Ashes to Immortality's new album embodies the spirit of Lawrence

Ashes to Immortality is a true Lawrence original. The city motto is their namesake and the music they play is a real tribute to the spirit of the town. The practiced talent and raw passion of these musicians has been perfectly captured in their new album which I personally cannot stop playing, in the car, at work and at home.

From start to finish, every song on the new album is outstanding. The recording quality, vocals and instrumentals are all a joy to hear. The album explores everything from romance to heartache, adventure to nostalgia, joy to sorrow. Songs groove from crazed dancing fun to slow, minimalistic melancholy with ease. Through each movement and transition, the songs smoothly progress from one to the next with finesse. With a full 15 songs, I cannot rightfully complain that it leaves me wanting more, but I can never get enough.

It is difficult to describe any band's music in mere words, but this is especially true with Ashes to Immortality, a band that explores bluegrass, folk, rock'n'roll, jazz and the blues.

As with their live performances, every song of Ashes' new album features beautiful instrumentals and moving vocals. Colby's steadfast drums and Sonny's hearty bass lay down a  strong foundational beat. Mike's mandolin and Peter's banjo lend their fair and twangy voices to the americana mix. Brandon's guitar centers the harmonies and Rachel's fiddle casts magic through it all. It should be noted that Mike, Peter, Brandon and Rachel all add vocals on top of their instruments, but to top off the band's beautiful sound, Bayley's magnificent singing leads the way with gorgeous vocals.

Keep in mind, as you listen, that these are not old veterans but young artists wielding individual talents and a cohesive synergy. This album is a prophecy of great things to come. These musicians and this band have a bright future.

I would like to describe every song on the album, but that would never do them justice. You simply have to hear them for yourself. The album features songs written by various members of the band, as well as some traditional pieces, in keeping with Ashes' Acoustic American Roots sensibilities. Some of my favorites include the classic "Can't Get No Better," "Rain & Snow," and "Mulberry Jam."

Ashes to Immortality is a treasure to Lawrencians and music lovers everywhere. Their latest album is a wonderful gift to everyone who can get a hold of it. The beautiful music captures the endearing, tenacious optimism that is the spirit of Lawrence. Listening to this album will make anyone homesick for Lawrence and grateful to feel the fire of the town embodied in song.

The band is taking orders now for anyone who would like the album mailed to them. Or you could catch them live and possibly acquire a CD at their show!

Friday, August 9th, Ashes to Immortality will be playing at The Record Bar in Kansas City. This show is all ages and doors open at 8 p.m.

Friday, August 23rd Ashes will be headlining at The Granada in Lawrence. Kasey Rausch: Music & Other Projects will be opening. This show will kick off the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships and Lawrence Busker Festival.

See you out there!

Ashes to Immortality album party rocks the Bottleneck + Previews!

Friday night there was plenty going on downtown in Lawrence, but nothing could beat the phenomenal performance by Ashes to Immortality. The local folk and bluegrass band is better than ever with a banjo added into their dynamic range of instruments and vocals. To top it all off Ashes released their first full length album last night. The new album has 15 songs, which any fans of the band will love.

To start the night of Sky Smeed opened up with some original tunes as well as some well-done covers. The one-man-band has a knack for warming up a crowd and kept the growing audience well-entertained with his funny stories and good music.

The bar started to fill up as the headliner came on, with a thick crowd around the bar as Ashes filled up the stage. Ashes to Immortality has everything a bluegrass folk band could ever need; singers, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, stand-up bass, drums and banjo. The band has developed a strong repertoire of songs over the time they've played, which they showcased last night in their performance, as well as in their new album.

A full audience of fans and bluegrass lovers came out to enjoy one of the best bands to call Lawrence home. Folks were dancing and cheering along to the songs all night. Even in the summer doldrums it is always good to know that Ashes to Immortality can throw down and make a party!

Now for previews:

Tonight, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be getting funky with some jazzy afrobeat at The Granada! SUNU will be opening the show, doors open at 7p.m. Tickets are $17.

Tuesday night, you can get almost any drink at the Jazzhaus for $1.50, making this one of the busiest spots in town on this otherwise dull weeknight.

Thursday, Lawrence's own Rooftop Vigilantes will be playing at the Replay Lounge for their FINAL! It's hard to believe that band has been here, there and everywhere for five years, but for all the fans this will be a special night. My Gold Mask and California Wives will share the stage as well. Doors at 10 p.m.

Saturday night another talented local band, 3 Son Green will be at the Jazzhaus with Stiff Necked Fools. Get down to some epic jams for $5!  Doors at 10 p.m.

Hope to see you out there!