It may come as a surprise to learn that Gryphon have never before released a live album but with A Sonic Tonic they more than make up for that – a double CD covering a complete performance from their 2023 tour in set list order.
They open with a sparkling ‘Kemp’s Jig’, noted as the first track the band ever recorded and follow that with ‘The Astrologer’, a song from the Hammond and Gardiner collection. I’m old enough to have witnessed the band on stage first time round and it does seem to me that the current incarnation is a rather different beast. It may be better recording techniques or Graeme Taylor’s skill at the mixing desk but they sound very crisp and not so meditative – no more joss-sticks and lava lamps.
Originally a quartet, Taylor, Dave Oberlé and Brian Gulland remain from the original line-up. Richard Harvey returned for a one-off reunion in 2009 but left and a number of players have come and gone, notably Graham Preskett who contributed greatly to the writing including the third track, ‘Dumbe Dum Chit’ and the beautiful ‘Sailor V’, both from the Reinvention album. There does seem to be a certain levity about the band now so Graeme Taylor’s ‘The Brief History Of A Bassoon’ does come across as rather silly.
Brian Gulland is honest about ‘Hospitality At A Price…(Dennis) Anyone For?’ which gets a bit Bonzo-ish but vocalist, violinist and keyboard player Clare Taylor restores a little decorum with ‘Christina’s Song’, her setting of a poem by Christina Rossetti featuring Andy Findon’s flute. Gryphon’s newest bass player, Rob Levy, contributes ‘Forth Sahara’ and then it’s a brief return to tradition with a nicely creepy ‘The Unquiet Grave’. ‘Haddocks’ Eyes’ is a poem by Lewis Carroll with music by Graeme Taylor which the band develop into a mad production number.
Then it’s the nostalgia trip with 1974’s ‘The Red Queen Muddle’, or at least a medley of themes from the album. Taylor’s ‘Parting Shot’ comes from Gryphon’s most recent studio album and then we’re back in history for ‘Estampie’ from their 1973 debut.
I’ve commented on some of the silliness on A Sonic Tonic but in the context of a live performance the mix is just right: a few laughs, not too many of the serious pieces which dominated fifty years ago and, overall, a display of musical skill and dexterity that few bands can match.
Dai Jeffries
Artists’ website: https://www.thegryphonpages.com/index.html
‘The Red Queen Muddle’ – live:
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