Flowers and Frolics were at the forefront of the English music revival of the 1970's and were one of the most popular dance bands ot the time. Although the band has not officially existed for over fifteen years, there have been various surreptitious flowerings - in Italy and, in 1988, at the Sidmouth folk festival under a pseudonym.
"REFORMED CHARACTERS"
In these days of CD reissues and new recoding technology, we thought it would be fun to look again at some of the stuff we had recorded and some of the stuff we hadn't, and see if we could improve on it. Simon Ritchie (of The Posh Band and no mean melodeon player, step dancer and singer) - aided by John Howson (at the actual recording) has did a wonderful production job. Petea Webb and Bob Davemport joind us to sing some of the songs that were popular at the Empress of Russia (aka the Islington Folk Club) at which we were resident for many years. We hope you enjoy this latest, and possibly last, flowering from one of the first e-ceilidh bands.
Track Listing
- Grandfather's Dance / He played his Ukelele as the Ship went down / Mickey Mouse's Son and Daughter (vocals: Bob Davenport)
- Ned Kelly's Fancy / The Woolloomooloo Lair / The Cunnemulla Stockman's Jig / The Manchester Gallop
- Bill Bailey / Woodland Revels (vocals: Bob Davenport)
- Wotcher
- Hot Punch / Uncle's Jig / Family Jig
- Silverton Polka
- Two Little Girls in Blue (vocals: Peta Webb)
- Down the Road / See Me Dance the Polka
- Martin
- A Starry Night for a Ramble / The Watercress Girl / The Mudgee Waltz
- Whistling Prince / The Mugdee Schottishe / Harry Cotter's Schottische
- Sunny Afternoon (vocals: Bob Davenport)
- Shuffin' Sam
- The Shores of Botany Bay
- Walter Bulwer's Polkas
- After You've Gone (vocals: Bob Davenport & Peta Webb)
- Shepton Mallet Hornpipe / In The Toyshop / Whistle-at-her
What the critics said:
"....the old magic is still there and then some...............the playing is faultless...............I can't pick any standout tracks, they're all faultless."
Baz Parkes "Shreds and Patches"
"Who needs innovation when you've got it dead right to begin with? Peta Webb....leaves no tear unjerked. I really can't praise this enough..............as far as I'm concerned, they absolutely wipe the floor with most of the homemade ceilidh band recordings that pour out of domestic CD burners and onto my doorstep these days. Their approach was as eclectic as any..............but they latched on to some common factor that made it all hang together........Flowers and Frolics music!"
Nick Beale "fRoots"
"The non-breakneck pacing and spirited but not exaggerated style remain a major attraction and the band's traditionally infectious vigour is very reliably preserved in songs and dances alike. Irresistible."
David Kidman "Rock'n'Reel"
To order the CD "Reformed Characters", send a cheque for £12 payable to Dan Quinn at, 87 St Andrews Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 1DD
Also available
"Bees on Horseback" cd reissue plus bonus tracks
"Bees on Horseback" - the original vinyl album.
