The Albion Band

Beyond a simple line up change, 2012 will see a complete reboot of the Albion Band.
2011 sees the torch being passed to a newer generation of English folk talent. As ever, this band brings together some of the finest musicians and singers in the UK folk scene.

This new lineup recaptures the spirit of the Albion Band’s heyday with a rockier, edgier approach to traditional English folk music. Taking this unique character of classic era Albion Band, fusing it with award winning song writing and a contemporary rock and indie vibe, the new sound is contemporary English Folk-Rock with nothing to hide.

Taking a back-seat, but retaining an artistic eye on the band, founder Ashley Hutchings hands over the reins to his son, Blair Dunlop (Guitar & Vocals); the new line-up will also include singer Gavin Davenport, Drummer and Producer Tom Wright, Katriona Gilmore (Fiddle, Mandolin & Vocals) and Tim Yates (Bass & Melodeon).

The band will perform self-penned, re-written and traditional material as well as re-booted Albion Band classics in what promises to be a diverse and energetic live set.

Ashley's view:-

"For a good number of years people have been encouraging me to re-form The Albion Band. I have resisted these calls; getting the old faces together again in a permanent kind of way didn't seem the right thing to do.  Then, just before last Christmas, I had a Eureka moment.  The way forward was to allow a new generation to take over the baton of The Albion Band. The next day I asked my son Blair what he thought of being part of a new re-invented Albion Band.  His reply was that he couldn't think of anything he would rather do. We were up and running.  Initially, I thought I would be some kind of Brian Wilson-figure, lurking in the background, pulling the strings. However it hasn't turned out that way. The youngsters don't need me and are building something new themselves."