Search - Ashley Maher :: Flying Over Bridges

Entwined in Fusion

Brian Ball | Oakland, CA USA | 10/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ashley Maher's deep and intuitive connection to our planet is displayed in a very flattering and mature light on her fourth studio release entitled Flying Over Bridges. This seasoned singer/songwriter has seamlessly "entwined" the roots of jazz, folk and world music into a blossoming "tree of life" on her 2005 release available on Spin Wild Records.



"Seven" was the fist of several songs to catch our ears here at WomensRadio. Ashley's sweet and nymph-like vocals lightly dance atop the tribal sabar drum beat laid down by Aziz Faye while we are gently ushered into a deep and relaxing meditation.



Another enchantingly provocative and danceable gem found here, is the fourth song, "Entwining Trees." Here we see a well-rounded production, featuring a sturdy base of a somewhat experimental jazz piano mixed with a little bit of a funk groove and the repeated mystical vocal hook, "like entwining trees".



One other necessary listen is a beautifully written story involving the social and racial "distances" traveled by a taxi driver on "Taxi" which features the clear cut jazz-funk fusion created by band members Otmaro Ruiz on piano, Federico Ramos on guitar, Andre Manga playing bass and additional keys while Vinnie Colaiuta hold down the beat on the drums.







In closing, we could all use a little more thoughtful music in our libraries, and Ashley Maher is one very thoughtful artist whose style comes from the heart and not the contract, so do yourself a favor and "entwine" your musical roots with this beautiful release, available right here on WomensRadio.



"Seven is the type of song that has the potential to make a serious change in this world"--Brian Ball, Music Editor

"