The Albion Band: A Christmas Present From The Albion Band
Originally used as a name to credit the musicians hired to accompany Shirley Collins in
1971, The Albion Band later became a group in their own right. Bass player Ashley Hutchings, who had
previously founded and left both Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, is the driving force behind this group.
The members use acoustic and electric instruments to create a folk-rock sound something like Fairport
Convention's, but usually more typically English in character. They have existed as the Albion Band, the
Albion Country Band, and the Albion Dance Band.
-- Steve Winnick, All-Music Guide
Carols, songs, and recitations pertaining to the holiday are featured on A Christmas Present From The Albion Band, with the lovely singing of Cathy LeSurf. The album includes a cover of The Band's "Christmas Must Be Tonight".
Tracks
- In The Bleak Midwinter
- Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
- Extract from Philip Stubbes' "Anatomie Of Abuses", 1583
- The Official Branle (Dind Dong Merrily On High)
- Worcester
- Christmas Must Be Tonight
- Bells Of Paradise / I Sing Of A Maid
- Extract from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"
- Welch Rabbit
- Shepherds Arise
- Personent Hodie
- Extract from Thomas Hardy's "Under The Greenwood Tree"
- On Christmas Night All Christians Sing
- While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
- Keep The Home Fires Burning / Extracts from Parnell's "History Of The First World War" / Es Ist Ein Ros
- Somerset Wassail
Credits
- Cathy Lesurf - lead vocals, spoken word
- Ashley Hutchings - bass, vocals, spoken word
- Phil Beer - fiddle, mandolin, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, spoken word
- Doug Morter - guitar, vocals, spoken word
- Trevor Foster - drums, percussion
- Max Clifford - keyboards
- John O'Connor - additional vocals