Albion Band Lives yet again!

[Greg E]

Loving the potential of this new Albion band. Have to agree with the poster above who said its the sort of music that got him into Folk Rock in the 1st place.
Loving the new sound.
Whilst not perfect vocally I think you can get away with it in this style of music. Edgy is good and imperfection is great!
'Clean', 'polished' sounding bands are killing the Folk/Rock genre. This just might help turn the tide.

And all the better if froots hates it.

[fstix (Michael)]

Seems the new album will be called "Vice Of The People" - and here's some pics of the current recording:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.226269390777202.51925.178617832209025&type=1

[red max]

I've only just come across this thread, but I read every page from the beginning. To me this is a fascinating topic, as we're living in a time when a lot of famous bands are running short on established members. There are two versions of Wishbone Ash on the go, and while one is at pains to declare itself 'official', each band has only one original band member working with a few hired guns. No doubt there are many other examples of this. A band name is also a brand name, and sometimes 'official' just means one musician owns the business rights. There's a bit more to a band's identity than that, as several people have already commented.

I suppose what makes The Albion Band an interesting example – even before you deal with the present line-up – is the fluidity of the band in the past. The only consistent presence was Ashley, and to begin with he was a non-singing bassist who composed very little. The character of the band was highly dependent on the musicians he hired, so you got the John Tams period, then Cathy le Surf, etc. Plus there was the fact that the band changed almost beyond recognition between the 70s and the 80s: you had a group heavily influenced by the folk tradition, then a contemporary band trying to carve out a modern sound. Numerous line-up changes followed, and the styles ranged from hard rocking to 'unplugged' acoustic. And frankly, I don't know if the band retained much identity or interest by the time of its demise.

I remember on the official Albion Band website, Ashley announced that the band had split 'due to the decreasing number of gigs available', which was eerily reminiscent of Spinal Tap's appeal 'becoming more selective'. This isn't to say Ashley had suffered a succession of exploding drummers, but does suggest the band weren't exactly setting the world alight. Their farewell slot at Cropredy was halfway through the afternoon, if memory serves. This doesn't suggest there's a blazing baton to pick up, but if Ashley and his son feel it's worthwhile, then that's their prerogative. Ultimately it's the number of (or lack of) punters that'll decide the matter. It's a controversial but intriguing move, quite fitting with the wayward character of The Albion Band.

[MikeB (Mike)]

I suppose what makes The Albion Band an interesting example – even before you deal with the present line-up – is the fluidity of the band in the past.

Not to mention the period where there were two Albion Bands in existence, one at the National Theatre being the house band for Lark Rise To Candleford and the concurrent, unrecorded version that Ashley put together to fulfil gig commitments.

[Chris]

They've got their website up & running - with a whole tour organised....looking forward to it.

[MarkV]

They've got their website up & running - with a whole tour organised....looking forward to it.

hmmm Camberley probably for me

[ronnie]

Oooh Edinburgh. I'll check my diary

ronnie

[fstix (Michael)]

Very good website - and anyone checking it will be well aware of the line-up being Ashley-less, which was part of the concern before.

[davidmjs]

Very good website - and anyone checking it will be well aware of the line-up being Ashley-less, which was part of the concern before.

Except imho when it links to the shop and it all gets a bit confusing (for the uninitiated at least) again (and the design scheme reverts to the 'old' website too)...

[Martin F]

Very good website - and anyone checking it will be well aware of the line-up being Ashley-less, which was part of the concern before.

Except imho when it links to the shop and it all gets a bit confusing (for the uninitiated at least) again (and the design scheme reverts to the 'old' website too)...

That's because it links back to the old website, not a different page on the new site.

[GubGub (Al)]

Crikey. Worthing! I wish them luck. I'll try and go so they won't feel too lonely!

[martin driver]

Certainly ambitious for a new band, there are some fairly large venues on that list, one can but wish them luck.

[Henry Tompkins (Pete)]

Crikey. Worthing! I wish them luck. I'll try and go so they won't feel too lonely!

Is the Worthing Assembly Hall the venue opposite the Royal Mail building would you know Al?

[GubGub (Al)]

Crikey. Worthing! I wish them luck. I'll try and go so they won't feel too lonely!

Is the Worthing Assembly Hall the venue opposite the Royal Mail building would you know Al?

Yes, that's the one. Well, nearly opposite, behind the town hall and the library. Even the Fairports have not been able to fill it for some years. The Albions don't stand a chance. There is just no audience in Worthing. It could be embarrassing.

I saw Nils Lofgren there some years back in a half empty hall and Ian Hunter & Mick Ronson in front of three men and a dog. Things haven't improved since then.

[Henry Tompkins (Pete)]

Sounds ominous then.  

[Mr Cat (Lewis)]

Seems strange that the new AB should choose such large venues when the reason for Ashley knocking the band on the head in the first place was lack of economically viable gigs..Unless the new AB are supporting a more bankable act..

[davidmjs]

Unless the new AB are supporting a more bankable act..

I did wonder that.  I can't see any other possibility.  Colston Hall with 100 people in it would be an interesting experience....

[PaulT]

I guess it's not the main hall at the Colston - there's a smaller room at the venue (can't remember the name at the mo')

[Andy]

"Hall 2"?

[Andy Tuck]

I know when I tried to book them they were looking at venues in the 400-600 range.