Maddy Prior / Carnival Band - Ringing the Changes

Despite forays into other musical styles and influences, it has been their unique approach to Christmas music that has proved the enduring theme of their work together. Their semi-regular Yuletide live show has become the highlight of many a seasonal period, featuring festive favorites played on medieval and modern instruments. Ringing the Changes is an apt title for an album that sees them creating all self penned material. Thus there is the Jamaican gospel of 'Wake Up!' and the beautiful introspection of 'Bright Evening Star', both dealing with the traditional story of the virgin birth. 'Stuff!' (featuring a guest turn from Monty Python's Terry Jones) looks at the thoroughly modern custom of retail frenzy and panic buying.