Ashley's chasing a whole new audience

From the archive, first published Thursday 5th Jan 2006.

THE Godfather of British folk-rock will be performing for one night at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, with his new band, Rainbow Chasers.

Ashley Hutchings is to British folk-rock what John Mayall is to British blues. Beginning in the 1960s, Ashley co-founded some of these islands' top folk-rock groups, including Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band.

He is not only a musician and composer of note, but also a poet and musical director at the National Theatre. His skills as a bassist, and understanding of musical forms, have enhanced every band with which he has been involved, and he has worked with everyone from Richard Thompson to The Watersons.

He also discovered the young Nick Drake, and alerted producer Joe Boyd to the legendary singer-songwriter's fledgling talents.

A remarkably youthful 60-year-old, Ashley's career is celebrated in a four-CD boxed set Burning Bright.

However, never one for standing still and contemplating the past, Ashley is now touring with his new band Rainbow Chasers, whose debut album Some Colours Fly has received critical acclaim for its fresh, innovative sound.

Ashley is joined by fiddle player Ruth Angell and Jo Hamilton on viola, both graduates of The Birmingham Conservatoire. Talented young guitarist Mark Hutchinson, who also plays in Tickled Pink, completes the line-up.

Tickets for the concert on Saturday, January 14, cost £10 (concessions £8). To book, contact the box office on 01608 642350 or visit The Theatre's website www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk.

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