If you are unaware of the talents of Ashleigh Flynn, it
would be highly advisable to read on and spend a few minutes of your valuable
time getting acquainted with her. I went through the same experience when her
new album A MILLION STARS appeared in the inbox and the challenge is not to be
hooked into a sound which embraces all that is good within the evolving
Americana genre. For the record, this is Ashleigh’s fourth studio release and
is a well-balanced album which sparkles with inspiration in a diverse style
that is conducive to the roots of American music. Ashleigh has used her
bluegrass Kentucky background and blended in a touch of jazz, blues, soul and
rock to produce an entertaining and captivating bunch of songs true to the core
of this often confusing genre to outsiders.
With the help of The Decemberist’s instrumentalist Chris
Funk as producer and a host of key contributors from the creative north-west
Pacific hub of Portland, Oregon, Ashleigh has created a record that will cement
her standing among eminent musicians and enhance her stalwart status which has blossomed
from appearances at key festivals such as Bonnaroo. From the slow burning luscious
opener ‘The Devil Called Your Name’
which succeeds in hitting the right spot with minimal exertion, right through
to the classy catchy closer ‘Walk Awhile
, the album is fully stocked with strong songs exemplified by their strength of
substance. The experimentation of different sounds ranges from a traditional
country gospel feel to ‘New Angel in
Heaven’ to the brass-induced jazz connotation to ‘Prohibition Rose’.
Echoes of fiddle add some grace to ‘Rainy Days’ while the ubiquitous steel flavours the gentle floater
‘Runnin’’ and the dreamy number ‘A Little low’. A live version with a
dose of banjo brings ‘Prove it on Me’
to life while a soulful organ laced vibe is wrapped around the ironic preaching
number ‘See That Light’. Hopefully
now you are beginning to see how eclectic this release is designed to be
without losing sight of the ideals of genuine Americana music. This 46 minute
lesson in how to produce a perfect amalgam of American roots music reaches its
peak with three stunning tracks that jostle for standout status.
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The narrative based title track ‘A Million Stars’ relives a tale when two 19th century
outlaws challenged the gender convention of the day and shows the depth of the
song writing. This makes an impressive claim for top spot as does the new wave
rock feel to ‘The West Was Won’ but
ultimately this accolade goes to the toe tapping mover ‘Dirty Hands and Dirty Feet’ where Ashleigh returns to her bluegrass
roots to produce a storming track containing a memorable chorus and littered with
iconic references to Tennessee and the Cumberland River.