Ashley Davis is getting ready to release her fourth album named ‘Night Travels‘ on May 13, 2014.

She did her undergraduate studies at Belmont University in Nashville. While there she studied not only music but also Irish, British and Latin literature. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick under the accomplished Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. From there her path carried her to the Isle of Man as an Artist in Residence learning the stories and music of the island. She went to Vegas in 2010 where she was the featured soloist for Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’ show. She has worked with the likes of Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains and harpist Cormac De Barra, among many others. She’s played at the famous Bluebird Cafe, and even returned to Nashville for part of the recording process for the new album.

The album begins with a stirring duet with Sara Watkins (from Nickel Creek) titled ‘His Bride I’ll Be’. The two compliment each other nicely and the song has you ready to run off and elope. On ‘I’ll Follow You (Leanain Thu)’ her voice is captivating. She even sings us some lyrics in Gaelic which lends an even more authentic feel to not only the song, but the album itself. We move then to a traditional folk tale ‘Barbara Allen’ where she’s joined by Irish guitar great John Doyle. It’s a moving tale of unrequited love and you can almost feel the sadness move through you as you listen.

The title track of the album, ‘Night Travels’ moves the tempo to a more upbeat pace. Another tale of the heart, this time it’s not an unrequited love. The sweet tale brings you to picture yourself getting ready to make a dash through the night with the stars to guide you as the song plays.

Fiddle player Eileen Ivers joins in on ‘With You Tonight’ lending an ethereal quality to the song. This single is available as a free download from Ashley’s website.

‘Beside You Near’ Ashley wrote with the vocals of Moya Brennan in mind.

“She’s the queen of contemporary Celtic music, so I dearly wanted something that was going to show off just how incredible Moya’s voice is,” says Ashley, adding that Moya’s role as a mentor has offered her an amazing education, as she learned about building the “spectacular” vocal walls that are a family trait for the Brennans, especially for Moya and her younger sister, Enya.

“Night Travels” has itself been a genuine learning experience for the singer herself. “On my other albums I would have been more cerebral, more academic,” she offers. “This one I really let go and allowed myself to understand that sometimes simplicity is elegance.” official press release

‘Horses’ is a sad tale of heartbreak. A kind of recrimination of the heart-breaker, most all can relate to the story in this song. It has a haunting beauty and almost leaves you with a sense of hope on the part of the heartbroken. The final song on the album is ‘Dreams Will Come’ seems to finish the tale. Her voice draws you in and the music flows over, around and through you in a way that brings you to feel the emotions on display.

Ashley has received some great praise, a few quotes about her:

Ashley Davis is new music springing from ancient roots.
Meredith Viera – The Today Show

If Irish music in America is to become anything other than a museum piece, it needs artists like Ashley Davis moving it forward.
The Irish Voice, NYC

Ashley Davis is one of the finest young talents to emerge in the Celtic scene in the past few years. Her current album “Down By the Sea” will someday be considered a milestone and classic for the genre.
Bob McWilliams – NPR

“The plain truth is that Ashley’s music deserves your attention because it’s a fiercely original voice that touches your heart without leaving you in fairy dust.”
The Philadelphia Examiner

“Ashley Davis has a voice that is equal parts heavenly and earthy.”
John Niccum – The Kansas City Star

“Ashley Davis is a young woman with a beautiful voice and as much musicality as anyone could wish for and she writes and sings with a confidence way beyond her years.”
Philip Glass – Composer
official press release

Amazing guest appearances and Ashley in top form, this album does not disappoint in any way. Grab your own copy when it’s released and you won’t have any regrets.