The Albion Band
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 1971 |
| Founder | Ashley Hutchings |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Folk rock music, albums, live performances |
The Albion Band, which has also performed under the names The Albion Country Band, The Albion Dance Band, and The Albion Christmas Band, is a British folk rock ensemble originally created and guided by musician Ashley Hutchings. Recognized as a significant contributor to the genre, the group has included numerous distinguished English folk performers throughout its various lineups.
Ashley Hutchings, who was instrumental in founding both Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, has remained the band's steady leader. While the band primarily functioned as a platform for his musical endeavors, leadership was transferred in its 2011 formation to his son Blair Dunlop, who maintained the band’s activities until 2014.
In addition, Hutchings directs a seasonal offshoot known as The Albion Christmas Band, which began in 2005 and occasionally features Dunlop among its performers.
Origins
The band was initiated by Hutchings in April 1971 to accompany his then-wife, vocalist Shirley Collins, on her album No Roses. This project brought together prominent artists such as Dave Mattacks, Richard Thompson, and Simon Nicol from Fairport Convention; Lal and Mike Waterson from The Watersons; along with Maddy Prior. During a brief tour, core members were joined by Richard Thompson and his then-wife Linda Thompson. Several musicians from this assembly also collaborated with Hutchings on the 1972 release Morris On, including John Kirkpatrick, Richard Thompson, and Dave Mattacks.
"Albion Country Band" performing line-ups (1972–1973)
Hutchings sought to form a stable ensemble, unveiling the initial lineup in June 1972 featuring Royston Wood, Steve Ashley, Sue Draheim, Simon Nicol, and Dave Mattacks. However, the group struggled to cohere, resulting in Wood, Ashley, and Draheim leaving by October 1972. Although this lineup did not produce an official album, an instrumental track titled "Four Hand Reel / St. Anne's Reel," recorded for the BBC "Top Gear" program in June 1972, was later included on Hutchings' 1994 compilation The Guv'nor Vol 1. Two additional pieces from that session—"Morris Dance Tunes" medley and "Rambling Sailor"—were featured on The Guv'nor Vol 2 (1975). A full-band rendition of "Lord Bateman," with Steve Ashley on vocals and recorded by the original members in November 1972, was eventually released on Ashley's debut album Stroll On (1974).
Following these exits, Hutchings attempted to enlist John Kirkpatrick and Sue Harris, who were unavailable until early 1973. Meanwhile, a provisional Albion Country Band Mk 2 fulfilled scheduled engagements with Hutchings, Richard Thompson, Linda Peters (later Thompson), Simon Nicol, occasional appearances by Shirley Collins, and drummers Dave Mattacks or Roger Swallow. This formation did not make any formal recordings; however, audience recordings from August to December 1972 document performances featuring numerous Thompson compositions delivered in an electric style.
In early 1973, the definitive "Mk 3" Albion Country Band was assembled with Hutchings, Martin Carthy, Kirkpatrick, Harris, Simon Nicol, and Roger Swallow on drums. This lineup toured across England and Europe—including an appearance at the Enschede Folk Festival—and produced the album Battle of the Field. The group disbanded in August 1973 before promoting the album; as a result, its release was delayed until Island Records issued it on their mid-price "HELP" label in 1976. Additional recordings from this ensemble (four tracks captured for Bob Harris's radio program in May 1973) were later included on the BBC Sessions CD (1998), with one track previewed earlier on The Guv'nor Vol 3 (1995).
The Albion Dance Band
Between 1974 and 1975, Hutchings paused the use of the Albion name to establish the Etchingham Steam Band alongside his wife Shirley Collins. In 1976, he brought together a revitalized Albion Band with an emphasis on traditional dance tunes, featuring a sizeable and ever-changing roster that included Simon Nicol, Graeme Taylor (Gryphon), early music experts Phil Pickett and John Sothcott, fiddle player Ric Sanders, and singer John Tams. This ensemble released the spirited traditional album The Prospect Before Us under the name The Albion Dance Band. By 1978, the group shortened its name to The Albion Band, and under Tams’ direction issued Rise Up Like the Sun (1978), which is frequently celebrated as their most exceptional work.
Shows
In 1977, the band performed in the television production Here We Come A-Wassailing and partnered with playwright Keith Dewhurst to create a theatrical version of Flora Thompson’s Lark Rise to Candleford, accompanied by a 1980 album. While one faction worked on this project at the National Theatre, Hutchings toured across the UK in early summer 1979 with a different lineup featuring Melanie Harrold (guitar/vocals), Barry Dransfield (fiddle/dulcimer/vocals), Hutchings (bass), Dave Mattacks (drums), Martin Simpson (guitar/banjo), alongside electric guitarists Andy Roberts and Doug Morter. At this peak of their mainstream recognition, their track "Poor Old Horse" from Rise Up Like the Sun was selected as BBC Radio 1's "Record of the Week," and they were spotlighted in a BBC Arena documentary. Despite positive critical reception, diverging goals—Hutchings prioritizing theatrical projects while others leaned toward touring and recording—caused this formation to disband. Tams, Taylor, and Gregory subsequently became central members of Home Service. Live albums from this period include Songs from the Shows (1997, 1999) and The Guvnor, Volumes 1 to 4 (1996–2004).
Reformation and stability (1980–1990)
Hutchings reassembled the band featuring former Fairport Convention members Nicol and Mattacks, supplemented by three musicians from Cock and Bull (Dave Whetstone, Jean-Pierre Rasle, John Maxwell) and introduced a lead female vocalist for the first time: Cathy Lesurf from the Oyster Band, whose vocal presence became distinctive on recordings of this era. The 1983 album Light Shining primarily contained original compositions but was later overshadowed by accusations of plagiarism involving the track "Wolfe" and Canadian folk artist Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage."
After releasing Shuffle Off (1983), Nicol and Mattacks departed to revive Fairport Convention. They were replaced by guitarist/fiddler/vocalist Phil Beer, guitarist/vocalist Doug Morter, and drummer Trevor Foster, leading to albums such as Under the Rose (1984), A Christmas Present From The Albion Band (1985), and The Wild Side of Town (1987), which was connected to a BBC series by Chris Baines. Prior to Stella Maris (1987), Martin Bell joined as violinist. Following Bell’s and Lesurf’s exits, Simon Care and John Shepherd came on board. This lineup produced three records: I Got New Shoes (1988), Give Me a Saddle and I'll Trade you a Car (1989), and 1990.
Acoustic period (1990–97)
Singer-songwriter Julie Matthews became part of the group in 1990. Although they continued touring, no new albums were released prior to her departure in 1993; however, some recordings from that time were later included on Captured (1995). Following the exits of Foster and Beer, acoustic guitarist Keith Hinchliffe briefly steered the band's sound away from electric instrumentation. Subsequently, Hutchings condensed the lineup into a quartet comprising himself, Chris While (who replaced Matthews), founding member Simon Nicol, and violinist Ashley Reed. This formation concentrated on performing in intimate venues and emphasized contemporary songwriting by artists such as Beth Nielsen Chapman and Steve Knightley, alongside original material. The 1993 album Acousticity highlighted this vibrant and modern approach.
After Reed's departure in 1995, Matthews rejoined to contribute vocals, instrumental performances, and songwriting. Their joint efforts produced Albion Heart (1995), frequently regarded as the standout work of this era and marking the beginning of While and Matthews' lasting collaboration. Notably, this lineup featured few traditional folk instruments; to enrich their sound for their final album of the period, Demi Paradise (1996), they added violinist and mandolin player Chris Leslie. Leslie eventually returned to Fairport Convention, while While and Matthews pursued solo careers. Live recordings from this timeframe include Acousticity on Tour (2004) and Albion Heart on Tour (2004).
Multi-generational phase (1997–2002)
This era saw a return to a classic rock ensemble format, integrating musicians from different generations. Hutchings brought in seasoned guitarist and songwriter Ken Nicol alongside newcomers Joe Broughton on fiddle and Neil Marshall on drums. Female vocals were provided by Kellie While and Gillie Nicholls, both featured on the 1998 album Happy Accident. Nicholls became a permanent member for Before Us Stands Yesterday (1999), but was later replaced by While for The Christmas Album (1999) and Road Movies (2001), which was the band's final studio release. After Nicol's departure, Pete Zorn took over guitar duties. Due to difficulties in securing appropriate venues, the band ceased operations in 2002.
The 1999 release Ridgeriders brought together former members, reinforcing their tradition of collaboration.
Albion Christmas
Beginning in 2005, Hutchings revived the Albion Band in an acoustic format specifically for holiday tours aimed at smaller venues with loyal audiences. The core lineup featured Simon Nicol, Kellie While, and multi-instrumentalist Simon Care. This configuration produced three festive albums: An Albion Christmas (2005), Winter Songs (2006), and Snow on Snow (2008). A fourth compilation titled Traditional (2009) gathered selections from these albums, excluding spoken-word tracks.
The Albion Band reborn
In July 2011, Hutchings announced the band's reformation under new leadership—his son, guitarist and vocalist Blair Dunlop—without his own direct involvement. The refreshed lineup incorporated contemporary folk musicians representing the band’s evolving legacy: Folk Award nominee Katriona Gilmore on fiddle and vocals; Gavin Davenport handling vocals, concertina, and guitar; drummer Tom Wright; bassist Tim Yates—only the second bassist ever to join the band—and lead guitarist Benjamin Trott. They released an EP titled Fighting Room (2011) followed by the studio album Vice of the People (2012).
On 10 January 2014, Dunlop announced that this version of the band would amicably disband to allow members to focus on their individual careers, with intentions to collaborate again in future.
While this main incarnation of the Albion Band remains inactive, the Albion Christmas Band—featuring Ashley Hutchings, Simon Nicol, Simon Care, Kellie While, with occasional appearances by Blair Dunlop—continues to produce new recordings and tour annually throughout the UK each November and December.
Band members
Former contributors to the band are as follows:
- Steve Ashley – vocals, guitar, harmonica, whistle (1972)
- Francis Baines – hurdy-gurdy (1971)
- Phil Beer – vocals, guitar, mandolin, violin (1984–1991)
- Martin Bell – vocals, violin, synthesizer (1986–1987)
- Dave Bland – concertina (1971)
- Joe Broughton – violin (1997–2002)
- Pete Bullock – piano, synthesizer, saxophone, clarinet (1977–1981)
- Bill Caddick – vocals, triangle (1979–1981, died 2018)
- Simon Care – concertina, melodeon (1988–1992)
- Martin Carthy – vocals, guitar (1973, 1978–1980)
- Alan Cave – bassoon (1971)
- Dolly Collins – piano (1971; died 1995)
- Shirley Collins – vocals (1971, 1976–1977, 1978–1980)
- Lol Coxhill – saxophone (1971; died 2012)
- Trevor Crozier – Jew's harp (1971)
- Sue Draheim – violin (1972; died 2013)
- Barry Dransfield – violin, dulcimer, vocals (1971, 1979)
- Howard Evans – trumpet (1978–1981; died 2006)
- Trevor Foster – drums (1983–1991)
- Michael Gregory – drums (1976–1981)
- Tony Hall – melodeon (1971)
- Sue Harris – oboe, hammered dulcimer, vocals (1973)
- Melanie Harrold – flute organ, guitar, vocals (1979)
- Keith Hinchcliffe – guitar (1992)
- Eric Hine – keyboards (1987)
- Ashley Hutchings – bass guitar, vocals (1971–2002)
- Nic Jones – violin (1971)
- John Kirkpatrick – vocals, concertina, melodeon, accordion (1971, 1973, 1979–1980)
- Chris Leslie – vocals, violin (1995–1996)
- Cathy Lesurf – vocals (1982–1988)
- Alan Lumsden – ophicleide (1971)
- Neil Marshall – drums (1998–2002)
- Dave Mattacks – drums, keyboards (1971–1972, 1976–1978, 1979, 1983)
- Julie Matthews – vocals, keyboards, guitar (1991–1992, 1995–1997)
- John Maxwell – vocals, drums, percussion (1982–1983; died 2001)
- Steve Migden – French horn (1971)
- Doug Morter – guitar, vocals (1979–1980, 1983–1985)
- Gillie Nicholls – vocals, guitar (1998–1999)
- Ken Nicol – vocals, guitar (1998–2002)
- Simon Nicol – vocals, guitar (1971–1978, 1982–1983, 1993–1996)
- Philip Pickett – recorder, shawm, crumhorn, bagpipes (1976–1979)
- Roger Powell – drums (1971)
- Maddy Prior – vocals (1971)
- Brian Protheroe – keyboards, vocals (1979–1981)
- Jean-Pierre Rasle – recorder, crumhorn, bagpipes (1982–1983)
- Ashley Reed – violin, vocals (1993–1994)
- Tim Renwick – guitar < small >(1971)< / small >
*Andy Roberts - electric guitar , vocals< small > ( 1979 )< / small > *John Rodd - concertina< small > (76-77 )< / small > * Colin Ross - northumbrian small pipes< small > (71 ; died 2019 )< / small > *Ric Sanders - violin< small > (77-79 )< / small > *Steve Saunders - trombone< small > (79-80 )< / small > *John Shepherd - keyboards< small > (88-90 )< / small > *Martin Simpson - banjo , guitar , vocals< small > (79-80 )< / small > *John Sothcott -vielle , crumhorn ,citole < small > (76-77 )< / small > *Roger Swallow - drums< small > (72-73 )< / small > *John Tams - vocals , melodeon < small > (76-81 )< / small > *Graeme Taylor - guitar< small > (76-81 )< / small > * Linda Thompson - vocals< small > (72 )< / small > * Richard Thompson - guitar< small > (71 ,72 )< / small > *Eddie Upton - vocals , caller< small > (76-77 )< / small > *John Watcham - concertina< small > (72 , with the Albion Morris Men)< / small > *Lal Waterson - vocals< small > (71 ; died 98 )< / small > *Mike Waterson - vocals< small > (71 ; died 11 )< / small > *Dave Whetstone - vocals , concertina , melodeon , guitar< small > (82-84 )< / small > *Chris While - vocals , guitar< small > (93-97 )< / small > *Kellie While - vocals , guitar< small > (99-02 )< / small > *Ian Whiteman - piano< small > (71 )< / small > *Royston Wood - vocals , concertina , percussion< small > (71 ,72 ; died 90 )< / small > *Pete Zorn - saxophone , vocals< small > (01-02 ; died 16 )< / small >
Singles
- "Hopping Down in Kent" paired with "Merry Sherwood Rangers" (Harvest HAR 5113, released 3 September 1976)
- "The Postman's Knock" coupled with "La Sexte Estampie Real" (Harvest HAR 5128, 1977)
- "Poor Old Horse" alongside "Ragged Heroes" (Harvest HAR 5156, 1978)
- "Pain and Paradise" backed with "Lay Me Low" (Harvest HAR 5175, 1979)
- "Wings" (1998)
Albums
- Under the name Albion Country Band
- No Roses (Pegasus PEG-7, 1971), featuring Shirley Collins
- Battle of the Field (Island Records HELP 25, 1976)
- As Albion Dance Band
- The Prospect Before Us (Harvest SHSP 4059, 1977)
- Shuffle Off (Spindrift Records SPIN 103, 1983)
- I Got New Shoes (Making Waves SPIN 132, 1987)
- Dancing Days Are Here Again (Talking Elephant, 2007)
- Rockin' Barn Dance (Talking Elephant, 2009)
- Recorded as Albion Band
- Rise Up Like the Sun (Harvest SHSP 4092, 1978)
- Lark Rise to Candleford (Charisma CDS 4020, 1980), credited to Keith Dewhurst & The Albion Band; labeled as "Various Artists"
- Light Shining (Albino ALB 001, 1983)
- Under The Rose (Spindrift Records SPIN 110, 1984)
- A Christmas Present from the Albion Band (Fun/Tracer, 1985)
- Stella Maris (Making Waves SPIN 130, 1987)
- The Wild Side of Town (Celtic Music CM 042, 1987), collaboration with Chris Baines
- Give Me A Saddle, I'll Trade You A Car (Topic 12TS454, 1989)
- 1990 (Topic 12TS457, 1990)
- Songs from the Shows, volumes one and two (Albino, released between 1990 and 1991)
- Live in Concert (BBC, issued in 1993)
- Acousticity (HTD/Transatlantic, released in 1993)
- Captured (HTD, issued in 1995)
- Albion Heart (Making Waves/HTD, released between 1995 and 1999)
- Demi Paradise (HTD, released in 1996)
- Live At The Cambridge Folk Festival (BBC/Strange Fruit, issued in 1996)
- The Acoustic Years: 1993–1997 (Castle, released in 1997)
- Songs From The Shows (Road Goes On Forever, issued in 1997)
- Happy Accident (HTD/Transatlantic, released in 1998)
- The BBC Sessions (BBC/Strange Fruit, issued in 1998)
- Along The Pilgrim's Way (Mooncrest, released in 1998)
- The Best of 89/90 (HTD, issued in 1998)
- Multiple releases titled Albion Sunrise—HTD Recordings: 1994–1999, by HTD between the years of 1999 and 2004
- A range of albums including Before Us Stands Yesterday, Christmas Album, The HTD Years, Road Movies, An Evening with The Albion Band, No Surrender, Acousticity on Tour, Albion Heart on Tour, The Albion Band Live in Concert, Vintage Albion Band, Natural and Wild, Vintage II On The Road 1972–1980, Another Christmas Present, Fighting Room, and Vice of the People. These were distributed by various labels such as HTD and Powered Flight Music from approximately 1999 through to 2012.
- As Albion Christmas Band
- (Featuring Ashley Hutchings, Simon Nicol, Simon Care, Kellie While)
- Releases include: An Albion Christmas, Winter Songs, Snow On Snow, Traditional, A Sound In The Frosty Air, One For The Road, Magic Touch, and All Are Safely Gathered In. These albums were primarily issued by Talking Elephant and Rooksmere Records during the period from 2003 to 2022.
- Other aliases
- Yuletracks (1986)
- Ridgeriders (1999), credited alongside The Albion Band and Julie Matthews
- As a contributing artist
- Steve Ashley – featured on the track Lord Bateman’’ from the album Stroll On’’ (Gull Records,1974)
- Included on the compilation album The Rough Guide to English Roots Music’’ (World Music Network,1998)
DVDs
- In Search of English Folk Song (1997 BBC production directed by Ken Russell) includes performances by Fairport Convention, Donovan, Osibisa, Eliza Carthy, The Albion Band, Waterson–Carthy, and Edward II. This film was reissued on DVD in 2008, available exclusively for Region 1.