Muvolution

Kept On Running

Neo-Soul
Released 09/07/2007
© 2007 Counterpoint Records 2007
£1.79

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Hailing from Southampton, England, Ashley Thomas, was raised on a diet of diverse music, absorbing the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, James Brown, Prince, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock and Parliament, to name just a few. He started playing drums at an early age, quickly followed by guitar, bass and later, piano. After moving to London to concentrate on becoming a professional musician, various major record/publishing companies seized on his talent for writing addictive songs. However, a broader, more underground approach appealed to his sensibilities. He set about combining the quality of 60s/70s soul/funk with the more contemporary sounds of Broken Beat and Nu-Jazz. Inspired by the likes of 4 Hero, IG Culture and Bugz in the Attic.

His music can be characterised by a fusion of classic vocal hooks and syncopated rhythms held together by beautifully crafted song structures. 'When I starting writing songs my benchmark was Steely Dan. They’re classic songwriters. I feel like the art of songwriting has been lost somewhat, grooves rule these days, but I consider that only 20% of a song!’ All this is adorned by distinguished vocals which, whether soothing or tearing the roof off, never fail to evoke emotion. His influences have yielded a unique vocal sound which is hard to pigeonhole. When Counterpoint Records’ boss, Jake Behnan, heard Ashley’s demo he knew instantly that here was a seriously talented singer/songwriter who fitted perfectly with the label’s ethos for showcasing soul infused original music. As his debut 4 track ep, 'Kept On Runnin’' will testify to.