Rainbow Chasers

Rainbow Chasers

Rainbow Chasers are an English folk group formed in 2004 by Ashley Hutchings. The band focuses on traditional and original material, mainly using acoustic instruments, and its sound combines folk with classical elements. Its early reputation rests on musicianship, arrangements and live performance.

Formation and lineup

Rainbow Chasers grow out of Hutchings’ decision to start a smaller touring and recording project after the suspension of his long-running focus, the Albion Band, in 2002. The original line-up, alongside Hutchings on bass, includes Mark Hutchinson on guitar, Ruth Angell on violin and guitar, and Jo Hamilton on viola and guitar. All four members contribute vocals. Mark Hutchinson leaves the band in 2008 and is replaced by another guitarist.

Recordings and performances

After a short tour in 2004, Rainbow Chasers release their first album, Some Colours Fly, in 2005. A performance at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester follows, issued as a DVD and also as a shortened CD version titled A Brilliant Light in 2005. The group’s third album, Fortune Never Sleeps, appears in 2006 and coincides with their first appearance at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival, where they perform to a large crowd.

Style

The group’s repertoire includes both traditional songs and original compositions, arranged for an acoustic ensemble. Their membership and instrumentation place them within folk rock and prog rock contexts as well as folk.