"We set out to make an album by completing unfinished archive material left in the vaults of Foel Studio (Dave Anderson's studio in Llaneaircaereinion, Powys, Wales where they had recorded the first Long Hello album). The only track to survive from this original intention is The Epilogue recorded in 1977 by Hugh (pianos), Ian Gomm (guitars, engineering) and Eric Cairns (drums) and redubbed by J.B.E. in 1985. All other tracks are new. Drums on Saigon and Tropic Of Conversation were programmed by Hugh and humanised by Guy. Baliphones on The Main Slide were recorded in a vacant London flat and dubbed at Foel. The track Gentlemen Prefer Blues was the first piece of ensemble playing from this trio since 1976, immortalised courtesy of an astute punch-into-record by Brain." (From the sleeve notes of the Gentlemen Prefer Blues album)

The album seems to have been Hugh's only real recording commitment in the 80s. It could easily have been called The Long Hello vol. Five; it sounds like the successor of the first Long Hello album and has very little to do with blues. The Now And Then album is basically a re-release of Gentlemen Prefer Blues but the two tracks Foggy Foggy Dew and Half-world have been substituted with The Liquidator and Tarzan off Time Vaults. The cover says Van der Graaf Generator/Jackson Banton Evans. It seems to be close to a bootleg album and the gentlemen involved are probably not too happy about it. Avoid it if you can!