About

Artist Biography by Michael Sutton

Like the Pale Fountains and the Lotus Eaters, 16 Tambourines were a ’60s-influenced guitar pop band from Liverpool, England that acquired more critical acclaim than album sales. Although they were signed to a major label, 16 Tambourines‘ true home was in the no-frills independent music scene, where their heartfelt, lovingly crafted soft rock was welcomed like a warm kiss. Although 16 Tambourines didn’t form until 1985, vocalist Steve Roberts and bassist Tony Elliott had actually met in 1981 while trying to start another group, Total Action. However, a handful of acoustic performances failed to recruit more members to the band, and Roberts and Elliott eventually walked away from it. Three years later, the lads found themselves without groups and decided to collaborate once again. Naming themselves after an LP by psychedelic revivalists the Three O’Clock, Roberts and Elliott started jamming with a drum machine, later replaced by a real person, Tony McGuigan. The group became well connected with the local scene and created a buzz with their constant gigging. In 1985, 16 Tambourines recorded a three-track demo featuring “Hope (A Man for All Seasons),” “Jumpin’ in the Fire,” and “I Wouldn’t Want to Stop”.” The tape attracted the attention of U.K. DJ Con McConville, providing the young band with some radio exposure. By 1987, 16 Tambourines had a bigger lineup with the additions of percussionist Dr. Perry Pineapple, piano and keyboard player David Oliver, guitarist Mike Moran, and backup vocalist Susan Elleni. There was an added richness to their sound with strong elements of cocktail jazz and soul. The group was signed to Arista Records and released their first and only album, How Green Is Your Valley?, in February 1990. The epic sweep of the title track didn’t make much of a dent on the British charts, peaking at number 78; however, the group opened for Wet Wet Wet on an immensely successful tour. Nevertheless, Arista simply lost interest in the band and dropped them shortly thereafter. 16 Tambourines broke up in April 1990.

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