intense and engaging, especially live, do you have plans for this in the near future?
BG: “All our albums have been quite different from the previousĀ ones. We most of all love exploring different styles and moods, and hybridising them to our musical palette of the moment.“
Over 50 years of artistic career, how has your sound evolved over time?
BG: “The introduction of the violin (started by Graham Preskett, and continued by Clare Taylor) was a super further arrow in our tonal quiver. The production of our sound in the studio is much better than in the 70s, partly wonderful new sound scaping tools, and the very skillful control of these by Graeme Taylor at the Helm!“
You released your last album “Get Out of My Father’s Car” in 2020, are you working on any new material?
BG: “We already have some musicke recorded and in the can for G8, more to follow, very exciting.“
Given your experience, what advice would you give to young artists approaching music with a more elaborate sound like yours?
BG: “Keep at it, donāt be discouraged, believe in your own musical sound, donāt try to ape othersā sound or style.”
Music is constantly evolving, how do you see the modern music scene in the UK and more generally in the world?
BG: “Given that my listening is seldom tuned to the modern musical scene, I donāt feel qualified to help you here: music I love to hear ranges from 1220 to 1991, and I only occasionally collide with much modern. When I do, Sometimes thereās a gem, often, for me, not. Must be looking in the wrong place!“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside music?
BG: “Amateur painting, walking, cricket, golf (still playing both), reading, textiles, yoga and TM meditation keep me on the safe path.“
I thank Gryphon and Brian Gulland for the interview, a real honour for me, wishing them all the best for the continuation of their artistic career.
BG: “A mutual pleasure for us too, thanks for asking!“
For more information about Gryphon and the bandās musical history, see: https://www.thegryphonpages.com/
