As many of you know, I have been an avid fan of Ashley Monroe since her second album called “Like A Rose” produced by Vince Gill, who also contributed musically to the album. Nobody in my opinion that is active in Country Music today has more respect for the genre than he does, except a few I could name like Marty Stuart. Paul Franklin on the steel and the well written songs sold me on her.
Until I also saw the Pistol Annies! This website, along with many others, heralded that group as an independent juggernaut. However, those three gals also made some banger album by themselves on their own right, like this one that is turning 10 called The Blade. This album was also produced by Vince Gill as well, and it had many superstars lend their talents to it.
So, before I tell you more about the album let me tell you more about why I am writing this. July 25th at the Basement East, she will be performing the entire album from top to bottom in celebrating the anniversary of the album. This is a very special occasion, because she has been battling many health issues as of late (like yours truly). She drastically slowed down her live performances and when she does get out and play, we all need to get out and support her.
But my main reason for loving her albums so much are the songwriters on it. Songwriters are a lost and gone art nowadays, and many of these albums by people of her ilk have banger songs that all too often go unnoticed and unappreciated…but not by me. People like Martraca Berg and Jessi Alexander adorn the credits of this album, and it is easily my second favorite one she has put out.
In fact, the crazy thing about the entire project is this: The album’s namesake song was not written by her and is one of the best songs on the album, and that is by NO MEANS a crude remark toward her. In fact, it shows me her element of love and admiration for the other writers in town!
So please buy tickets, and hopefully I’ll see you there!
