Bedlam Boys is one of the oldest known English folk songs, revived by Steeleye Span in 1971. Painting disturbing scenes of the Royal Bethlem hospital, the themes surround madness, obsession and the workings of an institutionalised mind. We recommend looking into the background of the song; we have arranged an abridged version of the story with selected verses but there are many fantastic, fascinating and boldly gruesome lyrics found in old records of the song. It is a short tale that still inspires with its haunting relevance today.

Lead Vocals: Ben Allen
Vocals: Rosie May
Guitar and Vocals: Joel Tait
Violin: Tanya Allen
Mandolin: Andrew Rock
Percussion: Emma Holbrook

Engineered by Ben Modley and Joel Tait

Bedlam Boys

Randy Dandy O' is an old Sea Shanty originally sung a cappella as a work song on ships. We introduced a chord sequence that breathed new life into the song and gave greater weight to its theme with strong imagery of life at sea, amongst the dark and mighty waves.

Lead Vocals: Ben Allen
Vocals: Rosie May
Guitar and Vocals: Joel Tait
Violin: Tanya Allen
Accordion: Andrew Rock
Bass: Ben Modley

Engineered by Ben Modley and Joel Tait

Randy Dandy O'

Originally an Anglo-Scottish border ballad, now a folk standard widely recognised as Raggle Taggle Gypsies. Inspired by Stick in the Wheel's rendition, Seven O' The Gypsies features Rosie May with unusually bare, childlike lead vocals, giving a haunting storytelling quality. Carried by cajon with a bass kick, the song features Emma Holbrook with a high hat drive which expands the track with an anachronistic quality. Joel Tait's guitar is built on a set of energetic yet delicate octave based chord licks played with the trademark Spanish guitar technique. The rhythm and guitar sections are grounded by a solid accordion drone with atmospheric violin details played by Tanya Allen.

Lead vocals: Rosie May
Guitar & accordion: Joel Tait
Percussion: Emma Holbrook
Violin: Tanya Allen

Engineered by Ben Modley and Joel Tait

Seven O' The Gypsies

We are born of Somerset where Mazy means mad, and the Ancient Mariner mourns the sea alongside Shantyman sailor, Yankee Jack.

Publicans, farmers and nomads, we came together in early 2015; some old friends, others new. We draw raw sounds and inspiration as a group of artists with individual journeys. Gigging, exploring and studying, from our home and across the world.

Mazy House