Hotly Tipped Ashley Henry's Silky Sonic Statement 'Melanin'
Words by Ben Tibbits @tibbitsben
Hotly tipped vocalist, pianist and composer Ashley Henry has made a silky sonic statement with ‘Melanin’, the second taster from his highly anticipated debut EP.
Henry announced himself to the scene with his critically acclaimed debut studio album, ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’, which saw him work with an assortment of fantastic innovators such as Keyon Harold and Theo Croker. Having toured with the likes of Loyle Carner and Christine and the Queens, the multi-talented artist looks set to continue staking his claim within the jazz and R&B stratosphere.
Speaking on the single, Henry offered:
““Melanin is finding someone or something that’s a refuge from taking that wrong or easy path. Listening to it feels like a safe space. I wrote it as a certainty of belonging that’s accessible no matter where we are. Melanin is my celebration of beauty, love and black futurity. The track pays homage to women always trying to provide a safe space for their families and through their culture, and to the safe spaces I’ve found in my life”.”
Following on from where the EP’s first offering ‘My Voice’ left off, this soulful and grandiose offering sees Henry at his musical and lyrical best, paying homage to romance, self-love and everything in-between. 'Melanin' showcases some of the UK’s finest instrumental talent, with flautist James Messiah delivering a masterclass in counter melody, whilst Henry’s piano work is intricate and affecting.