At this time Marshall also played the early demo tapes to music critic Karl Dallas, who interviewed Ashley for Melody Maker.

He also hired a number of musicians to back Ashley, including members of Fairport Convention and Pentangle, plus a section of the London Symphony Orchestra, directed by Kirby.

This line-up included ex-Fairport members Hutchings, Simon Nicol and Dave Mattacks, plus American fiddler Sue Draheim and ex-Young Tradition singer, Royston Wood.

The original track listing was changed prior to release when the deal with Gull was signed and "Silly Summer Games" was re-recorded, while "Love in a Funny Way" was removed along with "Spirit of Christmas" to make way for "Lord Bateman" (with the Albion Country Band).

The CD jewel case for Stroll On Revisited includes an illustrated booklet which contains the lyrics of all the songs and a reappraisal of the album by Karl Dallas.

British and American folk and rock traditions have been seamlessly blended in with elements of Irish and classical music as well... Ashley’s starkly echoing vocals [on "Springsong"] sometimes harken back to Celtic choral singing while Kirby’s string arrangement is reminiscent of the Pastoral composers, like Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The very first track led to his alternative title of 'The Fire and Wine Guy', and after twenty-five years its lush harmonies, electric arrangement and sound philosophy ensure that its magic is undiminished... Ashley's songs are packed with life-affirming, earth-touching sentiments, deceptively simple at first hearing but unfolding at each repeat to display deeper meanings with staggeringly intelligent and original use of language.

It conjures up an image in my mind of sitting round a roaring fire on a winter's day with good friends and an unlimited supply of what everyone wants, and reflecting on what's happening outside".

Critical to the song’s success is the way it recognises the hardship of the season – the timeless image of the hungry robin, ‘see-sawing in one half of a coconut shell’, the cruelty of December frosts – without which the warmth and festivity would mean nothing".