Jason Ashley

Artist Information

Biography

Alexandria, LA native Jason Ashley’s start in music was less than stellar when, as a third grader, he took the stage at North Bayou Rapides Elementary School to sing “When You Wish upon a Star”. In his own words he “bombed and promised I would never sing again.” However, the trauma of that first public performance did not last long. Two years later Mrs. Gayle Roach, (“I’ll never forget her”) a Lincoln Road 6th Grade teacher saw something special in Jason and gave him his first solo in a school play. The next few years were filled with promise as he continually received the highest rating possible for solo ensembles. “It was like getting a perfect 10 in the Olympics,” remarks Jason.



Throughout his high school career he continued to work on his craft, writing and performing constantly and entering competitions whenever possible. Shortly after graduating from high school at the age of 17, Jason entered the Jimmy Dean Country Music Showdown in his hometown and his performance earned him second place. While not winning first place might have dashed others’ hopes, it only served to stoke the fire for Jason. He spent the next two years touring with his band, performing for crowds throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.



Always a man with a compassionate heart, Jason donated his talent and time whenever he could, something that continues to be very important to him. A local radio station scheduled a concert to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a part of their local radio-thon. They asked Jason if he would agree to open for a new artist on BNA Records named Mindy McCready. After his performance he was introduced to producer David Malloy, who produced McCready and others, including the legendary Eddie Rabbit. Malloy asked Jason if he would be interested in moving to Nashville to work with him. Jason replied, “my bags are already packed,” and a few months later he was a Nashville resident.



During his time in Nashville, Jason worked in the studio with David, sang demos for famed songwriter Michael Garvin and others, and worked on his songwriting. He performed at many of Nashville’s hottest clubs and always kept his eye on the brass ring.



Then came the call from his father that his mother had become deathly ill. Over the three years that would follow, Jason would make the drive from Nashville to Louisiana many times. On one of those many drives, he felt that God was telling him that he needed to move back home. He made the decision to put his music career on hold, and in November of 2002, he moved back to Alexandria. Then just five months later tragedy struck. On March 18, 2003, Jason lost his mother.



When he reflects on those five short months, Jason knows how precious that time was, and he would not have traded it for anything. But he also knew that his mother would want him to continue to follow his dream, and shortly after her passing, Jason was standing in the kitchen in his parents’ home and spotted a baseball trophy that made it clear to him. The letters on the trophy spelt out the word RISK and underneath was written simply,



“You’ll never get to second base with your foot stuck on first.” He saw that brass ring in front of him again, and he took the leap of faith he knew he would always have to take.



He began calling friends and acquaintances in Nashville, and a short time later producer/engineer, longtime friend, Kelly Schoenfeld and producer Dave Fowler agreed to team up with Jason on a new CD. Jason returned to Nashville and then met with Kelly and the three began to search for songs for the new project.



They decided on four songs from Jason’s catalogue, “Walkin’ In The Rain”, “Handle With Care”, “That Man” and “Spurs Over Stetsons” (co-written with Kathy Rogers and Matt Wood). Six more songs from Nashville’s best writers were chosen including the classic “Quittin’ Time” co-written by old friend Michael Garvin and originally recorded in 1985 by the late Keith Whitley on his break through release LA to Miami. With the songs chosen the trio moved into Jack Gavin’s Rising Sun Studios to cut the tracks. Then it was on to Kelly’s Studio, The Velvet Room, to record vocals, overdubs and mix the project.



With work in the studio completed it was time to put together a new band, renew his old acquaintances in the new bayou and head out on the road again. In just over two years of solid touring Jason Ashley and his band "The Twangsters Union" have performed to more than 85,000 people, playing packed houses and festivals throughout the south east including the Uncle Sam Jam in Alexandria, La, the prestigious Natchitoches Jazz Festival, always crazy Contraband Days in Lake Charles, the Rabbit Festival of Iowa Louisiana, the GladeWater Texas Rodeo, the Marshland Festival in Lake Charles Louisiana and certainly not least twice has been a feature act for the James Burton International Guitar Festival.



With each show new fans are introduced to Jason’s music, and that brass ring gets closer to his grasp. When he was asked in a recent interview why he did it, Jason replied, “I sing because it makes people happy, and it makes me feel alive.” And when he sings he always remembers one simple thing: “Music reaches everyone and changes everything.”

Instrumentation

Jason Ashley - Lead Vocals - Acoustic Guitar
Jeff LeBlanc - Lead Guitar - Back Up Vocals
Joey LeBlanc - Drums/Percussion - Back Up Vocals
Ben Abshire - Bass - Back Up Vocals
Stratton Doyle - Tenor Sax - Back Up Vocals
Michael Laverne - Electric Rhythm Guitar/ Acordian

Discography

Jason has two songs in the top 100 released independently.. "Country Girl" & "Ice Cold Beer" while songs co-written by Joe Nichols "6:31" a haunting ballad always crowd favorite.. but locally Jason has become known for his self pinned song "Handle With Care" this has catapulted him into a favorite South Eastern regional act.

Audio

• ICE COLD BEER
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• Country Girl
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• HANDLE WITH CARE
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• BeauCare - Rhinestone Round UP [+ Show ]
  

  From "The Times" May 17th issue.....The Beauregard Parish Fair Exhibit Hall opened its doors for a "...From "The Times" May 17th issue.....The Beauregard Parish Fair Exhibit Hall opened its doors for a "rootin', tootin' good time" fundraiser hosted by the BeauCARE Recreation and Education center. Rhinestone Roundup, an auction, dinner and dance provided an evening of cowboy styled fun and fellowship, as well as a means for the United Way agency to continue to carry out enriching programs and activities for area children. BeauCARE administrative assistant was on hand to introduce gues and the star entertainer for the evening, Jason Ashley. A very personable young man, the up-and-coming singer stopped to speak with guests, share a joke, answer questions and even have his picture snapped, before taking to the stage. Much toe-tapping ensured as Ashley and his band presented a repertoire of classic and new country music offerings. Boot scootin' action ruled the night, as these urban cowboys and cowgirls returned again and again to line-dance, two-step or waltz around the floor and then to the end of another fun-filled Saturday in DeRidder.

• United Way Alternative Spring Break [+ Show ]
  

  Here is the news excerpt from the Times Magazine April 5, 2007................"I am not now nor have...Here is the news excerpt from the Times Magazine April 5, 2007................"I am not now nor have I ever been a music critic or reviewer." With that said, I was invited to hear a local band. So on the evening of the 25th, we headed to Moss Bluff to check them out. They were playing for the United Way's Alternative spring Break at the Volunteer Housing Cener. There was a group of about 50 young people who had volunettered their Spring Break to help rebuild homes in Southwest Louisiana. We pulled into the parking lot and headed for the gym. I stepped over to the main building to say hello to Tom Morris, the CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana. Mr. Shadow stayed and chatted witht the band. I think it would also be helpful if I mentioned the band and gave them a little press. It was Jason Ashley and his band, which goes by the name Twangsters. In addition to Jason, the band includes Mike Lavergne, Ben Abshire, Jeff LeBlanc, Joey LeBlanc, and Stratton Doyle. Most of these guys are local Lake Charles musicians. Jason from Alexandria and Ben is from Geuydan. The music started around 8:00, and the people gathered. Line dancing seemed to be the style of choice. Although I think the fact that the group was 90% female, cut back on the couples. The style of the band is country; however, they mixed it up to keep everyone entertained. When I say mix, I mean mix. We heard some of Jason's music (including Handle With Care), Mustang Sally, Big Mamou, Lean on Me (reggae), the Commodores classic Easy, and Prince's Purple Rain. I had a blast and by the sweat worked up on the dance floor I would say I was not alone. Thanks to all of our Alternative Spring Breakers! You can check out Jason's CD on his website www.jasonashley.com"

• James Burton International Guitar Festival [+ Show ]
  

  We introduced you to Jason Ashley after the 2005 James Burton Festival (Fall 2005, Blow Out Under Th...We introduced you to Jason Ashley after the 2005 James Burton Festival (Fall 2005, Blow Out Under The Bride Page 9). He made his second appearance at the festival this time as part of the Party on the Promenade. Ashley once again showed his talent and passion for his music. Cajon music legend and four-time Grammy Nominee Jo el Sonnier joined Ashley on stage for a song.Ashley has the talent and drive and if he gets the breaks he will make it to the top of country music. He is not sitting around waiting for things to happened but is making things happen in his career. A successful Cruse with Jason Ashley was done on Carnival Conquest March 4 to 11. In July (6-8) 2007 he is producing a music festival to benefit MS in Shreveport La.

• Power Source Magazine Review [+ Show ]
  

  He had me hooked with the opening licks of “Country Girl.” It’s Louisiana, it’s Country, and it’s ro...He had me hooked with the opening licks of “Country Girl.” It’s Louisiana, it’s Country, and it’s rockin.’ Jason Ashley really knows how to get the party started. This album is half slow songs, and every one of them is dynamite. The best one is the heartfelt, “The Best Man.” On the tempo side, he includes the Bucky Jones-written hit “Quittin’ Time,” and “Ice Cold Beer,” in which he observes that he can’t turn water into wine, but he can turn his hard-earned money into ice cold beer. But the highlight of the album is “Mucho Trabajo,” a south-of-the-border number pondering the misery of a lot of work for a little bit of money. Working class, take notice. Jason Ashley is here.

Setlist

We will play a mix of original music along with covers. We play to please a crowd. We can pretty much play anything country or rock. We can even play some zydeco music if need be. We have learned to read an audience. We will keep playing different types of music until something sticks. When we find the genre that works.. we hit hard and have a ball.



Rock/R&B:
Tom Petty
Last Dance w/ Mary Jane
Eagles
Take It Easy - Desperado
Already Gone
Rolling Stones
Honky Tonk Woman
Van Morrison
Brown Eyed Girl – Domino
John Cougar
Pink Houses - Hurts So Good
Dobie Gray
Drift Away
Jerry Lee Lewis
Great Balls of Fire
Whole Lotto Shakin’
Three Doors Down
Here Without You
Kid Rock
Only God Knows Why
Allman Brothers
Midnight Rider
Eric Clapton
Lay Down Sally
Wonderful Tonight
Dynamite Hack
Gin & Juice
Jim Croce
Don’t Mess Around w/Jim
Jimmy Buffett
Margarita Ville
Otis Redding
Dock of the Bay
Bob Dylan
Knocking on Heavens Door
Black Crowes
She Talks to Angles
Hard to Handle
Sonja Dadda
Lover Lover (U don’t treat me)
Matchbox Twenty
3 A.M.
James Taylor
Steam Roller Blues
ZZ Top
Le Grange - Tush
Bob Segar
Turn the Page - Old Time Rock
Jeff Healy
Angel Eyes
Twangsters
Lean On Me
C.C.R.
Proud Mary – Down on the Corner
Wild Cherry
Play that Funky Music
Marshall Tucker Band
Can’t You See
Wilson Pickett
Mustang Sally - 634-5789
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Pride and Joy – House is Rockin’
Cold Shot – Superstition
Lynard Skynard
Gimmie Three Steps –Simple Man
Sweet Home Alabama – Free Bird
Steve Miller Band
The Joker Medley
Georgia Satellites
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Delbert McClinton
Shaky Ground
Giving It Up For Your Love
Every time I Roll The Dice
Chuck Berry -
Johnny B Good
Prince -
Purple Rain
Chubby Checker
The Twist
Richie Valens
Labamba
Beatles
Shake it Up Baby
Elvis Presley
Blue Suede Shoes -Jailhouse Rock
That’s Alright Mama - Don’t Be Cruel - Suspicious Minds
The Commodores
Brick House – Easy
Edwin McCain
I’ll Be
Dance Music Medley
Funky Music – Superstition, Another One Bites the Dust – Man in the Box – Rapper’s Delight – Word Up

Louisiana Laroux
New Orleans Ladies
Los Lonely Boys
Heaven
Steve Earl
Copperhead Road
Journey -
Anyway You Want It


Cajun:
Matilda - Sugar Bee
Johnny Can’t Dance
The Back Door
Big Mamou

Country:
Keith Urban
But for the Grace of God
Pat Green
Wave on Wave
Take Me Out to the Dance Hall
Alan Jackson
Midnight in Montgomery
I Don’t Even Know Your Name
Garth Brooks -
We Bury the Hatchet
The Dance - Two of a Kind
That Summer – Tomm Never Comes
Much 2 Young – Wolves
Travis Tritt
T.R.O.U.B.L.E. – Anymore
Here’s a Quarter
Whiskey Ain’t Working Anymore
I’m Gonna Be Somebody
Help Me Hold On
Hank Williams
Jambalaya - Mind Own Business
Hank, Jr.
Family Tradition – Old Habits
Born To Boogie
Country State of Mind
Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound
Blues Man - Dinosaur
Keith Whitley
Don’t Close Your Eyes
When You Say Nothing At All
John Berry
Your Love Amazes Me
Conway Twitty
Goodbye Time
Don Williams
Tulsa Time
George Jones
White Lightning
He Stopped Loving Her Today
Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues - Big River
Exile
Super Love
Kevin Fowler
Beer, Bait & Ammo - I Ain’t Drinking Anymore
Brad Paisley
Mud on the Tires
Robert Earl Keen
The Bucking Song
Craig Morgan
Love Sunday - Almost Home
Little Bit of Life
Restless Heart -
Bluest Eyes In Texas
Clay Walker
Where Do I Fit In the Picture
Hot Apple Pie
Hillbillies
Willie Nelson
Angle Flying close to the Ground
On the Road Again

Tim McGraw
Don’t Take The Girl
Toby Keith
Should’ve Been A Cowboy
Angry American –
You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This
Diamond Rio
In A Week Or Two - Bubba Hyde
Brooks and Dunn
Neon Moon - Next Broken Heart
George Strait
The Fireman – The Chair
The Love Bug - Unwound
Amarillo By Morning – A Fire I Can’t Put Out
David Alan Coe
Called Me By Name - The Ride
Why You Been Gone So Long
Dwight Yokum
Guitars Cadillac’s
Fast As You – Little Sister
Kentucky Headhunters
Walk Softly
Vince Gill
Liza Jane – Go Rest High
One More Last Chance
Eddie Rabbit
Driving My Life Away
John Michael Montgomery
I love the Way You Love Me
Be My Baby Tonight - Sold
Dan Seals
Everything that Glitters
Johnny Paycheck
Old Violin
John Conlee
Rose Colored Glasses
Charlie Robinson
Bar Light Bar Bright
Clint Black
Killing Time
Gary Stewart
Empty Glass – Your Place or Mine
Merle Haggard
Stay Here and Drink – Mama Tried
Working Man Blues – Big City
Ray Price
Crazy Arms
Gary Allan - Run Away
Jason Ashley
Country Girl – The Best Man
Ice Cold Beer – Quittin Time
631 – Handle With Care
Spurs Over Stetsons
Mucho Trabajo – Let it Be Real
Walking’ In The Rain –
Lonely Side of Town – Run Away
The Way We Do It Round Here
Country In My Soul – Everytime I Breathe – Feels Good to Feel Good Again – Here With Me

Basic Requirements

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