'A lot of people still think Morris dancing is a joke'

Ashley Hutchings released the first ever electric Morris album, Morris On, in 1972.

It was followed by Son of Morris On, then, after a long break, Grandson of Morris On in 2002.

It sold so well that a new album, Great Grandson of Morris On, has been released.

Now, for the first time, Ashley is taking his five-piece Morris On band on tour to support the fourth release.

Aside from Ashley, singer and bass guitarist, the outfit consists of Ken Nicol, singer and guitarist, Guy Fletcher on drums and fiddle, Simon Care on squeeze oxes and Roger Wilson, singer, fiddle player and guitarist.

BBC Radio 2 listeners recently voted Morris On the third most popular folk album ever.

Ashley who played rock music in the 60s, discovered folk after listening to some records he came across in a library.

He was an original member of Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, then became interested in Morris music when he heard some recordings, and Morris On was born.

"The album was a revelation. No one had heard anything quite like it," he says.

"Young people heard the album and started to take in interest.

"A lot of people still think Morris dancing is a bit of a joke - they believe it's ancient and it's out of date - but this isn't true because there are a lot of young people taking it up."

When Ashley and his band take to the stage at Huntingdon Hall, CrownGate, Worcester tonight, there will be a group of young Morris dancers from their teens to late 20s taking part.

"It will be a real happy, celebratory occasion," says Ashley, who also plays with The Albion Band.

"People who don't know the music will be surprised about how much fun it is. It's an exciting show."

Great Grandson of Morris On, which was released last month, can be bought from shops or ordered on www.thealbionband.

co.uk

For news on Ashley, log on to www.

folkicons.co.uk

Tickets for the Huntingdon Hall show are £11, or £10 concessions.