In side activity to the STRAWBS activities in 2006 band founder Dave Cousins and bass guitarist Chas Cronk assembled BLUE ANGEL ORCHESTRA with the DOG SOLDIER, SAVOY BROWN and CHICKEN SHACK credited guitarist Miller Anderson, HOT RATS fiddle player Ian Cutler and drummer Chris Hunt. The group's debut live performance took place in Deal at The Astor Theatre. The STRAWBS put on a Christmas concert to close 2006 with BLUE ANGEL ORCHESTRA as guests.

In April 2007 DAVE COUSINS, together with the BLUE ANGEL ORCHESTRA musicians, crafted his second solo album 'The Boy In The Blue Sailor Suit' working with producer Chris Tsangarides. Another Christmas celebration saw another STRAWBS / BLUE ANGEL ORCHESTRA live union.