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

1  The North West Wind
2  Still Waiting
3  The Birds Of The Country
4  Lands End
5  The Drowning Cell
6  Friend Of The Rivers
7  Ships Of Shame
8  Down The Line
9  A Time-Honoured Way
10  The Vintners
11  Pub Carpets
12  The Refugees
13  This Old English Town
14  A Better Day
15  Best Wishes

Steve Ashley vocals, acoustic guitars, mouthorgan, drum, bells and whistles
with
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
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

Available now from:
TOPIC SHOP, AMAZON, ITUNES and on SPOTIFY