A collection of dark traditional songs reset in the present day by Ashley Hutchings

STREET CRIES: ASHLEY HUTCHINGS & VARIOUS ARTISTS TSCD535

Sung by Coope, Boyes & Simpson, Steve Knightley, Cara Dillon, Dick Gaughan, Helen Watson, Vin Garbutt, Judy Dunlop, Dave Burland, Kathryn Roberts with Equation, John Tams, June Tabor, Pete Morton, Nasreen Shah.

An outstanding new album conceived and produced by one of the most significant creators in the folk music field. Traditional music has always changed and adapted to fit and respond to the society that it reflects. Ashley Hutchings has re-written a dozen traditional songs and set them in the present day - don't be alarmed, the experiment has worked beautifully and the results may well pass into tradition themselves.

Each song is based on a traditional work and has retained the original tune - only the words have been changed. A cast of major contemporary interpreters of traditional song was chosen, song by song, and each has contributed mightily - producing a program of outstanding performance. In addition to that, the sensitive arrangements and backings have enhanced the whole project still further - producing an album that is both adventurous and highly enjoyable.

"the performances are uniformly excellent" Q Magazine

"The most significant work that Ashley Hutchings has done since 'Morris On' BBC Radio 2" Mike Harding Show

"Without once compromising tradition, Hutchings has brought these age-old songs of the darker side of life into the twenty-first century - the concept is brilliant, the bringing together of such players just blows the mind. A wonderful, wonderful album" Country Music Round Up

"Hutching's project to breath new life into traditional folk tunes and make them more relevant to a modern audience has resulted in an album full of variety.." The County Times

"Hutchings' boldest work for fifteen years…he's assembled a formidable line-up to set his modern dramas in old clothes into fruition. June Tabor's These Cold Lips is a grisly fable based on All Things are Quite Silent with a shattering impact virtue of Tabor's chilling performance, while Dick Gaughan's version of the re-invented Henry Martin conveys the intensity and moment of traditional balladry at its finest. Hutchings has done a formidable conversion job, maintaining the essence of the original ballads. A fascinating experiment executed with passion and real care." fROOTS

"A lovingly made vibrant album" All Music Guide

"The highlights are almost too numerous to mention" Folk North West