Blowzabella

Blowzabella is a UK folk group formed in 1978 and active since then. The band develops an original, drone-based sound built around strong melody, rhythmic precision and a close connection to dance music traditions. Its music draws on British and European traditional dance music, and the group writes its own material.

The band plays a mix of instruments associated with folk and traditional music, including diatonic button accordion, clarinet, saxophones, bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, violin and bass guitar. Current members listed include Andy Cutting, Jo Freya, Paul James, Grégory Jolivet, Ian Luff, Dave Shepherd, Cliff Stapleton, Barnaby Stradling, Jon Swayne and Nigel Eaton, although the line-up has varied over time.

Blowzabella has performed widely, from the main stage at Glastonbury Festival to locations in Brazil and West Africa. It is also cited by many European bands that explore the boundaries of folk music as an important influence.

Former and past players mentioned include Dave Armitage, Chris Gunstone, Bill O’Toole, Sam Palmer, Dave Roberts and Juan Wijngaard, alongside earlier or additional members such as Ian Luff, Nigel Eaton and Cliff Stapleton.