Ashley Harris
Atlanta, Georgia, United States | INDIE
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Unfinished Dreams: Album Notes
A Melting Pot of Contemporary Country, Soft Rock and Inspirational
“Soulful” “Rootsy” and “Whimsical”: Three words that best describe the new 10 song release from singer, songwriter Ashley Harris (Fine Line Records 2009) who wrote or co-wrote 8 of the 10 songs. Producing for her first time with John Albani and Mark Waldron, Ashley was able to experience the satisfaction and fulfillment of creating a record infused with her own musical preferences.
This exceptionally fresh and eclectic CD spotlights some of Nashville’s top studio talent – featuring players who previously recorded with Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Amy Grant and Jessica Andrews, just to name a few. The end result is a melting pot of Contemporary Country, Soft Rock and Inspirational, reflecting Ashley’s acoustic/organic musical preferences reminiscent of artists like Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, and Sheryl Crow.
There is a strong recurring theme on Unfinished Dreams driven by Ashley’s sure foundation in her faith and her belief in her gifts and in following her dreams.
About Unfinished Dreams, Ashley says, “I wanted a record that felt rootsy, soulful and energizing. It was absolutely amazing to work with so many gifted people. Everyone brought something unique to the project. There were no parameters to stay within, we all just got together and created the music the way we wanted to do.....it felt like everyone was “in the zone” and totally inspired.
The first single, “Alright”, sparkles with infectious optimism and a radio-ready melody matched with lyrics that encourage and energize. The second single is “Unfinished Woman”, a feel good song ala Martina McBride or Shania Twain that leaves listeners both empowered and inspired. “Let Me In”, a third single from the project, communicates both vulnerability and passion as it addresses the topic of a relationship struggling to survive.
From the hooky “Alright” to the last ringing notes of “A Miracle in Me” — featured in the novella A Soldier’s Ride by Edie Hand and Jeffery Addison — Unfinished Dreams will delight Ashley’s longtime fans and undoubtedly expand her already growing fan base.
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West Coast Roots with Southern Soul
Combine West Coast Roots with Southern Soul and you get the rich, eclectic sound of Ashley Harris. Blessed with a beautiful, engaging voice, Ashley has the unique gift of song interpretation few singers can match.
Born and raised in Southern California, Ashley’s musical roots trace back to the King Sisters, a popular musical group from the Big Band era of the 40’s and 50’s. Inspired by watching her father and various studio musicians, Ashley learned to play guitar - helping to fuel her growing talent as a performer. Playing the guitar also stirred the muse of songwriting, and by her early 20's Ashley started recording her songs.
By 2008 Ashley had released two Inspirational CD’s: Change My Heart, (Brighter Productions, 2001) and The Best Is Yet To Come, (Ghost Note Records, 2005) earning praise from critics for her honest voice, introspective lyrics and unforgettable melodies. She also released a Christmas EP (Ghost Note Records) broadening her already world wide fan base.
Ashley has such ‘Southern’ hospitality, one might find it hard to believe that it was just a few years ago that she and her husband, Richard, ventured to the Peach State to raise their own family. Ashley had never been to the south, but upon arriving was overwhelmed with the beauty and small town feel. “Coming to the south felt like walking into the Garden of Eden.”, says Ashley. Ashley knew she was “home” the minute she arrived in Atlanta! Once in Atlanta, Ashley felt the draw of Nashville, and began the two year process of writing material for her first Commercial Country project.
Ashley’s 2009 release Unfinished Dreams, with Fine Line Records, is the culmination of both her personal life and musical background reflecting her family values, organic/rootsy style and melodic vocals. “Writing for and recording this record has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life, says Ashley...and moving to the south opened the doorway for the music to unfold.”
Blending influences such as Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss and Sarah McLachlan has helped Ashley define her own unique style. Fans of Ashley can hear the evolution of her sound from earlier recordings, to the personal, yet powerful vocal performances on Unfinished Dreams.
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