Wenso Ashby

Wenso Ashby is not a new-be on the music scene. Early on in his career his best work was found behind the scenes, composing and producing for others while spawning the nudge to turn the spotlight on himself. Audiences from coast to coast enjoy the lip-biting groove-based rhythms and timeless melodies that Wenso so effortlessly exudes. “Signature” signifies another level in his career, stepping out to endless possibilities. His current focus is to lend his talent to global touring with his own band as well as contributing to other artists for selected performances, songwriting and production collaborations.

Ashby brandishes quality artistry of the first order from network television appearances to worldwide radio play to prove it. Wenso’s band has opened for national recording artists like Saxophonist Kim Waters, Bassist Gerald Veasley, Songwriter/Singer Kenny Lattimore, Jason "Malletman" Taylor, Idol winner Ruben Studdard, and Paris Bennett. With six strong CD projects under his belt, “Midnite Walkin" (2002), "Wenso Live (2004), "Love Is So Amazing" (2008), "After Dark" (Love Is So Amazing packaged & released under Butterfly label 2009), “The Moment of Truth” (2011) and his current release “Signature” (2012) its apparent that his gateway to flourished recognition is at hand. His purposed steps are destined to be a soulful backdrop to live stages big and small all over the world.

“Who am I?" says Ashby. "First and foremost I am a child of GOD who created me to be who I am. As a creative being I am an Artist, producer, songwriter and composer. My background and first love is songwriting and producing which led me to becoming an ‘Artist’. My primary focus is to share my musical gifts and talents with the world using the piano and keyboard as my main instrument to express the music inside of me. “Signature” represents the musical direction as a keyboardist that I want to go. I will continue to produce and write while expressing my thoughts, vision and inner self through the touch of my fingertips, being able to share my gifts is a true blessing”, says Ashby.

“It feels good to my heart to feel the excitement Wenso had when he was offered the featured spot on The Jazz Network Worldwide. He sincerely was reverent to the amazing networking potential this platform could provide for his artistry worldwide” says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide social network. “His perseverance and tenacity will take him far on any highway he chooses to journey on, for he is at a maximum speed of artistic growth” continues Jackson.

Be sure to come by The Jazz Network Worldwide and catch Wenso’s feature this week at http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com. To learn more about smooth-jazz virtuoso Wenso Ashby go to his official website at http://www.wensoashby.com and http://www.cdbaby.com/wensoashby, http://www.itunes.com and http://www.bestbuy.com to purchase.

- The Jazz Network Worldwide

Wenso Ashby is not a new-be on the music scene. Early on in his career his best work was found behind the scenes, composing and producing for others while spawning the nudge to turn the spotlight on himself. Audiences from coast to coast enjoy the lip-biting groove-based rhythms and timeless melodies that Wenso so effortlessly exudes. “Signature” signifies another level in his career, stepping out to endless possibilities. His current focus is to lend his talent to global touring with his own band as well as contributing to other artists for selected performances, songwriting and production collaborations.

Ashby brandishes quality artistry of the first order from network television appearances to worldwide radio play to prove it. Wenso’s band has opened for national recording artists like Saxophonist Kim Waters, Bassist Gerald Veasley, Songwriter/Singer Kenny Lattimore, Jason "Malletman" Taylor, Idol winner Ruben Studdard, and Paris Bennett. With six strong CD projects under his belt, “Midnite Walkin" (2002), "Wenso Live (2004), "Love Is So Amazing" (2008), "After Dark" (Love Is So Amazing packaged & released under Butterfly label 2009), “The Moment of Truth” (2011) and his current release “Signature” (2012) its apparent that his gateway to flourished recognition is at hand. His purposed steps are destined to be a soulful backdrop to live stages big and small all over the world.

“Who am I?" says Ashby. "First and foremost I am a child of GOD who created me to be who I am. As a creative being I am an Artist, producer, songwriter and composer. My background and first love is songwriting and producing which led me to becoming an ‘Artist’. My primary focus is to share my musical gifts and talents with the world using the piano and keyboard as my main instrument to express the music inside of me. “Signature” represents the musical direction as a keyboardist that I want to go. I will continue to produce and write while expressing my thoughts, vision and inner self through the touch of my fingertips, being able to share my gifts is a true blessing”, says Ashby.

“It feels good to my heart to feel the excitement Wenso had when he was offered the featured spot on The Jazz Network Worldwide. He sincerely was reverent to the amazing networking potential this platform could provide for his artistry worldwide” says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide social network. “His perseverance and tenacity will take him far on any highway he chooses to journey on, for he is at a maximum speed of artistic growth” continues Jackson.

Be sure to come by The Jazz Network Worldwide and catch Wenso’s feature this week at http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com. To learn more about smooth-jazz virtuoso Wenso Ashby go to his official website at http://www.wensoashby.com and http://www.cdbaby.com/wensoashby, http://www.itunes.com and http://www.bestbuy.com to purchase.

- The Jazz Network Worldwide

Ahh, as cool as a fresh autumn breeze, as light as a feather yet with enough body mass and structure, courtesy of some really effective bass lines, to be classified as really good, unpretentious contemporary jazz piano, pianist Wenso Ashby brings a tender most competent yet unassuming dimension to the genre with his latest offering entitled Signature.

This album brings the sophistication I admired in a lot of the work of another fine pianist, Roger Smith. There is a bit of resemblance in style although both do venture off into their own territories.

This album is cool from the very beginning and remains in that romantic laid-back vein for much of the time, offering seductively soft tracks like the one showcasing the lovely vocals of one Zsame Morgan (“Be There”) on top of Ashby’s tickling of the ivories.

The track “Closer” begins with a bass line reminiscent of the classic Stylistics hit “People Make the World Go ‘Round,” then strolls off in its own creatively classy fashion with Ashby telling a riveting tale of love just through his piano and a lovely arrangement of strings produced, no doubt, on keys/synth.

“Indigo Blue” is another track penned with the romantic candlelight in mind. So velvety, so expressive, and, again, with the presence of the captivating strings effect.

The pace is picked up to a dance pace with his still airy but very rhythmic “No Doubt,” a light but upbeat little jam that captures the happy mood two lovers share while staring into each other’s eyes while moving on the dance floor. Yes, still all about the love vibe.

And so it goes with Signature, filled to the brim with gentle, riveting, and rich melodies combined with a couple of sophisticated, mid-tempo tracks.

There is one surprise for you. The finale “My Way” takes you on a sassy hip hop ride with Morgan’s vocals. Different for this album, yet it is so at home here.

Ashby definitely puts a great signature on this project by thinking it through, combining class, sophistication, and more than a touch of soul and rhythm. No disappointments here at all. – Ronald
- Smooth Jazz Ride Radio

Wenso Ashby, producer-pianist-composer par excellence, runs second to none in the Twin Cities so far as the neo-soul/smooth jazz groove goes. Fast following May’s surprisingly inert The Moment of Truth, acquits his artistry with Signature.

Signature is an admirable offering to satiate steadfast fans who’ve seen the master of sexy ambience through Midnite Walkin’, Wenso Ashby Live, featuring Zsamé, Q’Aisha, and TaVanni; and Love Is So Amazing, featuring Zsamé. Loyal followers have made him marketable via a veritable groundswell. Despite an inexplicable absence in mainstream media coverage. Ashby, to say the least, has cast-iron performing and producing chops. For that matter, as witnessed at a recent gig partly benefiting St. Paul’s renowned community fixture, Hallie Q. Brown Center, he don’t sing half-bad neither. That evening, by the by, was an entirely winning affair. A listening thing for Signature, well attended, expertly catered, surprised with a live set featuring the illustrious Lady Z. It was, trust me, a one of a kind, profoundly rapturous, be-there-or-be-square delight.

Signature undeniably demonstrates that Wenso Ashby, he of the nimble fingers and a keen ear, is an artist of consequence. That night at HQB, Zsame introduced “Remy Road” as Ashby’s tribute to his favorite taste, Remy Martin. The way this jam comes off, laid back lovely in the cut, next time Ashby goes public (he’s largely doing private shows), the promoter need to have a case waiting in the dressing room. It’s an ethereal jam, rich in substance, subtle texture, damned near defying description. And has attitude all over it, kicking killer intricate licks. “Say That U Stay” pulls in a blues feel, stretching that out to encorporate some funk, still, every step of the way, tickling the ivories to a tasty, sophisticatco turn. Just with a nasty turn or two.

Zsame guests on vocals and sax wiz Willie Moore. For “Be There,” Zsame Morgan allures. Hypnotically. With earthen grace, such sensuality as, between you and me, might be illegal. She returns, snapping airtight funk-style, on “My Way” with Moore weighing in tight, threading lines fluid as water
- Twin Cities Daily Planet

By Dwight Hobbes

Got a long road trip you have to take in the car by yourself and are at a loss for some first-class sounds to keep you company on the way? Out at the park taking a walk with the headphones on and need good stuff to feed your CD player? Kicking back at the crib on a lazy afternoon and want something you can put on the box and savor as you plop down in the easy chair and let the world pass you by for the day? Here's an all-purpose cure for what you might lack: It goes by the name of Wenso Ashby, he of such soul sophisticato as is not to be denied.

Songsmith, producer and keyboardist, Wenso Ashby brandishes quality artistry of the first order and he's released three strong albums to prove it. There's Walkin' Midnite (somebody came over the house and helped my copy grow feet before yours truly could even listen to it, which, for my two cents, qualifies as a better review than anything anyone could write), Wenso Ashby Live, featuring Zsamé, Q'Aisha and TaVanni; and his newest, Love Is So Amazing, featuring Zsamé. It's the kind of music you never get tired of – not if you dig laid back, jazz-drenched magic that washes over you in a soothing wave and brightens your spirits like a dose of pure, unadulterated sunshine.

Ashby is one of the most fascinating pianists since Ramsey Lewis; if he don't know nothin' he sure knows how to lay down a tantalizing groove, tickling the ivories with exceptional taste and a world of finesse. For this project, he has enlisted the easy-on-the-ears services of splendid vocalists along with sax ace Willie Moore.

Listening to Wenso Ashby Live, you easily could think the thing was done in a studio – until the applause at the end of each cut --it's that clean and tight. "Philly's Groove" even brings in a sprinkling of funk, beautifully seasoning this straight-ahead, pocket-nailed gem. Look out for a sweet rendition of the Rufus classic "Ain't Nobody."

Love Is So Amazing is, well, amazing. The album leads off with the haunt-your-mind "Not Letting Go". The song is one of those instantly agreeable numbers that from first hearing, is something you just can't get out of your head. As is "Keep On Dreaming" (with incredible bassist Yohannes Tona sitting in). As gifted a songwriter as Wenso Ashby is, he readily might've made the whole disc from original material, but decided to include choice covers of Sade's "No Ordinary Love," Lisa Stansfield's "Been Around The World" and Brian McKnight's "Anytime". Doesn't matter. The entire disc works just fine, it's one of those rare outings you can enjoy from beginning to end without skipping a single cut. And, then, when you're done, you can quite contentedly play the whole thing all over again.

Twin Cities music is renowned throughout the country and, for that matter, some parts around the world, as a wellspring of phenomenal talent. Said reputation is formidably upheld by Ashby, a consummate musician with cast iron chops. He's got that often elusive quality on which the best producer-instrumentalists rely, an infallible ear for intricacies that give an overall sound its irresistibly compelling signature.

Smooth-jazz virtuoso Ashby is available at stores and www.cdbaby.com/wensoashby. You can catch him in action when the release event for Love Is So Amazing throws down at Fine Line Café on Wed., June 18, 8 pm. the Fine Line is located in Downtown Minneapolis at 318 First Avenue North. - Insight Newspaper, Minneapolis

When you think of Minneapolis, what do you think of? Prince, Mint Condition, The Time, Apollonia and Vanity 6? OK, fine. But what about the jazz scene? Minneapolis East or Madhouse. Either way jazz is still alive and kicking in Minneapolis, and Wenso Ashby is keeping jazz real.

His latest effort "Love Is So Amazing" with featured vocalist Zsame, is a nice laid back project that you can drop in the player (of your choice) after a hard day at work. Let Wenso take you away!

With nice groovin' songs like "No Letting Go", "In The Blu", "Keep On Dreaming", "Faded", "Lights Low", "Love Is So Amazing", & "Heavenly" are guaranteed to relieve your stress. And the ethereal covers of Sade's "No Ordinary Love", Brian McKnight's "Anytime" and Lisa Stansfield's "Been Around The World". Plus let us not forget Zsame's soothing voice that compliments each song in a way where you feel totally relaxed.

Make sure you pick up this cd at www.itunes.com, www.bestbuy.com or any online
store. You can find more information about the cd at www.WENSOASHBY.com. Get song samples & more at CDBaby!!
Marv D.
The Urban Music Scene

- The Urban Music Scene

Wenso Ashby is a dynamic contemporary jazz artist with a flare for pushing the boundaries of musical artistry. Ashby's unique blend of jazz, funk, neosoul and r&b showcase the brightest in keyboard expertise. His debut album Midnite Walkin' is a musical odyssey into possibilities of contemporary jazz.
- SASE ONLINE
- SASE Online

When it’s time to sit back and relax there’s nothing more soothing than listening to great contemporary jazz with soul. Great beats from a magical keyboard player and soulful lyrics from a vocalist with a voice of an angel, is the sounds of Wenso Ashby Contemporary Jazz with Soul, features Zsamé at vocals and Wenso at the keys, and there’s nothing you can do but listen in bliss. This collaboration between the two inspires original songs, written by Wenso, such as ‘Take Me Out,’ and ‘Rising,’ which is from their live CD, Wenso Ashby Live. They also pay homage to Neo-Soul artists when they sing covers like ‘Do I Every Cross Your Mind’ by Brian McKnight and ‘Emotional Roller Coaster’ by Vivian Greene. Even when Zsamé is on break, Wenso plays instrumental journeys that would get your foot tapping in seconds.
The performance was held in the beautiful setting of Café Tatta Bunna located in the urban area of North Minneapolis in the Urban League building on the corner of Plymouth Avenue and Penn Avenue. When the temperature heats up out there, great music sounds from Wenso Ashby Contemporary Jazz with Soul sends chills down your spine to cool you down.
In my opinion, Wenso Ashby Contemporary Jazz with Soul featuring Zsamé was great! It gave me a reason to sit in my seat and not miss a beat that smoothly flowed out of the speakers. I gave the performance, “Two Thumbs Up,” and if you ever hear the name Wenso Ashby Contemporary Jazz with Soul, you should definitely check them out.
Brendon Kelly - Brendon Kelly
- Brendon Kelly, freelance writer.

Midnite Walkin
by Sandra Honton Rating: 10

Wenso it was by accident that I got to hear you and see you perform it was a great pleasure I listen to both of your CD during my drive time to help relieve the stress of traffic. keep up the great work. Kat
- Sandra Honton, smooth jazz listener

Midnite Walking
by Terry Lynne Rating: 10

My husband and I love this CD. Very romantic and soothing.
- Terry Lynne, Smooth Jazz listener