Chances are, if you’ve had a radio on today, you’ve heard Sean Ashby’s guitar playing.
As one of North America’s go-to guitarists, Ashby has played and recorded with Sarah McLachlan, Delerium, Ginger (former Grapes of Wrath) and many more.
Ashby is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer who released his debut album, Brass and Gold, on Black Sparrow/Universal in April of 2008.
He is currently touring all over North America supporting his new solo CD, Fantastico, and he’ll be performing at In the Beantime Café this Saturday (July 21) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or $25 for dinner and the show and are available at the café.
Brass and Gold, Ashby’s first solo outing after 10 years as leader of the award-winning band Jack Tripper, was an eclectic record which showcased an impressive musical palette. The album received favourable reviews in Canadian publications such as Exclaim magazine and the Vancouver Province and received airplay on college radio and on CBC radio.
McLachlan’s guitarist on the original Lilith Fair — as well as the Mirrorball and Afterglow albums — Ashby appeared with McLachlan on “Just Like You (Cats In The Cradle)” for D from Run DMC’s solo CD. Also with McLachlan, he received two four-times-platinum U.S. discs and one diamond Canadian disc for studio and live CDs.
Ashby has appeared on the Grammy Awards twice, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno five times, Saturday Night Live and David Letterman three times, as well as other major TV shows.
Ashby’s guitar playing has appeared on CDs with sales in excess of 10 million copies worldwide — so far.
When asked about his hopes for his solo future, Ashby says, “I am working at building an audience for my music, playing shows and improving as a songwriter and performer.”
Since Brass and Gold’s release in 2008, Ashby has been touring relentlessly, performing more than 200 shows a year across Canada and the U.S. and somehow squeezing in two tours with Delirium as well. He’s making new fans and being asked to return everywhere he goes.
Ashby’s second album, 24 Hours of Daylight, showcased his guitar skills and earthy vocals on a new set of strong tunes with a rootsy bent. This record also featured his amazing technique on lap steel guitar, a highlight of his live shows.
Ashby released his third solo album, Fantastico, this spring. According to CBC Music, the CD showcases great songs, singing and “guitar show-off-ery.”
— Submitted