THE foremost electric-folk band in England — the Albion Band — will be playing at the Wharf, Tavistock on Sunday.

With a glorious history stretching back more than 20 years the Albions perform mostly original material and have a musical appeal that crosses all boundaries.

It was the vision and foresight of Ashley Hutchings that daringly led the indigenous British music from darkened clubs and presented it world-wide on festival stages, vibrant, alive and relevant.

Generally considered to be the 'Father of British Folk Rock', Ashley founded the three bands that changed the face of British folk music — the Albion Band, Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention.

The impressive list of past members reads like a roll of honour of folk music's greats. It includes the legendary singer-guitarist Martin Carthy, Shirley Collins, John Kirkpatrick, Cathy Lesurf, Richard Thompson and many, many more.

The current line-up, and one of the finest, to join Ashley (bass guitar, vocals) is Joe Broughton (fiddle), Kelly While, (guitar, vocals), Pete Zorn (guitar, vocals) and Neil Marshall (drums, percussion).

Long standing fans will revel in the new energy and newcomers will become long-standing fans. Wharf box office: 01822 611166.

l The Albion Band perform at the Great Hall, Dartington on Wednesday, October 10.