[1] Sartin and Hutchinson met in the mid-1990s when they were both members of the folk-rock band Life Of Reilly, which existed to write music to satirise the construction of the Newbury bypass.

Two recordings were released, A Kind and Gentle Nature (WildGoose 277) and Annie Laurie (Ruglen 103), while the band played some UK dates and undertook a tour of Germany.

[4] As Belshazzar's Feast their other early recordings were song and tune sets, showcasing a developing concert repertoire, One Too Many in 1996, Drop The Reed in 1998, albeit displaying the same irreverent twist that distinguished them from the social dance norm.

They also had an element of physical comedy, either indicated with their instruments, facial expressions or body language, or by inviting audience members up to the stage.

[17] In addition, humour appeared in their music, for example by slipping pieces of well-known tunes such as the Postman Pat theme or the Christmas carol "Silent Night" into the middle of their material without warning.

[21] In addition, Hutchinson is a composer,[22] arranger and workshop leader (Marlborough College, Cecil Sharp House, Dartington and Benslow Music Centre).