R Smythe's creation, English Everyman, returns unaccompanied (1,8)

I believe the answer is:

a cappella

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'unaccompanied' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for a cappella that I've seen before include "Unaccompanied singing" , "type of singing" , "Palace pal in unaccompanied song" , "Of choral music, unaccompanied" , "Palace pal singing without musical accompaniment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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