The Albion Dance Band, The Prospect Before Us, LP UK Harvest 1976 - SHSP 4059 

Hutchings and Nicol produced this album in 1976, well assisted by the engineer Vic Gammon. Among the compositions appears a classic by Henry Purcell from 1689. The group also includes Shirley Collins at this stage. The album features a cover design by Dave Dragon, inspired by a not very understandable idea by Pete Scrowter; the design by William Dudley on the back is instead funny and charming.

Hutchings e Nicol producono nel 1976 questo disco, ben assistiti dal tecnico Vic Gammon. Tra le composizioni compare un classico di Henry Purcell del 1689. Del gruppo fa parte in questa fase anche Shirley Collins. Il disco presenta un disegno di copertina di dave Dragon, ispirato a un'idea poco comprensibile di Pete Scrowter; il disegno di William Dudley sul retro è invece divertente e affascinante.

Tracks: Uncle Bernard's / Jenny Lind (3:48) - The Hunt Is Up (1:53) - Varsovinna (2:49) - Masque (1:00) - Huntsman's Chorus (4:33) - Minuet (2:05) - Wassail Song (2:35) - Picking of Sticks / The Old Mole (3:14) - Merry Sherwood Rangers (3:21) - La Sexte Estampie Real (1:50) - I Wish I Was Single Again (3:44) - The Whim (3:28) - Hopping Down in Kent (2:46) - Horse's Brawl (3:42)

The CD re-release has two bonus tracks: On Christmas Night All Christians Sing (previously unreleased) (3:34) - Merry Sherwood Rangers (single version) (3:05) Album produced by Ashley Hutchings and Simon Nicol - Engineered by Vic Gamm Recorded at Sound Techniques and Olympic No. 1, London, 1971 Tracke 2, 5, 8, 9, and 14 were recorded at dances held at Olympic in September 1976 Front cover design by Dave Dragon based on an idea by Pete Scrowther Back cover design by William Dudley

Musicians: Ashley Hutchings: leader, electric bass guitar, vocals - Eddie Upton: caller, vocals Shirley Collins: vocals - John Tams: vocals, melodeon - John Rodd: concertina, tambourine, vocals; Phil Pickett: curtals, shawms, recorders, crumhorns, bagpipes, rackets, chalumeaux, synthesiser; John Sothcott: vielle, citole, crumhorn; Simon Nicol: electric and acoustic guitars, piano; Graeme Taylor: electric guitar, piano; Michael Gregory: drums, nakers, percussion; Dave Mattacks: drums, piano, electric piano