The Temperance Seven

A traditional British jazz band, The Temperance Seven are also known for their absurdist humor on stage, in addition to their retro aesthetic. Formed on December 25, 1955 by Chelsea Art School students for a Christmas ball, the band's line-up includes trombonist and singer-turned-actor Paul McDowell, banjo player Philip Harrison and drummer Brian Innes. What began as a parody of a Pasadena jazz ball turned into a perennial band, accompanying Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren on "Ukulele Song" from their 1960 joint album. The following year saw the release of the hit "You're Driving Me Crazy", also produced by George Martin, while "Pasadena" reached No. 4. The Temperance Seven became a live attraction and recorded several cover albums, including 1961 (1961), The Temperance Seven + 1 (1961), Family Album (1964), The New Temperance Seven (1970) and The World of the Temperance Seven (1974). The band, which has undergone many changes of musicians over the years, is still active today, and has released the albums Tea for Eight (1989), 33 Not Out (1990) and The Wriging on the Wall (1992).

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