The English band Spirogyra was formed in 1967 in Bolton, near Manchester, by Martin Cockerham and Mark Francis as a two-piece band. After a few unsuccessful demos, Cockerham formed a new band, together with singer Barbara Gaskin, violinist Julian Cusack and bassist Steve Borrill. They developed into a folk-rock band and secured their first record deals. After two relatively unsuccessful albums, they signed with the major label Polydor, as the duo – now reduced to Martin Cockerham and Barbara Gaskin – aimed for a more progressive style of folk rock that promised significantly higher sales in 1973. With guest musicians Steve Ashley (whs), Julian Cusack (p, vln), John Boyce (cel), Henry Lowther (tp), Stan Sulzman (fl), Steve Borrill (b) and Dave Mattacks (dr), they recorded the final album of their remarkable trilogy for Polydor in 1973.

Bells, Boots And Shambles was released in England and Germany in April 1973. They played an impressive brand of psychedelic folk-rock that moved beyond the established sounds of folk and folk-rock towards progressive rock or symphonic prog. The LP captivates with the beauty of Gaskins’ voice, the varied songwriting and the versatile arrangements. This outstanding, rare album is regarded by many as a timeless progressive folk-rock masterpiece and is therefore a highly sought-after collector’s item. Following this release and a few concerts, the band split up in 1974.