The Mamas & the Papas played something closer to folk rock, with bass and drums. Their rehearsals in the Virgin Islands were "the first time that we tried playing electric". The band then traveled from New York to Los Angeles for an audition with Lou Adler, co-owner of Dunhill Records. The audition was arranged by Barry McGuire, who had befriended Cass Elliot and John Phillips independently over the previous two years, and who had recently signed with Dunhill himself. It led to "a deal in which they would record two albums a year for the next five years", with a royalty of 5 percent on
Mamas & Papas Mamas & Papas was described as the "UK's bestselling nursery brand". At this time they were expanding the number of their overseas outlets. In 2014, the business embarked on cost-cutting associated with a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Store closures were considered but were avoided by the CVA. The private equity firm BlueGem Capital Partners took a majority share in Mamas & Papas in the summer of 2014, joining a portfolio that includes Liberty and Jack Wills. The company returned to profitability in 2015. In 2016, the rejuvenated retailer opened a 5,000 sq ft flagship store at Westfield London. Mamas &