The Dirty Lowdown: CD Review: “Wonder, Wonder” Ashley Fayth

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

CD Review: “Wonder, Wonder” Ashley Fayth

With a simple opening of the heart, an innocence observation of the world, and just a little Wonder, Wonder about what is out there. Oh, and “Peanut Butter” – we’ll get t that. Her voice reminds me most of Carol King, though the music world will want to compare her to fellow Canadian, Joni Mitchell. More folk than pop, though this will appeal to the pop world that appreciates songs that actually mean something.

Fayth sings, plays acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano accordion. Fresh from the London folk scene, and show stopping performances at the CMJ Music Marathon, the Friends Of Mine Festival, Birmingham Arts Fest, as well as appearances at The Bedford, Balham, London, The Troubadour, Earl’s Court, London, The Good Ship, Kilburn, London, The Slaughtered Lamb, City of London, and other select folk venues. She has by her presence spread the word. She has a quite calm voice, but passers by stop and listen.

Peanut Butter by Ashley Fayth

“Wonder, Wonder is a colourful collection of stories about people, seasons, mad scientists, books, heartbreak, and home – with a jar of bluebells and a healthy slathering of peanut butter thrown in for good measure.”

There’s a certain originality she brings to her art that transcends just being a girl with a voice and a guitar. Her lyrics are quirky without being weird, poetic without being high brow, and heart warming without being overly sentimental.

If an artist can embody wide-eyed innocence and a world-wise presence simultaneously, in both a traditional and a contemporary/alternative musical style, then Ashley Fayth does it in spades. You can put the album on for just a little quite back ground music, but you’ll find yourself grabbing a cup of coffee and stopping to listen. Fayth has recorded one other album, 2005s self titled Ashley Fayth. After listening to this album, released in October. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait six years for the next entry in her song book.