Hailed "the darling of the NW Americana scene," by NYC's Village Voice, Ashleigh Flynn, Oregon-by-way-of-Kentucky, presents her third studio album, American Dream - soul stirring songs of down-and-outers all still hopeful for the American Dream.
"Flynn's finest album to date," says the Oregonian " 'American Dream' shows off Flynn's best attributes: a soulful croon best described as a gold-plated gift from beyond, a songwriter's eye for detail and narrative that captures the humanity and hope in the lives of our fair city's various down-and-outers -- within a more melodic, hook-filled context than she's been afforded before. The album's lead track, the wistful relationship study "Dressed & Ready," is the best song she's written to date.
Flynn's growth as an artist hasn't gone unnoticed: Last year she was invited to play the giant Tennessee festival Bonnaroo, her recent shows have attracted label scouts and the band she plays with, the Killdeer -- Funk, Decemberists' keyboardist Jenny Conlee, and former Sheryl Crow drummer Gregg Williams among them -- has infused her sometimes-spare work with a layered sophistication." -- The Oregonian, Arts & Entertainment Feb 20, 2008.
From Kentucky, Ashleigh Flynn grew up foot stomping along the Ohio River as the steamboats and barges made their way to the muddy Mississippi. An
electrifying performer blessed with unbridled charisma, Flynn has released two previous full-length studio efforts, Chokecherry (2002) and Ashleigh Flynn, self-titled (1999).
The Village Voice hailing Chokecherry, ". . . Flynn adds a smoky soulful voice . . .marrying styles such as bluegrass to pop." In an effort to capture the energy of a live show, Flynn released Sneakin’ Out with Ashleigh Flynn in late 2005, a live Mississippi Studios recording with Portland’s renowned alternative bluegrass band, Sneakin’ Out, and featuring national songstress Tracy Grammer.
On American Dream, listeners join Flynn in exploring profound questions about the historical and political consequences of manifest destiny. The album is alive with stories about down-and-outers, young and old, all still hopeful, as is Flynn, that they can achieve the American Dream. Beguiling and wise, Flynn’s musical poetry muses on the expansive American Dream.
What the press has been saying about Ashleigh Flynn's American Dream:
The true triumph is Flynn's mastery of her own voice, in every sense of the word, resulting in perhaps the most satisfying rootsy gal album to come our of Portland since - 2002...
--Willamette Week, Feb. 20, 2008
Local songbird Ashleigh Flynn has one of the voices perfectly suite to the Americana chenre - clear but cutting, with an indescribable bit of twang. On her third studio album, American Dream, she veers in to poppier territory with great results.
-- Portland Tribune, Feb. 22 2008
COVER of EUGENE Register Guard Ticket:
Mudslide Flynn - nature inspired Flynn wrote her first song while trapped by a road blocking slide. ...Not only does Flynn craft fine songs and possess the pitchperfect voice of an angel, in person she is funny, charming, and flexible.
--The Eugene Register Guard, Ticket, Feb. 22, 2008
The key element uniting all of this (American Dream) is Flynn's poetic lyricism and her unvarnished voice...
--Eugene Weekly, Feb. 21, 2008
Ashleigh Flynn’s heartfelt voice mixed with her soulful music is a great escape from the usual. Her music speaks about historical, political, personal issues, yet is still full of hope. Flynn will be playing tomorrow night at the Hotel Cafe in LA and for those of you looking for something new and beautiful, this Kentucky woman is your ticket. --LA Cityzine FRONTPAGE! March 2, 2008
Here's a "DM" tongue tangling tambourine jangling double fisting mind twisting riddle to help you keep a grin above your chin all afternoon. Have a tip jar knocking jaw dropping toe curling squinty eyed squirrel twirling Tuesday!!!!
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