Mormos - 1971 - Great Wall Of China

(35:41; Windsailor Music [2021 Edition] )

I will never tire of hearing “new” music which passed me by when it was first released, but I must admit it is unusual for me to be sent an album which was originally released 55 years ago by a band I had never heard of, and from someone who was a key member of the band at that time as well! Mormos were an American group who resided in France and released two studio albums, this being the first which was remastered and reissued by (Rick) Ernie Mansfield (flute, alto flute, alto recorder, balalaika) in 2021. Mormos were formed by James Cuomo (vocals, domra, soprano recorder, balalaika), who along with Annie “the Hat” Williams (vocals) had been in The Spoils of War, with the rest of the line-up comprising Ernie, Elliott Delman (guitar, vocals), Sandy Spencer (cello, vocals), and Tobia Taylor (vocals, balalaika, zither, soprano recorder). So, we have an American group living in Paris playing prog folk heavily influenced by Incredible String Band and Pentangle with nary a drummer or percussionist in sight! 

I have no idea what the French thought of an American band playing British-style folk music, but I am certainly incredibly surprised that not only have I not come across the name of Mormos prior to this, but cannot understand why they were not picked up and feted by the Brits, as given the musical climate 50 years ago this album should have been chart bound, not left to sit in the underground gathering dust and value. I am long used to hearing rare albums which are highly regarded just because, so few have heard them, but here we have something which is a delight from beginning to end. Lots of vocals with different lead singers, plenty of plucked instruments and different woodwind and a musical ethos which allows them to bring in influences from wherever they like, so we even get some from the Middle East at times. In some ways this does sound of its time, but the remastering has been carried out with care, and feels as if it could have been recorded and released any time between 1967 and 1974, yet with a modern technique so all instruments are clear and defined.

Anyone who enjoys British folk from this period like ISB, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, John Martyn, Trader Horne and others will find much here to enjoy, and the lack of drums means there is more space for everyone to spread their wings and make the most of the close interplay they have developed due to living and playing together in a foreign land. This is a refreshing slice of music which is so far removed from the modern meaningless pap as to have come from another planet altogether. 

Kev Rowland, January 2026

Links:
https://www.mansfieldmusic.com/