RISING U.K. ARTIST ASHLEY HENRY’S WHO WE ARE OUT OCTOBER 11 ON NAÏVE RECORDS

FEATURES APPEARANCES FROM AJA MONET, THEO CROKER, JUDI JACKSON AND MAK

NEW TRACK “TAKE IT HIGHER” DEBUTS TODAY

“One of the most forward-thinking minds in U.K. jazz right now.”—Clash

“Henry…writes strong, simple melodies, and is an inventive arranger.”—The Guardian

September 6, 2024— Rising London pianist, vocalist and composer Ashley Henry is set for the release of his sophomore full length record, Who We Are, October 11 on naïve Records. In celebration of the forthcoming album, the new track “Take It Higher” debuts now; stream/share it HERE and pre-order Who We Are HERE.

“With ‘Take It Higher,’ sometimes life can trick us into feeling limited,” notes Henry. “‘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.”

Who We Are finds Henry collaborating with a diverse array of contemporary artists including Grammy-nominated poet and lyricist Aja Monet, Grammy-nominated trumpeter Theo Croker, vocalist Judi Jackson and London hip hop artist MAK. See below for a complete track list.

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 and 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, Henry’s vivid expressions of Jazz culture feel as beautiful as they do meaningful. Henry’s deep-rooted influences and visionary conviction make him one of the most exciting musicians emerging across London and beyond.

Since touring globally with Christine and the Queens and supporting Loyle Carner across the U.K., Henry has seen extensive critical acclaim from The Guardian, Evening Standard, Clash and Wonderland to name a few.

For more information, please contact Joe Cohen, Ethan Jacobs or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.

TRACK LIST
ASHLEY HENRY—WHO WE ARE
1. Love Is Like A Movie (featuring Judi Jackson)
2. Take It Higher
3. Who We Are
4. Synchronicity
5. Mississippi Goddam
6. Fly Away (featuring Aja Monet)
7. Same Old Song
8. All For You (featuring MAK)
9. Today (Interlude)
10. Tin Girl
11. Oh La (featuring Binker Golding)
12. Love At The Venice Biennale
13. Water
14. Autumn (featuring Theo Croker)