Blowzabella

by Craig Harris
Driven by the drones of hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes, Blowzabella forged one of the most dynamic sounds in the history of Celtic music. Taking their name from the subject of the traditional tune "Blowzabella, Me Bouncing Doxie," the group crafted an energetic, Wall-of-Sound mix of British, French, Flemish, and Macedonian dance influences. Formed by students at the Musical Instrument Technology department of the London College of Furniture, Blowzabella performed their debut show in December 1978. Over the next decade, the band experienced numerous personnel changes. Flute, bagpipe, and saxophone player Jon Swayne, who departed the group in 1987, was the last original member. Although he returned two years later, the group disbanded within a year, with several members going on to play with similar bands X-Blowzabella and Babybella. Blowzabella has periodically reunited; they performed at London's Cecil Sharpe House in January 2002.