Jason Wilson - Ashara [LP]

Cat. no: WRV002
Format: LP
Barcode: 061297914722
Release Date: 02 Feb 2024
Genre: Folk

Scottish-Canadian visionary Jason Wilson ventures into personal ground with his latest album 'Ashara'.The record presents a joyful blend of Scottish folk, global roots and reggae, delving into Jason's family history in such a way that connects his present life to a very distant past 

Ashara is a deeply personal and generational body of work, showcasing Jason's innate aptitude for storytelling through poetic lyrics and beautiful imagery. The award- winning musician, who is renowned for his stellar vocals and inimitable skill on acoustic guitar and piano, brings together an exceptional lineup of musicians for this album. His band Ashara, after which the album is named, includes legendary Jamaican- Canadian guitarist Carl Harvey (Toots & The Maytals), woodwind specialist Marcus Ali, vocalist Laurel Tubman, drummer Vince Reel and bassist Michael Shapinko. The album also features the musical contributions of Scottish talents including Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton on whistles, Jack Smedley on fddle, and John Somerville on accordion. Ashara was recorded over a ten- month period and captures the essence of the band's chemistry. The initial recordings took place at Toronto's renowned Canterbury Music Company, allowing them to capture the authentic magic of live performances. The contributions of the Scottish musicians were recorded in their own respective locations, adding another layer of diversity to the album's sonic tapestry. The album features predominantly original compositions by Jason, with notable exceptions being a heartfelt rendition of Roy Harper's "When an Old Cricketer Leaves the Crease" and an inspired musical interpretation of Alexander Montgomerie's sixteenth-century poem "The Night is Near Gone".

Radio: BBC Radio Scotland - Iain Anderson, Trans Radio UK - Hint of the Highlands, Limerick City Radio - Eclectic Celt, The Readifolk Radio Show - Iain Freedman Big Boots and Celtic Roots, David Dee Moore Radio Show

LP Tracks: Coal Dust Caruso / An Evening In Paris In Cumnock Tonight / The Shoemaker (By The Lown O' The Hill) / Coila (The Ploughman's Song) / Collier Gemmes / My Love Sings Like A Lintie / When An Old Cricketer Leaves The Crease / Low Tide / The Night Is Near Gone