The recipe for a musical Burlesque cocktail was: a dash of punk, a dash of new wave, a dash of jazz, a dash of art rock, and finally a pinch of comedy.

However, the band, founded in 1972, took five years to release their first album. The musical nucleus of Burlesque was formed by saxophonist and singer Ian Trimmer and guitarist Billy Jenkins. In 1973, Burlesque ventured onto the stage for the first time. Since the band had big plans, they immediately opened for Thin Lizzy.

After that, they hit the trendy clubs: Tramshed in Woolwich, the legendary Speakeasy, Marquee Club, Nashville Rooms, Brecknock in Camden, and Dingwalls Dancehall. They toured throughout the UK, playing not only in clubs but also at universities and colleges. They also frequently performed in the Benelux countries.

In 1976, music legend Clive Davis personally brought the band to America and offered them a contract with his label Arista. In 1977, “Acupuncture” was released, which is more or less a live album. The tracks were recorded during the band's tour with the Kursaal Flyers and Be Bop Deluxe using the Island Mobile Recording Studio.

The producer was Muff Winwood, Stevie Winwood's older brother and former bassist with the Spencer Davis Group. This was a stroke of luck for the band, as Muff was in high demand thanks to his work with Dire Straits, the Sparks, Mott the Hoople, and others.

In August 1977, the band recorded their second album in Finland. The personnel merry-go-round had turned again: Kevin Curry, former drummer with John Cale and Supertramp, was now on drums. George Haslam (MC5, Cactus, The J. Geils Band, among others) was another legendary producer at the controls. The album “Burlesque” was released in the same year, but by then there were insurmountable tensions between the band and their label. On December 9, 1977, the band played their last concert in London and said goodbye to their fans. Burlesque were history.

Now, after 48 (!) years, both albums are being released for the first time in digital form and on CD, with remastered sound.

1. Space Age Blues
2. Jerkin'
3. Take It Out On the People
4. I Got Me (Babe)
5. Steel Appeal
6. Rochdale / Rock Stale
7. 10% 15%
8. Going Dutch
9. Bizz-Fizz
10. Elsie Petunia
11. Lana Turner
12. Cold War Romance
13. Hymie Blows It
14. Acupuncture
15. Where Did You Get It?
16. Drabola
17. C.N.D.' 63
18. Love It To Death