Mediaeval Bloakes Choir: Nick Marsh (vocals, acoustic guitar); Christian Hayes (vocals, electric guitar); Pike Galloway (vocals, ebow zither); Matt Fisher, Mick Bevan, David Ryder-Prangley (vocals).
Additional personnel: Dorothy Carter (autoharp, dulcimer, hurdy gurdy, zither); Gavin Wright, Boguslav Kostecki (violin); Bruce White (viola); David Daniels (cello); Mike Servent (harmonium, piano); Trevor Sharpe (percussion).
While continuing the Mediaeval Baebes' tradition of reprising anonymous medieval compositions, THE ROSE branches out to include credited material from Chaucer ("Slay Me Suddenly"), Dante ("The Circle of the Lustful"), and Gwerful Mechain, a 15th-century Welshwoman whose racy poem "The Sour Grove" had long been suppressed.
The album is also notable for its elaborate instrumentation. "Byrd One Brere" is a beautifully arranged ballad, while the bawdy "Dringo Bell" is unusual for its inclusion of a male chorus. Perhaps the most surprising track is "L'Amour De Moi," a 14th-century French composition arranged and sung with tremulous grace by 67-year-old Dorothy Carter.
