The Guv'nor at Arlington

Ashley “The Guv’nor” Hutchings, founder of Fairport Convention, Albion Band and Steeleye Span performs with his latest outfit The Rainbow Chasers at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, on Saturday.
As the often titled “Godfather of folk-rock,” he has a pedigree for starting exciting new bands. He left The Albion Band in 2002 to put together a full-time touring and recording project based around talented young musicians.The original lineup besides Hutchings on bass was: Mark Hutchinson on guitar, Ruth Angell on violin and Jo Hamilton on guitar with everyone pitching in with the vocals. In 2008 singer/songwriter Joe Topping replaced Mark and the current lineup has remained constant since. Describing themselves as a simple English folk band, the Rainbow Chasers play traditional and original songs on acoustic instruments. However, having gathered a reputation for the quality of their musicianship, arrangements and live performances, it is easy to assume that they are so much more than this.
Tickets, priced £13.50 (£ discounts) are available from the Box Office on 01635 244246, online via

and from Mary Hare Hearing Centre, Weaver’s Walk, Newbury.