Blowzabella is a folk band formed in Whitechapel, London, UK in 1978 by Bill O'Toole who reconstructed the English bagpipe. Being instrument makers they brought back the extinct English bagpipes and Hurdy-Gurdy back into UK music as well as French and Macedonian dances at their ceilidhs. They have lasted over 40 years and there are over 100 French folk dance clubs in the UK at present. The name of the band was found by founding member Dave Armitage and comes from a tune found by the band in Wright's “Complete Collection of Celebrated Country Dancing” (late 17th century). Their first break through album was in summer 1982 and No 4 in the Melody Maker Folk Albums Chart UK. They later composed their own music which is influenced by English and European traditional folk music and song. Many of their tunes are “standards” in the modern British/European folk repertoire and are played by people all over the world. Paul James (who joined in 1981) took over managing the band from late 1982 and the line-up changed subsequently over the years. Jon Swayne is the only original member.
2024
Goat Bag Records
50xCD
2024
Goat Bag Records
CD, EP
2024
Goat Bag Records
CD
2022
Blowzabella
CD, Album
2018
Blowzabella
CD, Album
2013
Blowzabella
CD, Album, Dig
2010
Blowzabella
CD, Album
2007
Blowzabella
CD
1995
Osmosys
CD, Comp
1990
1988
1988
1987
Blowzabella
Cass, Album
1986
1984
Plant Life
LP
1984
1983
Plant Life
LP, Album, Gat
1982
Plant Life
LP, Album
Blowzabella
CD, Album, RE, Tec
2012
Not On Label
CD, Album,
2010
Folk Against Fascism
2xCD, Comp
2002
Topic Records
4xCD, Comp
2018
Folk Roots
16xFile, MP3, Comp, 192
2016
Woodbird
CD, Comp
2016
ARC Music
2xCD, Comp
2013
Folk Roots
15xFile, MP3, Comp, 192
2011
Folk Roots
CD, Comp
2009
Not On Label
CD, Comp
2008
Proper Music Distribution
3xCD, Comp
2008
Dirty Linen
CD, Comp
2005
Osmosys
CD, Comp
2003
Heideck
CD, Comp
2000
Fabbri Editori
CD, Comp
1999
Topic Records
2xCD, Comp
1997
Akreabel
CD, Comp
1992
Music Club
3xCD, Comp
1992
1991
Hi-Fi World
CD, Smplr
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