Tea & Symphony

Tea & Symphony (soon to be Tea and Symphony) was a UK "prog folk" band, active from late 60s to early 70s. Formed in 1968 in Birmingham, Tea & Symphony experienced numerous changes in line-up until its creative core eventually coalesced around James Langston (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Jeff Daw (lead guitar, backing vocals, flute). Around mid-1969 they signed to EMI's recently created Harvest label in the spring of 1969. In July 1969 was released a single and short afterwards the duo became a trio following the recruitment of multi-instrumentalist Nigel Phillips (drums, backing vocals, keyboards, recorder). "An Asylum For The Musically Insane" was issued in November 1969 with the production of Gus Dudgeon and featured several guest musicians including Bob Lamb (Locomotive) on drums, Clem Clemson (Bakerloo) on guitar and Ron Chesterman (Strawbs) on double bass. Their very innovative blend of rock, blues and folk gained the praise from the underground press, but the album failed to enjoy significant sales. Despite this, Harvest Records continued to support the band and they were given the chance to record a follow-up album. The production was entrusted to Tony Cox, Nigel Phillips left (although he did guest on the sessions) and was replaced by Bob Wilson (guitar, keyboards, percussion). "Jo Sago" was issued in November 1970 and Tea & Symphony started a tour in underground clubs. In the meantime the band was augmented by Tom Bennison (bass, French horn). He remained only for a short time before departing to be replaced by Dave Carroll (bass, electric & acoustic guitars, violin). Despite enthusiastic reviews in the underground press, the album sold even less than its preceding and as a result Tea & Symphony were soon dropped By Harvest Records. At the beginning of 1971 Bob Wilson was replaced by Stewart Johnson (guitars, vocal) but eventually the group disbanded by the end of the year.

James Langston died 21 September 2021 in Newquay, Cornwall, where he was buried.