Graeme Taylor

Graeme Taylor entered as the third participant in the folk trio that later developed into Gryphon, the band known for its fusion of folk-rock and progressive rock; his arrival came through an early connection to co-founder Richard Harvey. His 1954 birth made him the youngest member of the original core lineup, joining at age seventeen. Once the ensemble formalized as a band, he shared arranger credit with Harvey and Brian Gulland, and after the group adopted electric instruments his guitar work stood out for its clarity while retaining clear ties to classical and folk sources.

Taylor became the first core member to exit, departing after Raindance (1975) without any evident professional cost. He promptly joined Ashley Hutchings in the Albion Band, which Taylor helped establish, recorded sessions with Linda Thompson throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and performed with the John Kirkpatrick Band.

In subsequent years he renewed his association with Thompson, wrote music for the National Theatre, contributed to assorted cast albums and stage productions including the 2003-2004 mounting of Cole Porter's Anything Goes, and supplied instrumental support for artists such as Paul Scofield and Julie Covington. Additional work has included appearances with a later edition of Fairport Convention, extensive collaborations with John Tams, and occasional acting roles.