The Bowles Brothers Band
The Bowles Brothers Band was a British group from the 1970s, featuring Brian Bowles - guitar, vocals; Sue Jones-Davies - vocals; Richard Lee - bass; Julian Smedley - guitar, violin, and vocals. They were also variously known as The Bowles Brothers and The Bowles Bros. They released one album on the Decca label, entitled, Roger Buys a Fridge.
Career
In 1976, they appeared on the same edition of the Granada Television music show So It Goes as the Sex Pistols, who were themselves were making their infamous debut television appearance. Both bands were yet to be signed to a recording contract.
The following year, they appeared alongside John Cleese, Peter Cook, Peter Ustinov and Julie Covington in the charity concert for Amnesty International titled 'The Mermaid Frolics'. They were also the support act to the American singer, Don McLean.[1]
Where are they now?
Jones-Davies went on to appear in Rock Follies and as Judith Escariot in Monty Python's Life of Brian. She is now Mayor of Aberystwyth.[2] Brian Bowles is now a voice specialist on such franchises as the Harry Potter and The Lord of The Rings films, and voice actor in shows such as Monkey Dust. Julian Smedley worked with Vivian Stanshall, as well as appearing in the film Sir Henry at Rawlinson's End. He now lives in Shoreline, Washington and works as a jazz violinist and record producer. Both he and Richard Lee have also worked with fellow ex-Bonzo Dog Band member Neil Innes.[3] Lee later joined Telephone Bill and the Smooth Operators.[4]
Discography
Albums
- Roger Buys a Fridge (1978) - Decca Records (Decca TXS127)
- 01 - "Charlie's Nuts"
- 02 - "Fito"
- 03 - "Dashed With Tabasco"
- 04 - "Outside Runner"
- 05 - "Just One of Those Things"
- 06 - "Roger the Dodger"
- 07 - "A Game of Chess"
- 08 - "Beguine Again"
- 09 - "Disparate Dan"
- The Mermaid Frolics (1977) - Polydor Records (Polydor 2384101)
Extracts from "An Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles" The Amnesty International Gala Benefit Concert 1977. The Bowles Brothers band contributed to five live tracks on this album.
- "Charlie's Nuts"
- "Nagasaki"
- "The Original Honky Tonk Night Train Blues" **
- "After You've Gone" **
- "At The Hop" **
** Alongside Julie Covington and Pete Atkin[5]
Singles
- "Just One of Those Things" / "Dashed with Tabasco" (1978) (Decca F13750)
- "Hawaiian Cowboy" / "Lay it Back" (1979) (Decca F13823)[6]