The irrepressible Maddy Prior returned to Oxford Town Hall for another Carols and Capers concert on Saturday. Supported by the Carnival Band, she confirmed she has no peers when it comes to putting on such a show. Featured strongly were songs from their latest album, Ringing the Changes, recorded in Oxford and released on the Park Records label.

Maddy's 20-year collaboration with the Carnival Band usually has a very early music feel but not this new recording. Kicking off with a Jamaican gospel, Wake Up!, and Blue Pearl, a rap-inspired song, they have gone for self-penned material - all with a Christmas theme. There is even a single included - Stuff!, featuring (oddly enough) Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, and a rousing dig at the retail frenzy of the festive period. With some sublime hymnal moments too, such as Bright Evening Star and Carol, this would make an excellent stocking filler - Stuff! and all.

Also appearing in Oxford recently to promote a new album was Laura Critchley, a 22-year-old new singer from Liverpool. She was supporting Deacon Blue and was quite clearly not overawed. She has penned all of the songs on her album, Sometimes (Big Print Records), and though they are not my cup of tea she suggests she has the credentials to make a commercial success.The irrepressible Maddy Prior returned to Oxford Town Hall for another Carols and Capers concert on Saturday. Supported by the Carnival Band, she confirmed she has no peers when it comes to putting on such a show. Featured strongly were songs from their latest album, Ringing the Changes, recorded in Oxford and released on the Park Records label.

Maddy's 20-year collaboration with the Carnival Band usually has a very early music feel but not this new recording. Kicking off with a Jamaican gospel, Wake Up!, and Blue Pearl, a rap-inspired song, they have gone for self-penned material - all with a Christmas theme. There is even a single included - Stuff!, featuring (oddly enough) Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, and a rousing dig at the retail frenzy of the festive period. With some sublime hymnal moments too, such as Bright Evening Star and Carol, this would make an excellent stocking filler - Stuff! and all.

Also appearing in Oxford recently to promote a new album was Laura Critchley, a 22-year-old new singer from Liverpool. She was supporting Deacon Blue and was quite clearly not overawed. She has penned all of the songs on her album, Sometimes (Big Print Records), and though they are not my cup of tea she suggests she has the credentials to make a commercial success.