Ashley Henry – Take It Higher

Fast-rising pianist, vocalist and composer Ashley Henry delivers his stunning new cut “Take It Higher” – released via his own label Royal Raw Records and naïve.

Laced with sleek, swirling strings and glossy vocal layers flirting in perfect harmony, “Take It Higher” asserts another spellbinding record from the South Londoner on his dominant return this year. Emerging with stylish silhouettes rolling atop syncopated jazz percussion, Ashley quickly commands the smooth beat with high-octane piano acrobatics, delivering free-form vibrations with distinctive flair before he chants “Let’s get away” – a liberating call back as the rising talent blossoms in a renowned sense of serenity and self-assurance.

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Speaking on the track, Ashley mentions: “Sometimes life can trick us into feeling limited. ‘Take It Higher’ is about tapping into emotions, aspirations and a world beyond; it explores the power of music to transport us, together, despite everything, to an elsewhere. I hope it takes people to a place to rest, enjoy and respect childlike creativity as a life norm so we can thrive.”

Taking on inspirations that reflect his London upbringing and Jamaican heritage, Ashley Henry’s genre-bending sound and collaborative practice draw from being a diligent student of the Black radical traditions. Exposed to futurism, history, pulse, restlessness and poise, the young talent naturally gravitated towards muses that have shaped his complex artistry today. From the powerful words of James Baldwin and Angela Davis to the soulful pieces of Ahmed Jamal and George Benson, Ashley’s vivid expressions of Jazz culture feel as beautiful as they are meaningful.

Since touring globally with Christine and the Queens and supporting Loyle Carner across the UK, Ashley’s multi-disciplinary approach has steadily marked him as one of the most exciting musicians across London and beyond. With the likes of WONDERLAND, THE GUARDIAN, EVENING STANDARD, CLASH and NOTION all proclaiming a standout talent, Ashley went on to headline the infamous Brick Lane Jazz Festival 2023, rubbing shoulders with homegrown talent incl. Bel Cobain, Reuben James and Lex Amor.

With his new studio album Who We Are dropping in October, Ashley Henry’s deep-rooted influence and hunger for experimentation will no doubt continue the heat surrounding an iconic, emerging talent crashing into wider consciousness.