The mother of the British folk revival here accompanied by her consort Ashley Hutchings, who gathers a large band of friends who gradually drop by the sessions, and together they sing and play 9 beautiful songs from Albion's folk tradition. Thus was born "No Roses," a wonderful album where Collins' traditional style opens up to a sound that leaves room for a backdrop of electricity. Electric bass, drums, and the discreet but ever-present accompaniment of electric guitars (including Richard Thompson's, who plays a humble yet useful supporting role) dominate the arrangements just as much as the numerous traditional instruments typical of this music (fiddle, concertina, hurdy-gurdy, and others). Many names are involved, including sister Dolly and Ian Whiteman on piano, Lol Coxhill on saxophone (in an unprecedented context for him), and many more. A splendid album. more