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The BeauBowBelles are a four-piece multi-instrumental indie folk swing crossover band that formed in London. They are currently not signed to any label but are represented by XX management???. The band came to prominence on the London music scene in 2011 after a successful run of summer festival gigs across the UK and the viral release of a series of demo recordings, most notably "Hot Feet", "Alien Tango" and "Boy with a Boater on his Head".

History

Bertie Anderson and Marcus Daborn met through a mutual friend in 2005 in Covent Garden, London. Anderson, a regular and well-known busking performer in the famous district of the West End and Daborn bonded over a mutual appreciation of folk and swing and began making music together. Originally going by the name "Blue Raaa", they performed together in various incarnations and two of the early songs from this period "Sunny Yellow Tree" and "Blue Tree" are still performed by the group today.

Anderson met Emma Price and Ros Wilks whilst busking in Covent Garden in 2008. In between their performances of classical music the three girls would often sing together and soon realised that their voices worked well in close harmony. Anderson's sister, Evie, a singer and cellist, became involved in the group and Anderson approached Daborn about joining to form a rhythm section. The band's first official performance as "The BeauBowBelles" was in 2010 at Daborn's wedding in Anet, France.

The group began playing at various London venues, quickly gaining a reputation for their high musicianship and entertaining shows often being likened to The Andrews Sisters. The mix of classical training with gypsy and folk styles created a distinctive sound that packed venues across the capital.

In the summer of 2011, the band played across the UK summer music festival scene picking up a huge number of followers, most notably as a support act for Ed Sheeran at Glastonbury. In the Autumn of 2011, Daborn shot a promo film for their song "Hot Feet" which attracted much critical acclaim.

Tensions were growing in the band however and in January 2012, Evie Anderson left the group. After a short period of inactivity, the band picked themselves up and began working earnestly towards a longer and more involved set. Price was quoted as saying they "wanted to diversify [their] sound and experiment with new songwriting directions" and Wilks aired concerns that "[we] were becoming pigeon-holed as a bit of a gimmick." During the summer of 2012 the band wrote extensively, embracing each of the member's own personal musical influences. Notable tracks from the period are, "I Need Someone to Talk To" (originally demoed as "Country Song"), "Banger", "These Days", "All Over That" and "Sleep". In July 2012, the band took some time out to record their latest work at Templewood, Norfolk the family home of Bertie Anderson. They also recorded their first episode of "BelleVision", a series of video messages to fans. In August 2012 the band performed at the IndigO2, London, coming 24th in the Surface Music Festival competition, battling against 25,000 other acts from across the UK and Spain.

During 2012 the band were under a management agreement with Shaun Litton & Dennis Carey. This relationship dissolved by the end of 2012. Shaun Litton continued to support the band throughout 2013/2014 with plans for a management agreement.

In January 2013 the band launched their new web-site and a second episode of BelleVision and planned to go into the studio in February 2013 to start record their EP. Unfortunately

due to a snowboarding accident this session was postponed. In April 2013 the band joined forces with David Holmes at Soup Studios, Limehouse to record their EP. The EP was to be named “To The Moon” after one of the tracks. The other four tracks on the EP were ‘These Days’, ‘Alien Tango’, ‘Need Someone To Talk To’ and ‘Banger’.

In May 2013 the band was approached by director/actor, Gareth Corke. He was directing a music video to present costumes made by the costume department of Bournemouth Arts University. They were looking for a song to use and an agreement was made that the band would also appear in the film. The song chosen was ‘These Days’ and the film became their official music video for their single release of ‘The Days’. It was exclusively released through the video website Daily Motion.

The EP was released on 16th September 2013 with a launch gig at Camden Proud Galleries.

"Proper folk with tunes, melodies, harmonies.. Yes, this is my favourite folk EP of the year"

-Stuart Hamilton The Rocker65

"Fun and entertaining in equal measures… destined to deliver pleasure wherever they play. Quite unique."

-Pete Whalley {Get Ready To Rock)

The band returned to soup studios in February 2014 to start work on their album. They are also due to film a second video with Gareth Corke and Bournemouth Arts University. The students are designing bespoke costumes specifically for the band.

Members


 * Bertie Anderson - vocals, violin, acoustic guitar, accordion


 * Marcus Daborn - acoustic guitar, kick drum, vocals


 * Emma Price - vocals, accordion, flute, acoustic guitar, bells


 * Ros Wilks - vocals, violin, piano



Former Members


 * Evie Anderson - vocals, cello


 * Glen Rayner - guitar


 * Philip Kelynack - cello

Reviews:

Full reviews and comments:

"Enormous THANK YOU for your brilliant performances last week at All that Glitters @ Late. I was so impressed by the way you really took the theme to heart, your amazing dress (!) and fantastic music and harmonies. It was absolutely lovely working with you, and I really hope we can work together again."

Harriet Martin, Adult Events at The London Museum.

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The BeauBowBelles are a unique and enormously talented trio plus one. Three highly talented women and an equally talented man. They opened the show for me at my fundraiser at the Mill at Sonning on Oct 6th and were a sensation. A huge ovation for their set. They are a hugely multi talented group, flutes, violins, guitars, drums and a piano as well as fantastic harmonising and sensational vocals. I've seen them play twice at Camden Lock and once at Sonning. I can't wait to see them again. They are just great!

Peter Egan.

Keeping up the quirky were The BeauBowBelles (pictured right), who I’d seen in the semi final and regional. They performed their classical/jazz hits (also adding a bit of country to the set) to an audience who were thoroughly entertained by their expert storytelling.

"Show me Something different"

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THE BEAUBOWBELLES To The Moon

Having trained at Britain’s best opera and music schools, this London based four-piece group of multi-instrumentalist singer songwriters bring something fresh to the party with their debut EP.

From the traditional country folk hoedown of ‘To The Moon’, through the Western country lament of ‘Need Someone To Talk To’, the middle Eastern gypsy folk of ‘Alien Tango’ (‘I think my boyfriend has been abducted by aliens, and I’ve been left with this crappy imitation’ a wonderful lyric) and the folk stomp of ‘These Days’ it’s a trip that transcends genres.

Fun and entertaining in equal measures (to say nothing of being supremely talented singers and players) The BeauBowBelles are surely destined to deliver pleasure wherever they play. Quite unique, in a Paloma Faith/Imelda May way sort of a way. The next Jools Holland ‘Later …’ series surely beckons. ***

Review by Pete Whalley (get ready to rock)

http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2013/09/quick-plays-kayleigh-leith-kimmie-rhodes-band-of-sisters-the-beaubowbelles/

THE BEAUBOWBELLES To The Moon BeauBowBelles Well, this is rather sweet. Proper folk with tunes, melodies, harmonies and the odd moment of fiddling heedurum-hodurum on the splendid ‘These Days’. So, a big well done to Bertie Anderson – vocals, violin, Emma Price – vocals, flutes, accordion, bells, Ros Wilks – vocals, violin, keytar and Marcus Daborn – guitar, kickdrum.

Yes, this is my favourite folk EP of the year, and if you give the video that’s down at the bottom somewhere a spin, I’m sure it will be yours too. They can do melancholic as well, as a listen to the title track will attest. And even though I don’t normally approve of things furrin, the ‘Alien Tango’ almost made me a convert. You can download it from Amazon, or buy a real, actual CD by going to their web site. And you should. By stuartahamilton

http://therocker65.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/singles-bar-the-beau-bow-belles-vs-emporium-vs-femme/

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A five-piece, multi-instrumental, nostalgia-bedecked harmony-machine, The BeauBowBelles are authors of timeless, jazz-inflected melodramas that, in the wrong hands, might be dismissed as ‘retro’, but, thanks to their sheer style and vigour, are stunningly anachronistic, fiendishly catchy examples of the finest songwriting you will ever hear. Though the swinging sounds of the 20’s and 30’s may be their starting point, the panache and invention with which they deliver their gleaming treasures allows them to effortlessly transcend their influences. The focus for their wondrous muse is the incredible, close harmonies of their feminine front-line. Having been trained at some of Britain’s foremost opera and classical music schools, they combine flawless talent with crystalline tunes, and, most importantly, the ability to enthral and entertain. Together, these four ladies and one gent are mistresses (and master) of a variety of weird and wonderful instruments. In addition to their voices, guitar, cello, flute and violin, you are liable to find them wielding such implements as keytars, stylophones, toy pianos, glockenspiels, accordions, various bells, whistles and what-not. With this veritable cornucopia of curiosities, our intrepid, should-be-famous five craft impeccable opuses of unimpeachable opulence, from lascivious tangos to haunted waltzes, and deliciously decadent cabaret to sublime swing, all peppered with elements of classical music, folk, skiffle, music-hall and more, and lathered lusciously with heavenly harmonies. As you’d expect, this makes for an intriguing melange, but the BeauBowBelles’ oeuvre goes far beyond being merely ‘interesting’. This is some of the most scintillating, enrapturing music our era could ever hope to produce, delivered with enough flair, drama and sultriness to render you helpless in the face of their myriad charms. Most often, you will be able to stumble joyously across them in one of London’s classier, if cosier,

venues, or perhaps at a festival (as was the revelation that greeted many a stunned punter at last year’s Glastonbury). Something else is afoot, though, as, for the moment, they have slightly reined in their normally frantic gigging rate. ‘Why’, I hear you scream in befuddled consternation. It’s alright, don’t panic, breathe… the reason for their elusiveness is actually a cause for celebration- the BeauBowBelles are recording their debut album! Crack open the champagne! Though one cannot speculate on the full gamut of delights that will be in store, you can find the first four tracks on their website, and, needless to say, they are absolute gems, presaging something that should be utterly spectacular. Hopefully, it will send them hurtling heroically toward the stratosphere of mass renown, but, before they set off, make sure you fully acquaint yourselves with this astounding, ineffable and utterly charming band. The BeauBowBelles are the classiest act in town, and the only one capable of casting the dross of the modern age to the wind and transporting you through time to music’s golden age. You are strongly advised to seek them out, post-haste

Phono Vault

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This band was so talented. Two young girls on the same side of the stage playing a violin and an accordion which you don’t expect at a young age. The original material which they performed were astonishing. Half way through the set the two violin players had a little battle and I was gob smacked. It was amazing how fast they could play. The guitarist really made the band because while he was playing, he had a little bass drum which kept the rhythm going. The crowd loved The BeauBowBelles, clapping every time the song kicked in. Their harmonies were perfect. The originals were perfect. The band was perfect. Looking forward to hear their new EP.

http://bloodsugarsexmusik.com/tag/jake-smallbones/

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London quartet The BeauBowBelles is a refreshing treat that is hard to pin down sound wise on the evidence of their debut To The Moon EP, but with rich essences of gypsy punk, folk, country rock, swing, classical elegance, and much more conjured by the quartet of multi-instrumentalist singer songwriters into one melodic blaze of virulent fun, a description of riotous beauty is all that is needed to tempt your intrigue.

Consisting of Bertie Anderson (vocals, violin), Emma Price (vocals, flutes, accordion, bells), Ros Wilks (vocals, violin, keytar), and Marcus Daborn (guitar, kickdrum), The BeauBowBelles has earned a fine reputation for their live shows whilst breeding a strong anticipation in a great many for the release of their debut. Recorded at Soup Studios (The Kills, The Maccabees, Roots Manuva), To The Moon does not let any expectations and hopes down, in fact you suspect it leaves them breathless with its insatiable enterprise and thrilling devilry, musically and lyrically.

Finely plucked strings tease the ear as opener These Days steps into view to start things off. Soon joined by the purely tempting vocals amidst a slowly brewing romp of folk and country bred festivity, the track slips into an energetic and invigorating jig of eager enterprise which switches back and forth with a restrained narrative until stealing the floor for a raucously contagious climax where feet and emotions are enlisted in the feisty dance.

The title track takes over next emerging from a celestial beauty with a melancholic kiss to the opening string sculpted classically honed ambience. From the expressive entrance thoughts are led by wonderful provocative vocals and harmonies alongside an acoustic guitar narrative into a compelling and mesmeric evocative tale and aural caress. With a beacon of light and beauty bursting out of every direction within the song, it is a gloriously bewitching flight of imagination and scintillating craft.

The best track on the EP comes in the shapely drama and sultry mischief of Alien Tango, a song declaring an investigation all boyfriends have probably been under. The potent tango stomps over the senses with relish and incendiary invention, the vocals soaring magnificently across the passions whilst musically the song ebbs and flows through creative brilliance pulling an intensive rapture from the heart in its wake. Like a mix of Molotov Jukebox, Holly Walker, and Cate Ferris, the track is a riveting and inspiring playful frolic, a devilish ‘showtune’ which has thoughts and emotions lusting after its startling charms from the first note through it its last lingering breath.

The release is finished up by the country gaited Need Someone To Talk To and the outstanding Banger. The first of the two stomps along with big beats coring a heated canter through acidic melodies and as ever transfixing vocals, its Western Country lament an easy lie on the ear. It does not quite match up to previous songs though that is down to personal tastes in regard to anything country tainted, but the skilled composition and accomplished presentation is beyond dismissal. Its successor is another impossibly infectious stroll through a gypstep/swing bred celebration, inciting strings painting a richly hued canvas for rhythms and vocals to dance out their call upon the passions whilst the sway of the guitars and energy coats extra layers of seductive mastery upon the senses.

To The Moon is a real treat of thoughtful craft and rampant imagination wrapped in an expansive and varied energy fuelled melodic boogie. The BeauBowBelles just might be like for us your new musical best friend; certainly their EP makes the loudest invitation to that lingering link up.

Ring master review

http://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/the-beaubowbelles-to-the-moon/