THE LIVERPOOL JUDIES are the female members of Philadelphia's sea shanty group, Outward Bound. That group sang five concerts a week aboard the Philadelphia Maritime Museum's tall ship, Gazela Primerio, during the Bicentennial in 1976. The women had wanted to branch out musically, and evolved into a unique a capell trio that sang sea shanties, drinking songs, and English countryside ballads, with a healthy dose of humor in the mix. They sing in tight three-part harmony, with an occasional guitar, banjo, mandolin, or concertina thrown in for good measure. Their audiences are entertained, educated, and encouraged to sing along. Their performance venues ran the gamut from festivals and folksong societies to tall ships, schools, clubs, and museums along the east coast, plus radio and TV appearances. Years after "officially" splitting up (in 1980), they rebanded to sing with the Philadelphia Orchestra at a sold-out concert at the Academy of Music .

Now, after a too-long hiatus, the group is back together for special appearances. Relentless requests have resulted in a compilation recording, released by Twinstar Records, of some of their favorite songs, performed at some of their favorite venues.

TERESA PYOTT's love of folk music began with her years of Girl Scout leadership and campfire songs. Membership in the Philadelphia folksong Society led her to research with Dr. Kenneth S. Goldstein, and eventually a position as his assistant in the Folklore and Folklife Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Study here opened up the world of music of the British Isles and Ireland, and set her on a course of traditional songs. She began developing programs for the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Her real love is sea music, but she still takes joy in singing for children.

MARY ZIKOS fell in love with folk music 40 years ago, and the affair is still going strong. Her concerts feature traditional and contemporary songs with a story or two mixed in. Zikos began singing harmony in the 1970's with the shanty chorus Outward Bound, and continues with the trios Liverpool Judies and Rhubarb Fool. She is the singer for the Princeton, New Jersey-based English ritual dance team Handsome Molly. Her rich, deep voice ("like buttah") is one that lingers in your memory long after the echos of the songs have faded.

CARYL P. WEISS leads a diverse musical life. Over the years, she's played 38 instruments in a variety of styles, including folk, classical, country, rock, and jazz. She's performed in 26 states and 12 countries, has won a number of songwriting competitions, and was named "Best Folk Act" in the Austin Chronicle Music Awards, 1995/96. She's released six solo albums and has appeared on 27 others. Additionally, she ran a booking agency in the 1970's, handling, among others, Stan Rogers and Kate Wolf. Her hobbies include sailing and photography; and, yes--she really IS a commissioned Admiral in the Texas Navy!