Record Reviews

AMAZING BLONDEL ~ ENGLAND / BLONDEL BGO 0914 (Barcode: 5017261209146) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2010 4th and 5th albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the last. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. "EnglandFind albums with this title" features music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "BlondelFind albums with this title", recorded following Gladwin´s departure from the group, is slightly more Rocky and features Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist on bass guitar and Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist (FreeFind albums by this artist) on drums as well as many other guest artists including Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, who sings on one track. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!

Updated: 28/02/2024Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

AMAZING BLONDEL ~ EVENSONG / FANTASIA LINDUM BGO 626 (Barcode: 5017261206268) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2004 2nd and 3rd albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the first. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. The music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "Fantasia LindumFind albums with this title" includes a suite of the same name (which originally took up the entire side of the LP), which is often considered as one of British Prog-Folk most revered pieces. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ ABOUT AS CURIOUS AS IT CAN BE HUX 027 (Barcode: 682970000275) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2002 GryphonFind albums by this artist were one of the most important UK Prog groups of all times and since their recorded output is relatively limited, every new addition is more then welcome. This album offers for the first time two BBC recording sessions. Fantastic sound quality and of course marvelous music! A gem!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ GLASTONBURY CAROL HUX 041 (Barcode: 682970000411) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1974 Released: 2003 GryphonFind albums by this artist recorded just a handfull of albums while they lasted and therefore every new discovery of their recorded legacy is an important event, especially in this case of two superb BBC recordings and special bonus studio material consisting of a `lost` single previously unreleased. The recording quality is perfect and the performance awsome. No Gryphon fan can live without this!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ GRYPHON TALKING ELEPHANT 117 (Barcode: 5028479011728) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007 1st album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Formed by students at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the band members were all well educated in classical music, which was evident both in the level of their compositions, as well as in their superb performing skills. Founded by Richard HarveyFind albums by this artist (keyboards, woodwinds and guitars) and Brian GullandFind albums by this artist (woodwinds – especially bassoon – keyboards and vocals), who both shared a deep love for early music, Renaissance and medieval church music, as well as British folk, which determined the group´s musical direction. Combining these elements with some contemporary Rock elements, they managed to achieve a completely unique sound and musical vision, which was somewhere between Folk-Rock groups like PentangleFind albums by this artist and Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and Early British music ensembles like Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist. The pair was joined by guitarist Graeme TaylorFind albums by this artist and the trio started performing mostly in the Folk-Rock circles. Later expanded to a quartet, when joined by drummer David OberleFind albums by this artist, the group finally crystallized their stylistic approach. Signed by the legendary TransatlanticFind albums on this label label, they recorded 4 classic albums for the label, all of which are superb examples of British Folk-Rock / Prog and essential pieces of the wonderful puzzle created at the time. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ GRYPHON / MIDNIGHT MUSHRUMPS ESSENTIAL 356 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 1st & 2nd albums from 1973 & 1974 on 1 CD. Led by the multi-instrumentalist Richard Harvey, Gryphon were one of the best ever UK Prog groups which influenced generation of future musicians. Combining elements of early Renaissance classical music, folk, Prog and even Jazz. This wonderful mixture creates a unique sound which is a true delight.

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GRYPHON ~ MIDNIGHT MUSHRUMPS TALKING ELEPHANT 113 (Barcode: 5028479011322) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007 2nd album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. For this album the group was expanded to a quintet with the addition of bassist Philip NestorFind albums by this artist, which resulted in a tighter and slightly rockier sound. They also expanded their musical ides resulting in much longer compositions, some suite-like spanning almost 20 minutes, like the title track on this album, which was commission to accompany Shakespeare´s "The Tempest" produced by the National Theatre. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ RAINDANCE TALKING ELEPHANT 166 (Barcode: 5028479016624) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2010 4th album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. This was the last album by the original lineup of the group. As usual the album includes a major suite-like composition spanning over 16 minutes, which combines Classical influences, medieval music and Folk sound. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GRYPHON ~ RED QUEEN TO GRYPHON THREE TALKING ELEPHANT 112 (Barcode: 5028479011223) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007 3rd album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. For this album the group was (informally) expanded to a septet with the addition of organist Ernest HartFind albums by this artist and acoustic bassist Peter ReddingFind albums by this artist, and features four extended instrumental pieces. The album is commonly accepted as the band´s magnum opus among their numerous followers. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	GRYPHON ~ RED QUEEN TO GRYPHON THREE / RAINDANCE ESSENTIAL 460 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 3rd & 4th albums from 1974 & 1975 on 1 CD by this remarkable UK Prog group. The first is an all instrumental album containing four lengthy compositions and the second a more rock oriented album, mixing again all the elements that made this group so remarkable. Two classic examples of symphonic Prog at its best.
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GRYPHON ~ TREASON TALKING ELEPHANT 149 (Barcode: 5028479014927) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009 5th and last album by the wonderful British Prog group Gryphon, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Following the release of "RaindanceFind albums with this title" the band went through a period of personnel changes only to emerge again two years later with this, their final swan song, after switching labels to EMIFind albums on this label´s Progressive HarvestFind albums on this label label. A sextet with three founding members (Harvey, Gulland and Oberle) they were joined by guitarist Bob FosterFind albums by this artist, bassist Jonathan DavieFind albums by this artist and drummer Alex BairdFind albums by this artist. Although the album is more song-oriented, it retains the band´s spirit and in retrospect remains definitely worthy of the band´s reputation and integrity, unjustly referred to (by some critics) as superior to the previous releases. Definitely worth investigation, especially as is quite difficult to find on CD. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend