AL ASHLEY
Basic Background Info
| Birth: |
March 25, 1946 |
| Location: |
Welch, Virginia |
| Band: |
Terry Gibbs, Milt Jackson, Al Cohn, Jimmy Forrest, Ira
Sullivan, Milt Jackson, Miroslav Vitous, Randy Brecker, and Michael
Brecker |
| Genres: |
Hard Bop, Post-Bop |
| Instruments: |
Drums |
| Occupation: |
Musician |
| Links: |
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Biography
Alvin Lee Ashley's drumming is dependably swinging and hard-hitting, and he has been playing hard bop and post-bop since the 1970s. Al moved to New York City in 1985, where musical opportunities abounded. Al has played with Terry Gibbs, Milt Jackson, Al Cohn, Jimmy Forrest, Ira Sullivan, Milt Jackson, Miroslav Vitous, Randy Brecker, and Michael Brecker. Although predominantly working with instrumentalist, Al has played with well-known vocalists, including Chris Connor, Mose Allison, and Carol Sloane.
After nearly fifty years accompanying other artists, Al recorded his first album as a bandleader in 2002 with Rick Stone (guitar), Oliver Von Essen (organ), and David Liebman (saxophone). On the straight-ahead jazz album, Al skillfully accompanied the other musicians and laid a solid foundation. On the album,Al’s skill was intuitive and his rhythm was firm yet flexible. Al also composed several songs on the album, including an idiosyncratic samba.
All About Jazz said of the album, "These Are Them is a long overdue debut from Ashley, proof positive that there is a host of world-class players out there operating underneath the radar who deserve broader exposure."
Discography
| Album Year |
Album Name |
Album Band |
| 2001 | Dear Tom Harrell | Marc Bernstein |
| 2003 | These Are Them | Al Ashley |
Noise
- Al’s influences include Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Art Taylor (as in
Taylor's Wailers), Billy Higgins, and Art Blakey.
Instruments of Choice
Drums
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Pics & Clips