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, Steve was in a band Indangerous Rhythm with Tony Macguigan and when they split they hastily formed 16 Tambourines to play the Drums Over The Mersey festival at Liverpool's Royal Court, naming themselves after an LP by psychedelic revivalists the Three O'Clock, Elliot joined soon afterwards. Followed by Brian Chin-Smithers. 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, 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 Squeeze, Hue & Cry and Wet Wet Wet on immensely successful tours. Nevertheless, Arista simply lost interest in the band and dropped them shortly thereafter. 16 Tambourines broke up in April 1990. Roberts and Elliott continued their working relationship as The Tambourines until that, too, fell apart and Roberts found tremendous critical acclaim as a solo artist, releasing It Just Is in 2001, Shake It Make It & Don't Fake It in 2005 and under the name Captain Pop, Shut Up & Sing in 2006. ~ Adapted from:Michael Sutton, All Music Guide Further info http://steverobertsmusic.co.uk/web/