Republic of Jazz: Ashley Henry's

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Ashley Henry's - 5ive (2016)

Ashley Henry is one of a new generation of musicians that have been raised with a wide range of influences, from such luminaries as Kirkland, Glasper Moran, Madlib and Dilla, yet also steeped in the traditional sounds of masters like Hancock and Monk.

At only 24, Ashley plays the piano with a beauty and sensitivity that usually comes from a lifetime immersed in jazz and this has been picked up on by other musicians. He has already toured the UK & internationally alongside many bands and ensembles, appearing in renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Café and the Royal Albert Hall.

Recently made it to the finals of the Unisa International Piano Competition in South Africa and was the youngest on the bill for the 2015 International piano trio festival where performed alongside the likes of Robert Glasper.

After graduating from Leeds College of Music in 2014 with the Yamaha Jazz Scholarship award (an award given to the best musician graduating from each music college) Ashley continued his studies with a Masters degree in Jazz piano & Performance at the Royal Academy of Music.

As well as performing regularly with some of the UK’s leading jazz musicians such as Gary Crosby, Jean Toussaint, Shane Forbes, Jay Phelps, and award-winning Saxophonist Krzysztof Urbanski, Ashley has also recorded extensively with award- winning Hip- Hop Group “The Mouse Outfit” who are a collective of musicians and producers based in Manchester.

Ashley’s trio are clearly influenced by hip-hop but have their roots firmly rooted in jazz – this is the next generation putting their feet down and flexing their muscles.

ASHLEY HENRY’S 5IVE is available for pre-sale now on CD, Digital and yes, on Vinyl! To order your copy, simply click on the album artwork below.