Red Queen To Gryphon Three (translucent Blue Vinyl/180g/numbered) - Gryphon [LP]

Limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on 180 gram translucent blue coloured vinyl. Red Queen To Gryphon Three is an instrumental album consisting of four long pieces apparently inspired by a game of chess. The music has medieval/Renaissance and folk influences, with the band using bassoon, crumhorn and recorders alongside keyboards (piano, organ and synth), electric and acoustic guitars, drums and other percussion. It's quite a unique sound: primarily lilting, very melodious and, even during the parts using synth and other modern instruments, retaining a medieval feel. Lest you feel this medieval influence would be too much to bear, it's definitely Progressive Rock, albeit using some unusual instruments and themes in places. For those who like electronic keyboards, there are several bursts of synth. Every song is 10 minutes long and could be split into 40 littles songs easily. For the progressive rock historians out there, it was the success of this album which gave Gryphon the opportunity to warm up Yes on their US tour back in '74. A freaking monster record, thick, for mature ears.