One For The Road

2014 release, the first live album from The Albion Christmas Band. Last December the band's show at London's prestigious Kings Place was recorded by Rooksmere Records. The concert, which was part of the band's 15th anniversary tour, featured a selection of songs, tunes, and readings. ONE FROM THE ROAD perfectly captures the variety of the show as well as the atmosphere of the evening's performance. The Albion Christmas Band evolved from special seasonal shows by the last incarnation of the Albion Band. On a suggestion from Simon Care, a previous Albion band member himself, the band's original founder Ashley 'The Guv'nor' Hutchings brought together two other previous Albion Band members to create an autonomous band to present a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain. These popular concerts feature a mixture of seasonal carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance. But they add a modern twist with some newly written songs. The show is the antithesis of the Christmas specials' that fill television screens, reminding audiences of the simpler pleasures and values of a traditional Christmas. The Albion Christmas Band features the combined talents of Simon Nicol (founder member of Fairport Convention) on acoustic guitar and vocals, Kellie While (Albion Band), acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion, Simon Care (Edward II), melodeons, and the Guv'nor himself, Ashley Hutchings, (founder of Fairport Convention, Albion Band, and Steeleye Span) on bass guitar and vocals.