WITH a new album in production, fans of Steve Ashley can catch up with one of the most influential names in British folk at a gig in Colwall later this month.

Mr Ashley will be appearing at the Village Hall on Friday, November 24, a gig promoted by Knightwick-based Elizabeth Jones Entertainments.

The recent re-release of the 1974 debut album Stroll On and the prospect of fresh work in the pipeline, has brought a re-emergence of an artist who was at the forefront of a great era for British folk-rock in the early 70s.

Stroll On, which included the track Fire and Wine, was recorded between 1971 and 1973 and yielded no hit singles or chart success. What it did win was critical success and a reputation as a masterpiece of its kind, being hailed as one of the great albums time forgot in a recent issue of Mojo.

It was followed in 1975 with Speedy Return, both albums being released in America on the Motown label and by tours both sides of the Atlantic.

Despite this he failed to find a label for Rare Old Men in 1979, although tracks did surface on the 1999 compilation The Test of Time.

He actually retired from the music business in 1992 but has been tempted to reconsider by an appearance at Cropredy with Fairport Convention last year and the release of both The Test of Time and Stroll On Revisited.

The Colwall concert is at 8pm and doors open at 7.30pm. Support from Aranmore and tickets are £5 for adults, children free. For more information ring 01886 821931.