Ashley/Albions Discography

[Jules Gray]

Yeah, I don't think I have ever owned that one. Partly because I have no idea if the tracks are ones I already mainly have or not. I guess if I found a copy in a bargain bin for a pound I might pick it up, but I wasn't going to pay full whack for it without knowing those things.

Same.

Jules

[RobertD]

Not sure what the reissue that David has shows inside, but my 'original' version has the following tracks-

1. If I Had A Ribbon Bow
2. WKWTTG
3. Reynardine
4. Tam Lin

Obviously Fairport. 1,3, and 4 I feel are versions I have on other Fairport related issues. Who Knows is a rather lovely acoustic band version. I only have that first Sandy boxset, the 3 disk WKWTTG so it is possible this version is on other Sandy releases.

5.Norfolk Line Dance-The Sawdust Band, 1976. Should be most of the same details and personnel as Kickin' Up The Sawdust
6.Cell Song-1978, with an introduction from a presenter I'm guessing. Dated 1978 so essentially the Rise Up Like The Sun lineup with John Tams singing

7. Galliard/Brawl
8. Jacob's Well-both dated 1981, which I take it to be the same 'Lark Rise' group from that year-Ashley, Michael Gregory, Tams, Graeme Taylor, Pete Bullock, Bill Caddick, Howard Evans, and the man we won't name on the medieval instruments, same details as Guv'nor V3

9. The Shipwreck-1987- should be same details as on Guv'nor V2-Cathy Lesurf, Phil Beer, Martin Bell, Ashley, and Trevor Foster

10. Wings Of Mercury-1988- probably same details as on Guv'nor V2-AH, Cathy, Phil Beer, John Shepherd

11. Struck It Right-1993-Live version from Acousticity-AH, Simon Nicol, Chris While, Ashley Reed

12. Daniel Callaghan- 1997, co-written by Chris While & Julie Matthews so guessing from the Demi Paradise era-Julie, Chris While, AH, Simon, Chris Leslie

13. Shine On Love- 1998, from the Ken Nicol/Joe Broughton era. Maybe an outtake from Happy Accident?

14. Pleasures Of The Town/Uncle Bernard's, listed as the Gingham Pinks, 2001-Mainly Norfolk has that as Ashley, Jon Moore, Simon Care and Phil Beer. Sounds like something that would have been on Grandson Of Morris On.

15. Cookery Is The New Rock & Roll-Albion Band 2001.  Nicol/Broughton era

16. Three Ways Of Moving-2001- Same as above

17. Press Gang- Same as above


So that's what it shows on my copy, hope that helps! I've been knee deep in research for what I hope turns into a long term writing project so am in a fact checking/investigative mind right now. At the moment I need help with one specific thing I saw mentioned somewhere in my search. So strange as it seems, if anyone can tell me how Scottish people might pronounce the name Milne (not the author), but a ship captain in the 19th century with that spelling of his name I would be much obliged. There is a song with a historical context I am starting with, and the theory is that it is pronounced quite differently as to how it is spelled and it would be the icing on the cake if that is true!

[Dan O.]

I've always enjoyed the Ashley 5 (Guvnor) compilation, bought it from AH himself at one of the last Albion Band shows around 2002 - however, I agree, a little more information on the sleevenotes would be nice.

Robert's summing up in the previous post is pretty good, however with one small correction. The voice introducing "Cookery Is The New Rock 'n Roll" is the much-missed Pete Zorn, and the presence of his saxophone on the track confirms this.

Ken Nicol left the latter day Albion Band just after the Road Movies album, so the final lineup which I managed to catch a few times was AH, Joe Broughton, Kellie While, Pete Zorn and either Neil Marshall or Nip Healey on drums. An honourable mention goes to Gerry Conway who depped for them one night only at an open air gig in Bishop's Waltham - AH introduced him as "on loan from Fairport Convention", a great moment.

[davidmjs]

Thanks Robert (& Dan) but one really shouldn't have to resort to doing this bloody stuff oneself...

[Jules Gray]

Nice work Robert and Dan!

Jules

[RobertD]

Thanks Dan for that correction. I always did wonder who spoke that intro, happy to know now that it was Pete.