Steve Ashley has been on the scene since the early 1970s. One of the original members of the first Albion Country Band, Steve went solo soon after and his albums have grown in stature over the years. Mojo recently featured his first album, "Stroll On", calling it 'a masterpiece…'.

STEVE ASHLEY TIME AND TIDE TSCD569

Steve Ashley's second release for Topic is a landmark in British folk song writing. On strong winds and rising tides, he takes us on a remarkable journey - over the cliffs and into the heart of the woods and towns of England. These are stirring songs that engage with many realities of life in 2007, including global warming and the continuing Trident missile threat. Rich in poetry and strong melodies, they once again demonstrate Steve's deep regard for our folk traditions.

Time and Tide also resonates with his earliest recorded work, reuniting him with orchestral arranger Robert Kirby (Robert and Steve first recorded together on Steve's 1974 classic debut album Stroll On). Among other musicians participating in support are Fairport's Chris Leslie, Dave Pegg and Simon Nicol, plus Robin Williamson and Decameron's Dik Cadbury.

With 15 new songs delivered with candour, humour and hope for the future, the innovative, challenging and compassionate Time and Tide waits for no one.

• "If British singer-songwriterdom is to enjoy a renaissance…then it is right and proper that Steve Ashley should be at the forefront…a distinctively English style….alluring tunes and deft lyrics" fRoots

• " On his new set the gentle, sturdy melodies are matched with a rare blend of emotion and anger. Ashley may not be prolific but his songs are worth the wait." The Guardian

• "Uniformly excellent" Net Rhythms

Steve Ashley vocals, acoustic guitars, mouthorgan, drum, bells and whistles
Dik Cadbury 5-string bass, 5-string fretless, keyboard, percussion, backing vocal, engineering & mixdown
Robert Kirby orchestration
Chris Leslie fiddle, mandolin
Paul Manning piano accordion
Martin Mitchell engineering, final mixdown and mastering
Simon Nicol electric guitar
Dave Pegg acoustic bass guitar, mandolin
Tommy Scott piano, drums, keyboard, engineering
Staccato Strings :- Geoff Short (ldr) violin, Sarah Bushnell viola, Lesley Jackson violin, Susanna Mahler violin, Ness Whiffen violin, Lesley Willcocks violin
Steve Trigg trumpets
Robin Williamson harp
John Wilshaw hurdy gurdy

STEVE ASHLEY EVERYDAY LIVES TSCD526

With "EVERYDAY LIVES", Steve has created a extraordinary album of contemporary songs which are informed, but never overwhelmed, by the tradition. As the title suggests, they focus on aspects of everyday lives and loves, but that shouldn't mislead the reader into thinking they are mundane. Far from it, this is a very special evocation of ENGLISH culture with no apologies (and why should there be?). A deeply atmospheric collection of remarkable songs. Full lyrics included in booklet.

"As his contemporary John Tams blind-sided fans last year, Ashley does the same here" Q

"If British singer-songwriterdom is to enjoy a renaissance…then it is right and proper that Steve Ashley should be at the forefront…a distinctively English style….alluring tunes and deft lyrics" fROOTS

"Welcome back…Ashley has clearly relished this opportunity to deliver at last, the follow-up that Stroll On always demanded" Mojo

1. Everyday Lives
2. Catch Him If You Can
3. Dance With You
4. By The Light Of The Moon
5. Say Goodbye
6. Down Among The Hop Poles
7. Wintertime Has Turned To Spring
8. And I Always Will
9. I Love The Way You Sing
10. Pity The Counsellor
11. We'll Survive
12. Gog And Magog
13. The Spoils Of War
14. Over There In Paradise

Steve Ashley vocals, guitar, electric bouzouki, harmonica, whistle
Dik Cadbury bass guitar, electric guitar, programming
Gerry Conway tabla, Moroccan drums, bells
Mick Dolan electric guitar [8]
Al Fenn acoustic guitar
Chris Leslie fiddles, mandolins
Simon Nicol electric guitar [12]
Dave Pegg bass guitar [12]
Danny Thompson double bass
Robin Williamson harp [12]
Lawrence Wright melodeon

Steve Ashley's web site: www.steveashley.co.uk

Press Reviews

TSCD569 "Time and Tide"

• " ...[one] of the country's finest songwriters. Steve Ashley’s latest is a particular triumph, at once a modern-day masterpiece and a masterly throwback to his earlier glories and the English traditions with which it resonates. With a true understanding of human nature and how the processes of history and change affect the spirit of place, Steve’s songs represent an urgent clarion call to us to wake up before it’s too late." fRoots

• "Ashley is his own man and still brims with insightful visions after a career spanning four decades. Easily overlooked, but that would be your loss" Magazine

• "Steve Ashley still writes a great song. Recommended" All Music Guide

• "An exceptional CD. Rare, precious and meaningful, a new Steve Ashley album is always worth waiting for. A mature and commanding work." Tykes News

• "Typical Steve Ashley, absolutely brilliant." Celtic Heartbeat [BBC Wales]

• "Steve’s ability to empathize with and chronicle life in 21st century England in a literate intelligent style is second to none" Folk London

• "The songs and delivery here, whilst bearing [Steve’s] hallmarks of deftness and élan, crackle with ingenuity. Honest music that calls for repeat-play." Living Tradition

• "With the quality of the music and its performers, it only too a couple of tracks for me to realise on first listen that this was potentially an equal to his classic early albums – Stroll On and Speedy Return – and, on repeated listening, I see no reason to change my mind now. His music was timeless all those years ago, and that is a knack he obviously hasn’t lost. This CD is a subtle work in many ways, but don’t confuse subtlety with lack of depth – that would be a major mistake." Fiddlestix/Green Man Review

• "It’s been six years since Steve’s last Topic release and it’s been well worth the wait. Steve holds a unique songwriters crown – his vivid lyrics have a distinct beauty and humour in them. His verses give a real sparkle to matters he holds dear but he can be as sharp as a razor. It’s a stunning little album – buy it!" Taplas

• "A collection of fifteen new songs that ranks among his most powerful albums yet. Ashley’s characteristic blend of nostalgia, humour, challenge and optimisim is firing on all cylinders, while his voice sounds as good as it ever has. A joy from start to finish." Goldmine

TSCD526 "Everyday Lives"

• "Welcome back…Ashley has clearly relished this opportunity to deliver at last, the follow-up that Stroll On always demanded" Mojo

• "Praiseworthy modern folk music – accomplished, engaging and more rewarding very time it is played" Get Rhythm Magazine

• "Great songs, great singing and a great supporting cast" Netrhythms

• "Mastery of language and imagery" Tykes News

• "Everyday Lives succeeds musically, lyrically and vocally. It offers a perfect combination of the old and new, much as the best English folk-rockers and singer/songwriters always have. A rewarding listening experience" All Music Guide (USA)