Steeped in the acoustic scene – his father is a musician and runs a folk club – Joe has performed as a soloist and with his own band throughout the UK. He has worked with some of the best in the genre including Chris While and Julie Matthews, John Wright, Chris Leslie, Gerry Conway, and Maart Allcock.

 Chris While describes Joe as "... one of the most talented new generation musicians around...(with) one of the most beautiful voices I have heard." As well as his polished live performances, his songwriting has received much critical acclaim and he has released two albums, Love, Loss and Alcohol and Take Me Home.

Ashley on Joe

"A young family and increasing recording studio commitments have made it difficult for Mark Hutchingson to continue with the group," says Ashley Hutchings. "We all wish him well and we're sorry to lose such a talented founder-member. However, Rainbow Chasers looks forward to a bright future with Mark's replacement, Joe Topping.  

"Joe is extremely talented and we look forward to a successful future with him. He is not a stranger to us – Ruth Angell has toured with him before so we know all his bad habits. But that hasn't put us off him! Joe will bring a new impetus to the group. We anticipate a furious bout of new group composing and a few surprises."