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Alice Ashley has been performing for many years. Her musical styles vary from Contemporary & Southern Soul, R&B, Motown, Jazz, blues and even to orchestral.
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Alice started singing at a very early age and is a fantastic entertainer. Her passion for music was influenced by her gospel background and artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight, Dorothy Moore, Natalie Cole, Anita Baker, Al Green, and many others, and their unique ability to capture the essence and emotion of a song. In 'live' performances Alice has captivated her audiences with that same passion. Never be surprised to see her in the middle of the crowd during a performance.
Born in the southern US, Alice started writing songs not only about her own experiences, but also with
others in mind. |
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Her album "A Time Will Come" distributed by CD Baby Independent Music covers a variety of genres and is a laidback, soulful and timeless album and has proven to favor all age groups. It somehow captures you, and you want to keep listening in case you missed something the first time around.
The songs are tributes, acknowledgements and serious but fun, with a touch
of excitement and a lot of love. Each one pleasantly and uniquely surprising
with strong melodies, great lyrics and rhythms that resembles the early
"Motor City" sound. More importantly the messages in the music
are meaningful and described in the "More Music" clips. They
are present today and everyday of our lives. |
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| Interview with Alice |
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- I'd like to ask you a little bit about your background first. When were
you born? And have you always wanted to be a singer?
I was born in the southern US, Tarboro, NC. And as a kid there was always
music and singing in our household. My mother and I use to sing a cappella
from her old hymn book. My mother has a beautiful voice, with so much emotion
and passion; and I wanted to sound like her more than any Artist. Although
I studied music during my school years and use to play the flute, I always
had my ears in the radio...and loved performing; but being a professional
singer was furthest thing from my mind at that time.
- Was there much music in your neighborhood as you were growing up?
My siblings and I use to get together with some of our neighbourhood friends
and hold mock concerts. We would pretend to have a stage and everyone would
sing individually and together.
- What did you grew up listening to?
Oh wow! I would listen to every type of music from pop, classical, rock,
soul, opera, country, everything. I simply enjoy music; itfs in my soul.
For me, listening intently to music is the second best education anyone
could get. I believe music is one of the most positive means of unity and
a way to connect with people... and to bring enjoyment and Solace. However,
some of my favorite Artist's were David Ruffin and Eddy Kendricks of The
Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Mahalia
Jackson... there are so many.
- Can you remember your first favorite song?
It's hard to pick a favorite from so many... but one of my first favorite
songs was "Do You Like Good Music" by Author Connelly.
- What is your musical background like?
I love gospel music and first sang in the church at my cousin's funeral
when I was a kid. I started singing professionally after organising a community
centre to provide a place where the local kids to attend for music, arts,
sports, and other activities. We held a major concert for the grand opening
, and I was one of the performers. This event made me realised how much
I enjoy performing. While on holiday and visiting New York, an audition
was arranged with the owner of the Apollo Theatre. That audition got me
booked to perform at the Apollo Theatre. What an amazing experience. During
this time, I met John Rozz who owns an events entertainment company in
the New England area; which covers New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, etc; and I sang for John Rozz and he offered me the opportunity
to work with him...which I did for just over a year. I traveled across
the US performing and later started my own band "The Nite-Tyme Band".
We performed together around the Dallas area, and did a series of TV commercials
for a major insurance company. I later went to Australia and started the
"Australian Nite-Tyme Band" and have performed extensively there.
- Could you tell us a little bit about your debut CD, like the concept behind
the idea and your impressions, how long did it take to come fruition...and
so on...
The original concept for the album was to express love; the fact that life
is not easy; and it matters to me to live positively in life. Most importantly
there are a lot of people out there doing exactly the same. Though my CD
is somewhat biographical, I feel it speaks to what is really important
in life; and focused on it being a pleasant and enjoyable conversation
with a positive message to share. And musically, with the original soul
styles of the past. It also a tribute to people around the world that are
doing great work to help others, and they sometimes endanger their own
lives in the process.
I started writing extensively in 1996 and have written lots of songs. The
difficulty for me, was choosing which songs would be on the debut album;
and finding musicians that truely played from the heart. Though I recorded
it in Australia over a period of years, the CD was released in the US,
November 2008.
- Obviously you've put a lot of time and effort into it. What has been
the reaction to the album so far ?
I am very greatful to all the fans because their response has been fantastic!
It's been well received in over 30 countries so far. The comments I've
received from a lot of the fans have been very similar.... they all love
the CD! Some say they never tire of listening to it....and never get in
their car without it. And many thanks to stations that are airing my music,
especially Michel Rieu of Radio- Aria and Pulsion70 in France for airing
my music to his European listeners.
- How
would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you
before?
Contemporary Soul music. It's a mixture of different genres with melodic
and meaningful lyrics, fantastic rhythms, smooth soul, motown mood, gospel
like happy blues, a little funk, pop/rock, a hint of contemporary jazz
and even orchestral. Very old school with a modern feel.
The songs encompasses a caring tribute to our heroes around the world with
songs like "Never Giving Up", "A Time Will Come" and
"I Hear A Whisper".
It's filled with passion, love and emotions, "We Can Overcome the
Odds", "Forever and Always" and "Dreams of a Child";
yet it shares some fun and excitement with "If You Want Me To (Ask
Me)", "I Know the Difference and "Mama Said".
The album has shares some very personal and important issues; but mostly
it's a good listening album and fun to listen to when you have friends
over.
- It seems that you achieved, a lot of dremas of your own. And have you still
got something that you haven't achieved yet?.
I love writing songs; and would love to have Aretha Franklin, Patty Labelle,
Whitney Houston or Gladys Knight singing one of my songs.
- Are there artists or producers you would like to collaborate with?
I have worked with one of the best 'Gil Askey". But I would love to
work with Gladys Knight and David Foster.
- Have you ever had a memory in career that you can't forget?
There are many; but the Apollo Theatre New York was an unforgettable moment;
And the performance at the Crystal Ball, at the Palladium at Crown Casino
in Melbourne Australia was so incredible!
- What really drives you or motivates you to continue to play music?
I like to write music that lifts the spirit and empower people, and to
bring some fun, joy and excitement to the world.
- What is music for you?
Music is the greatest communicator on earth.... It automatically speaks
every language, and It allows me to communicate to people around the world.
It allows me to be open and bare my soul to others and share who I am;
and also, I believe that people will know they have a true friend in me. |
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- Would you like to say something to your fans?
To all my fans around the globe, thank you so very much for your support
and your wonderful comments. You truly understand the heart and soul of
this music and it's messages. I'm currently working on my next album and
hope to have it finished by or before the end of the year. After which
time I'm hoping to be performing at a venue in your area...will keep you
posted on bookings.
Stay positive, keep smiling, have lots of fun, and take care of each other
Lots of Love
Alice
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| Discography - albums |
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| Alice Ashley - A Time Will Come (US-CD, AJJA, 2008) |
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| 1. |
Never Giving Up |
| 2. |
We Can Overcome the Odds |
| 3. |
Something Has Changed Me |
| 4. |
If You Want Me to (Ask Me) |
| 5. |
I Know the Difference |
| 6. |
Forever and Always |
| 7. |
I Hear a Whisper |
| 8. |
Mama Said |
| 9. |
A Time Will Come |
| 10. |
Dreams of a Child |
C & P : 1996- 2008 |
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April 30, 2009 |
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