Jason Ashley
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Jason Ashley

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | SELF

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | SELF
Band Country Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"BeauCare - Rhinestone Round UP"

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. - The Times


"BeauCare - Rhinestone Round UP"

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. - The Times


"United Way Alternative Spring Break"

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" - Times Magazine


"United Way Alternative Spring Break"

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" - Times Magazine


"James Burton International Guitar Festival"

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. - Review Journal


"James Burton International Guitar Festival"

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. - Review Journal


"Power Source Magazine Review"

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. - Power Source Magazine


"Power Source Magazine Review"

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. - Power Source Magazine


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.

Photos

Bio

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