Ashby
Looks Like You've Already Won (RSD22)

It’s spring again, and this uplifting little masterpiece may just be the perfect soundtrack for it: Looks Like You’ve Already Won (MA 64) – the long awaited second album from Boston’s pop duo Ashby, following up their critically acclaimed 2001 debut Power Ballads (“Luxurious, intelligent pop” – Q Magazine).

Ashby have expanded their sound quite significantly – with intricate multi-layered arrangements, a shimmering widescreen production and great contributions from an array of guest musicians, incl. Brazilian arranger Zé Luis (Bebel Gilberto, Brazilian Girls). The album’s ten tracks were recorded in Boston, New York City and Los Angeles.

Richly layered horn arrangements are a trademark throughout the album courtesy of New York City wunderkind arranger Jeremy Adelman. The atmospheric instrumentation is offset by hard hitting funky drums played by multi-instrumentalist Bill Cowie, one half of the duo. The icing on the cake is Evelyn Pope’s pure, understated and floating voice that somehow manages to sound light and deep at the same time.

And Ashby’s greatest signature are, of course, still simply beautiful melodies.

Check it out, folks! And you’ve already won…