Gryphon formed in London in 1972 around two Royal College of Music graduates, multi-instrumentalist Richard Harvey and bassoonist Brian Gulland, with guitarist Graeme Taylor and drummer Dave Oberlé. Their first album came out on Transatlantic in June 1973, produced by Adam Skeaping and Laurence Aston.

The repertoire mixes anonymous dances such as Kemp's Jig and the Estampie, Henry VIII's Pastime With Good Company and traditional songs like The Unquiet Grave and Three Jolly Butchers with short originals by Taylor and Harvey. The instruments come from early music: crumhorns of every size, recorders, harpsichord, harmonium, mandolin and bassoon, with guitar, organ and light percussion. The playing is mostly acoustic, quick and good humoured, with vocals shared by the band.

Japanese CD reissue by Belle Antique, SHM-CD with 2025 remastering, in a textured gatefold mini LP replica with obi and Japanese insert.