Flibbertigibbet "My Lagan Love"(Unreleased Live & Studio Recordings 1978)

Flibbertigibbet was formed in South Africa by two former members of Mellow Candle: vocalist Allison Williams (nee O'Donnell) and guitar and mandolin player David Williams. Their origainal album "Whistling Jigs to the Moon" (Check: Chocoreve blog) was an extremely rare South African-only release for many years until its eventual CD release on Kissing Spell and subsequently Si-Wan Records.

David Williams and Alison O'Donnell,
members of both Mellow Candle and Flibbertigibbet

Alison O'Donnell and David Williams moved to South Africa where they formed folk band Flibbertigibbet
and worked in the satirical 'Tortue Reviews'. Alison currently sings with Flanders-based Éishtlinn, 'a mix of Irish, North American and European styles, a cultural melting pot!' David Williams became head of light music with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in Capetown. Frank Boylan disappeared and
Willie Murray played with Sandy Denny and Richard and Linda Thompson's 'Sour Grapes' before moving to the US with Clodagh. They formed 'The Same' with Stephen Bray (Madonna's producer) and Carter Burwell (soundtrack composer for 'Millar's Crossing' /'Rob Roy') and were resident in CBGB'S from 1977-78. Murray relocated to Dallas working as a photographer for 'Playboy', and more recently to Ireland dying from pancreatic problems in 1998. Clodagh worked with Jade Warrior, Mike Oldfield, Robert Fripp and Andy Warhol.

Flibbertigibbet in 1978, at The Market Theatre, Johannesburg.

Barrie Glenn, Alison O'Donnell (formerly Williams),
Jo Dudding (now Jo Glenn), David Williams.

She studied music and became one of Richard Branson's personal secretaries. She returned to Ireland, recorded 'Six Elementary Songs' and now lives in Dublin.
Collectors' kudos given to 'Swaddling Songs' and Kissing Spell's 'The Virgin Prophet' compilation suggest Mellow Candle's influence is finally recognised. "This revival of interest in Mellow Candle is fascinating but it's something I always hoped would happen. I am delighted to see people getting into 'Swaddling Songs' and 'The Virgin Prophet'. I'm proud of what the band achieved and wish it could have continued a little longer".

Originally released in 1978, this recording never garnered much interest outside of Johannesburg's folk community as local music was largely ignored in that country. Their style was very similar to Mandy Morton and the early drummerless Steeleye Span period. Despite being based in Johannesburg, most of their repertoire originated from Ireland and the U.K. As the Williams' interest and proficiency in Celtic music increased, their songwriting reflected that growth as "The Black Cap," "Episodes," and the title track indicate. Otherwise they arranged traditional folk songs in a quasi modern folk style that predominantly incorporated bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, and bodhran but occasionally included synthesizer, piano, and electric guitar. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide

Guest Musicians

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