'Ringing The Changes' is an apt title for an album that sees Maddy and The Carnivals eschew their usual approach of adapting music from earlier centuries, in favour of all self-penned material.

Though still a Christmas record in the tradition of 'Carols And Capers' and 'A Tapestry Of Carols', this is an album that takes a look at all aspects of what the season means today.

The result is a collection of contemporary reflections on the festive season with fresh musical ideas to match. They show that amid the frantic materialism, the fragility of family life and the questioning of beliefs there is still room for quiet contemplation, generosity, awe and wonder, a pint and a carol or two!

This is one of the earlier collaborations between Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band. They play a bewildering array of instruments: medieval shawms and Flemish bagpipes, drums of all sorts, a double bass.

'Carols and Capers' is a fine mix of old and new, a perfect Christmastide treat.

Recorded at Oxford Town Hall as part of the 'An Evening of Carols and Capers' tour, this double-length release really captures the magic and delight of these Christmastide songs and tunes - played on renaissance instruments!

'Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh' brings together original writing, mediaeval instruments and sounds with a touch of Middle Eastern spice. From traditional seasonal material to the album's centrepiece - a series of original songs describing the Three Kings's journey to Bethlehem.

A refreshingly original album that captures the spirit and wonder of Christmas.

A Celebration Of Charles Wesley 1707-1788, who (along with his brother John) went onto become one of the most important figures in religious music. He wrote a staggering 9,000 hymns, many of which are still popular today – including 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', 'Love Divine All Loves Excelling' and 'Rejoice, The Lord Is King'.

Maddy and The Carnivals have always revelled in taking music from down the ages and turning it into something that is both new and familiar, yet always imbued with the spirit of carnival. It is an approach that has made their concert tours such unmissable events.

This recording sees a mixture of sacred and secular material from the eighteenth century songs, ballads and dance tunes, all delivered in their own inimitable style.