CD Ashley Hutchings With Blair Dunlop & Becky Mills – A Midwinter Miscellany

A Midwinter Miscellany is a heartwarming seasonal release from "The Guv’nor" of British folk, Ashley Hutchings MBE. Joined by his son, BBC Folk Award winner Blair Dunlop, and the acclaimed singer-songwriter Becky Mills, Hutchings delivers a captivating "mélange" of music and spoken word that perfectly captures the essence of the winter season.

Recorded at Hutchings’ home in Derbyshire, this album serves as a spiritual companion to the legendary Albion Christmas Shows. It weaves together newly composed songs with evocative readings from literary greats such as Christopher Smart, Kenneth Grahame, and George Eliot. The result is a vivid "patchwork" of folk tradition, ranging from explorations of ancient midwinter customs to the magical silence of snowfall.

Key Highlights:

• "Crocus/Crocuses": A seamless blend of poetry and delicate acoustic performance.
• "The Mahogany Tree": Featuring guest vocals by Judy Dunlop, set to the prose of William Makepeace Thackeray.
• "Silence of Snow": A magical track featuring Hutchings on lead vocals and Blair Dunlop on his signature Gretsch guitar.
• "Animals' Carol": Highly recommended by The Times as a seasonal standout.

Whether you are a devotee of Fairport Convention and The Albion Band or simply seeking a restful, warm soundtrack for the hearth, this 10/10 rated album is an essential addition to any folk collection. Experience a world of warmth, love, and tradition with this sublime Talking Elephant Records release.