Blues rocker Ashley Sherlock releases a new single ‘Dear Elizabeth’ from his upcoming coming album Just A Name out June 16, 2023 on Ruf Records.
Guitarist and singer songwriter, Ashley Sherlock is pleased to announce, “Dear Elizabeth,” the second single taken from his upcoming debut album Just A Name.
“Dear Elizabeth” is an acutely personal, melancholy breakup song with a rock and roll spirit. Sherlock’s lyrics are a monologue sung by the one who caused the relationship to end and vibe as if they’ve accepted that the damage is irreparable. It’s a dynamic track that rises from a whispered intro to an exceptionally melodic guitar solo that truly adds to the song’s impact. The accompanying music video for “Dear Elizabeth” provides unprecedented access to Sherlock and his band and puts you right in the middle of their action. This is fine work from an emerging artist with chops, soul, and emotions to burn. Don’t miss it.
Watch “Dear Elizabeth”
Stream “Dear Elizabeth” HERE
“Dear Elizabeth is probably one of our favourite songs off the record,” says Ashley. “It’s a song about realising your mistakes when sometimes it’s too late.”
On the move and armed with a beat-up Stelfox electric guitar, a hot knife of a voice and a pocketful of hooks, the acclaimed Mancunian singer-songwriter and his telepathic blues-rock power trio, have already packed-out iconic venues and pricked up influential ears.
“The band started about four years ago,” reflects Ashley. “That’s when I found the dynamic rhythm section of Charlie Rachael Kay on bass and Danny Rigg on drums.”
Continues Ashley, “I’d just come home from a trip to Nashville and was booked to play an event. I was persuaded by the promoter to get a band together for that one show – and they just stuck around! Now, we’re one hundred per cent a family. I love those guys to bits.”
Ashley is no stranger to the UK live circuit. In the past 12 months’ he’s supported the likes of Kris Barras Band, The Quireboys and Laurence Jones.
Ashley has released two acclaimed EPs with 2019’s self-titled “Ashley Sherlock,” followed by 2021’s “If You’re Listening.” In 2022, he was nominated for UK Blues Federation’s Young Blues Artist of the Year. He’s even had airplay on the New Rock Show on Planet Rock, and beyond.
Louder Than War praised Sherlock by saying, “Ashley’s music will put a big stupid grin on your face,” while Get Ready to Rock professed, “his music will leave you wanting more.”
“A lot of these songs are about love gained and lost, personal growth, observations of times in my life,” says Ashley.
Plush studios aren’t their style. Instead, Ashely and his bandmates beat a path to Manchester’s Hallam Mill to record the new album in the dead of winter where they rubbed sparks off each other. “The whole recording process was a real learning experience,” says Ashley.
“We spent four solid days in December in the attic of this old English cotton mill, recording this album mostly live for ten hours a day. It was freezing and we’d huddle around a small heater for warmth between takes. We had a real blast, though, and it brought us all closer, while helping us gain a mutual understanding of the song’s context and how to deliver it best to the listener.”
Blues might be a centuries-old genre, but it doesn’t have to run on autopilot. As you’d hope from a modern songwriter whose influences include Guns N’ Roses, The Cadillac Three, Dire Straits, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jeff Buckley, the songs on “Just A Name” twist and turn with a salute to soul, pop, hard rock and more.
Never taking the easy option of a twelve-bar trudge, every song on the new album makes its own distinct mark. It’s hard to choose your favourite.
Pre-order the album HERE
Just A Name Track Listing
1. Trouble (4:47)
2. I Think She Knows (3:45)
3. Realise (2:24)
4. Empty Street (3:10)
5. Time (5:02)
6. Our Love (3:01)
7. Goodbye To You (3:30)
8. Dear Elizabeth (3:53)
9. Something’s Got To Give (2:48)
10. Last Call (3:29)
11. What If I Said To You (2:57)
12. Backstage Wall (3:33)
Ashley Sherlock website
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