The Bully Wee Band

In 1970 the founding members came together as brothers John Yardley (b. 7 January 1946, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland; vocals, guitar, bodhran) and Jim Yardley (b. 23 October 1944, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland; vocals, guitar, mandolin) alongside Frank Simon (b. Boyle, Co. Roscommon, Eire; guitar, whistles, vocals). Classically trained violinist Ian Cutler (b. 22 December 1953, London, England) came aboard during 1975, also handling viola and keyboards. Colin Reece (b. 28 September 1947, London, England; vocals, guitar) returned in 1979 after an earlier departure in 1974. Fergus Feely (b. July 1953, Dundalk, Eire; cello-mandolin, vocals) arrived the same year Simon departed in 1976. The ensemble delivered contemporary and traditional material within a rock framework. After issuing Enchanted Lady the musicians embarked on a European tour in early 1977. The Madmen Of Gotham, recorded by Cutler, Reece, Feely and Jim Yardley, contained six traditional songs that underscored the band’s continued connection to its roots. Martin Allcock (b. 5 January 1957, Manchester, England; guitar, bass, bouzouki, mandolin, keyboards) joined in 1981 and remained until 1983, when he and Feely formed a duo. Allcock later entered Fairport Convention in 1985, subsequently became a member of Jethro Tull, and maintained an active schedule of session work. Feely moved on to the Steve Ashley Band and spent a period with the San Franciscan Cajun outfit Le Rue. Cutler and Reece completed Face To Face in 1982; Reece then launched a solo career with the 1985 album Well Kept Secrets. After supporting Elkie Brooks on tour Reece shifted into cabaret, providing backing for comedian Jim Davidson. Jim Yardley pursued independent performances in Norway, while Cutler maintained a folk trajectory through ceilidh ensembles and Albion Morris. Bully Wee reconvened in 2004 with Reece, Cutler and Feely, later adding Jim Yardley, and issued its fifth album three years afterward.