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GRYPHON

Reinvention

(2018 – self released – UK)

http://www.thegryphonpages.com/

It made me smile when I found out that an old favorite band of mine was putting out a new album after 41 years of void. It should be noted that ‘Midnight Mushrooms’ was a favorite Gryphon release for me, until now that is. 2018’s masterful and warm welcome comeback ‘Reinvention’, tickles every music adoring bone in my body. At over 61 minutes, it brings a little bit of almost every stage of the band’s career back, minus any trace of ‘Treason’, which was their dive into a slightly commercial progressive rock arena, which put multiple vocal harmonies like Yes up front.

Admittedly, I thought I would miss Richard Harvey’s presence, but I do not. After all, three of the original members are still here, being Brian Gulland – bassoon, bass crumhorn, baritone sax, piano, recorders, and vocalizations/ Graeme Taylor – acoustic and electric guitars (he also produces the album)/ and Dave Oberle – drums, percussion and vocals.  The rest of the members are Graham Preskett – violin, mandolin, keyboards, harmonica/ Andrew Findon – flute, piccolo, fife, soprano crumhorn, soprano sax, clarinet/ and Rory McFarlane – electric & double basses. The original members wrote several jewels fit for a king, and new members Graham Preskett and Rory McFarlane have contributed delightful gemstones as well. In fact, golden nuggets of progressive rock, folk, jazz, circus music and even boogie, sneak into parts of some compositions, which breathe new air into the broad palette of what the classic Gryphon had already proven to be so great at.

The vocals by Oberle on a few tunes has a variation from proper English to Canterbury styled (think Richard Sinclair) buttery flavor. And new member Andy Findon is truly a fine artist, who is one of the big reasons I do not miss Richard Harvey. Hats off to everyone for making this a grand success. Gulland begins the album with ‘PipeUp Downsland DerryDellDanka’ and ends with ‘The Euphrates Connection’. Both strong and deeply moving, the last track being especially stately with melancholy beauty. There is still a firm base of early music, but along with, either injected inside, or cleverly integrated, are moments that Stackridge lovers can sink their teeth into. That and all the aforementioned styles plus more. With such an array of instruments played among the six musicians, the gentle bending is constant. However, with distinct flute, piccolo, krumhorn and bassoon always popping up, the other instruments-a-plenty are allowed all sorts of avenues to play in. A few displays with new technology effects don’t hurt for unique adventure either.

‘Bathsheba’ (track 8) is among all the many standouts. ‘Sailor V’ (track 9) begins as a folk aire of beauty developing into quite a big scale piece of 8:35 minutes. The longest work is ‘Haddocks’ Eyes’ (track 4) just under 11 minutes, and in epic form. Eleven compositions filled with everything wonderful and nothing of waste, make for a thrilling listening experience. In short, ‘Reinvention’ is everything you loved about the original 1970’s Gryphon and much more. The balance of serious and tongue in cheek is perfect, and this shows the group to be fully engaged, ready to show the world that they still have plenty to share. A future release would be a dream. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson 10 – 30 – 2018

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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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