Sweet Substitute is an English all girl trio, specializing in jazz and swing harmony recordings, including a cappella. They originated from

Bristol Bristol () is a city, ceremonial county and unitary authority in England. Situated on the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is the most populous city in ...

, England.

Founding

The trio were founded in 1975, when English folk musician Andy Leggett (see Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra) met singer Teri Penfold (his future wife) at a party and suggested that she should contact Angie Masterton and Eiri Thrasher to form a singing trio. Eiri left the group and was replaced by Sammi Brown (real name Chris Price). Their first album, ''Something Special'', became

BBC Radio 2 BBC Radio 2 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It is the most popular station in the United Kingdom with over 15 million weekly listeners. Since launching in 1967, the station broadcasts a wide range of content. ...

's album of the week when released in 1977. Shortly after they appeared on a UK radio show with

Geoff Love Geoffrey Love (4 September 1917 – 8 July 1991) was a prolific British arranger and composer of easy listening and pop versions of film themes. He became famous in the late 1950s, playing under the pseudonym of Manuel and The Music of The Mou ...

and his Orchestra. They appeared on BBC TV's long running TV show, '' The Good Old Days''. They carried on recording swing type material in four more albums, despite Decca wanting them to change direction. Chris Price then decided to leave the trio with Kate McNab taking her place. In 1980, they began performing as guests on BBC radio shows with a new repertoire. After leaving

Decca Records Decca Records is a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis (Decca), Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934 by Lewis, Jack Kapp, American Decca's first president, and Milton Rackmil, who later became American ...

they moved to

Black Lion Records Black Lion Records was a British jazz record company and label based in London, England. Alan Bates founded Black Lion Records in 1968. The label had two series of releases, one for British jazz musicians and one for international musicians. I ...

and issued an album, ''Sophisticated Ladies'' (also issued as ''Sweet Substitute'' with different packaging) in 1981. The line-up on this album was Angie Masterton, Teri Leggett and Kate McNab. While touring with Georgie Fame, they were backed by guitarist Kit Morgan who is still backing Kate McNab today. Teri was later replaced by Suzi Knowler. Angie Masterton died in 1999.

Partial discography

Albums *''Something Special'' – 1977 –

- SKL 5276 *'' Sophisticated Ladies'' – 1981 –

– BLM 51010 Singles *"I Give In" – 7” – 1978 – Decca - F 13820 *"Back in the World Again" – 7” – 1979 - Decca - F 13833 *"Take Me to the Mardi Gras" – 7” - 1980 – Logo – GO 393 (UK) *"Take Me to the Mardi Gras" – 7” – 1980 - AVES - INT 111.554 (Germany) *"Love For Sale" – 7” – 1983 – Polydor - 815 079-7

References

{{Authority control English vocal groups English jazz ensembles Musical groups established in 1975 Black Lion Records artists