LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Sean Ashby Official Website) - In demand musician Sean Ashby has worked with the likes of
Sarah McLachlan (since 1996), Delerium, D from Run DMC, Front Line Assembly, Swollen Members, Lee Aaron, Sue Medley, Holly McNarland, Mike Trebilcock (Killjoys), Todd Fanceys (The new Pornographers) and Wild Strawberries among others. Ashby is hitting the road across Canada this summer in support of his solo album Brass & Gold (Bhurr Records/Fontana North/Universal Music) while the 2nd single, 'Miss It Everytime' is being released to AC, CHR & Hot AC radio.
The beginning of the story.
When Ashby was 14; he was an aspiring artist, illustrator, animator and avid music listener who quickly took over the basement as an art studio. He used to sit in front of the drawing board with headphones on (40 foot cable wrapped thru the basement over to the stereo like a closeline) and one day thought he could draw more accurate guitar player pictures if he took guitar lessons. Bam! He was hooked on the guitar, soon it took over and he pursued music.
For more of the story between then and now check out the websites: https://www.seanashby.com/ & https://www.myspace.com/seanashbymusic
What the media is saying:
'Most of Sean Ashby's guitar playing has been decorative, which befits a sideman who is best known for dressing up Sarah McLachlan's songs. It's taught him a lot about colour and texture and to be sympathetic (or respond) to a song's needs. That has stood him well on a solo album that is much more visceral with songs that are direct pop-rock ("Dreamin,'" "This Machine") or moody and atmospheric ("Come to Me") but always melodic even when approaching AC/DC volume ("Star 98"). He sings well, too.' Grade: B - Tom Harrison, The Province
'All I Need' Sean Ashby - 'Ashby, aka Sarah McLaughlan's axeman, goes solo and his grungy rockers are grads of the VanCity school which turned out Art Bergman, Matt Good and Sons Of Freedom. However it's Sean's time with the Grapes Of Wrath/ Ginger that nips at the tail of this track built around a slippery slide guitar.' - William McGuirk, News Durham Region
'On this, his solo debut, he emerges as a rock singer-songwriter with a knack for melody and infectious riffs'.Stylistic reference points here range from the Foo Fighters to Coldplay to Nick Drake and such eclecticism is refreshing in this era of one-dimensional artists.' - Kerry Doole, Exclaim
'The album displays Ashby's guitar expertise by combining grungy tunes with acoustic singer/songwriter ballads-driven by radio-friendly, up-tempo rock tunes like 'Star 98" and 'Baby Yes'. Ashby continues to grow as a solo performer' -Jon Brazeau, Spill Magazine
'The title track is a brilliant example of Ashby's bare bones acoustic production, where he allows a single snare drum hit or a fling of a cymbal in spots to help build the emotional tug of the song. Again he displays this style in two other outstanding highlights, found in the slow exotic build up on 'Dance Upon My Grave' and the sure fire pop hit 'Nova Girl'. - Jason Gladu, PopJournalism
TOUR DATES:
Tuesday July 15th - The Night Club / The Colson - Sudbury, Ontario
Wednesday July 16th - The Night Club / The Colson - Sudbury, Ontario
Saturday July 19th - Jack's - Thunder Bay, Ontario
Sunday July 20th - Pappy's Cafe - Wabigoon, Ontario
Tuesday July 22nd - Lady Of The Lake - Brandon, Manitoba
Wednesday July 23rd - Java Express - Regina, Sask
Thursday July 24th - Coffee Encounters - Moose Jaw, Sask
Friday July 25th - The Last Chance Saloon - Wayne, Alberta
Saturday July 26th - Ottoman Lounge - Medicine Hat, Alberta
Sunday July 27th - IronWood - Calgary,Alberta
Monday July 28th - IronWood - Calgary, Alberta
Thursday July 31st - West Edmonton Mall / Afternoon Show - Edmonton, Alberta
Thursday July 31st - The Haven Social Club - Edmonton, Alberta
Friday August 1st - Better Than Fred's - Grand Praire, Alberta
Saturday August 2nd - Better Than Fred's - Grand Prairie, Alberta
Monday August 4th - LloydMinster Folk Festival - Lloydminter, Alberta
Tuesday August 5th - Spadina Freehouse - Saskatoon, Sask
Wednesday August 6th - Candor Shop - Winnipeg, Manitoba
