THE WESLEY THREE

The Wesley Three, comprised of twin brothers, Peter and Martin Wesley-Smith (born in Adelaide in 1947), and Keith Conlon, was a stylish, musically knowledgeable, Kingston Trio-like ensemble, which attracted public attention through appearances on the national TV talent quest Showcase 65, recorded two albums in quick succession for CBS ('The Wesley Three' and 'City Folk'), and enjoyed a brief burst of national success. Formed in 1962 when the boys were still at St Peter’s College, the trio patterned itself after American ensembles like The Chad Mitchell Trio with Conlon on snare drum and percussion, Peter on double bass and Martin on guitar. 

The Wesley Three’s repertoire encompassed protest standards like ''The Ballad of Spring Hill'' or Gary Shearston’s ''The Voyager''; bush ballads such as ''The Rabbiter’s Song'' and ''Flash Jack''; American perennials like ''Bullgine Run'', ''Tell Old Bill'' and ''Drill Ye Tarriers''; and whimsical children’s material such as ''The Owl and the Pussycat'' and ''Little Tommy''. The Wesley Three moved progressively away from folk music in two further recordings, a children’s album titled 'Banjo and Mr Thwump' (1966), and 'Leaning on a Lamp-Post' (1967), a collection of vaudeville and music hall songs. The trio lasted until 1968, disbanding when Peter Wesley-Smith went overseas to do post-graduate work. Conlon and Martin subsequently re-teamed, along with brother, Jerry and Amanda Irving, for a recording 'The Glorious Years' (1971), released by the Jacaranda Press in conjunction with the book of the same title by Graeme Inson and Russel Ward. Martin Wesley-Smith subsequently went on to become a leading exponent and composer of electronic music. Peter Wesley-Smith ultimately became Dean of Law at the University of Hong Kong. Martin Wesley-Smith died in 2019 after a ten-year battle with cancer.

Members

Martin Wesley-Smith (vocals/guitar/banjo/cello), Peter Wesley-Smith (vocals/bass/harmonica), Keith Conlan (penny whistle/flute/autoharp/drums percussion)

SINGLES

''Little Tommy (#92) / Bound For South Australia'' 1965 CBS
''The Hammer Song / The Owl And The Pussycat'' 1965 CBS
''My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes / Fanlight Fanny (The Frowzy Night Club Queen) 1967 CBS

EPs

'The Wesley Three' 1966 CBS

ALBUMS

'The Wesley Three' 1965 CBS
'City Folk' 1965 CBS

'Banjo & Mister Thwump (The Singing Rabbit)' 1966 CBS

'Leaning On A Lamp-Post' 1967 CBS

References

http://www.warrenfahey.com.au/early-adelaide-2/

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/