Salisbury’s own local singer/songwriter Ashley Jo Farmer announces the release of her first fully-produced album, “Wise Up House Love.” She is hosting a drop-in album release party from 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at The Blue Vine. The Ashley Jo Farmer Band (which includes Tommy Farmer, Alan Grossman and Louis Bodak) will perform several sets throughout the evening.
Farmer will also be performing a very short acoustic set early in the afternoon (12:15 p.m.-1 p.m.) on the Hall House stage as part of OctoberTour and will have some copies of the album available for those unable to come to the party.
The album taps into several different genres of music, including folk, rock, pop, jazz and the blues, and fuses them all together to create something pleasing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It features 13 original songs, all written or co-written by Ashley Jo except for one song written by songwriter David D. Beckom.
A strong belting alto with a soulful, throaty edge, Farmer draws inspiration from her own life experiences as well as those of the people around her. From relationships issues and celebrations, personal triumphs and tribulations, and mourning the death of a loved one, to current political situations and a somber look at the effects of war, her songs address a wide variety of subjects.
The Wise Up House Love Band is Ashley Jo Farmer (vocals), Alan Grossman (acoustic guitar), Tommy Farmer (bass, acoustic guitar), Louis Bodak (percussion), Richard Putnam (piano/organ), and Jimm Mosher (electric guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards, Vocals). Several special musical guests make an appearance on the album including Lisa Leuschner Anderson (American Idol – Season 3) singing background vocals for “Begin Again.” A string quartet arrangement and performance by Sandra Swannell on “Virginia” is also a highlight.
The song “Better” is Ashley Jo’s musical contribution to the “It Gets Better” project created by Dan Savage, a video submission project on YouTube which encourages today’s youth to have hope for their future.
The album will be on sale for $15 at the release party. Everyone who participated in Farmer’s fundraiser will receive their pre-purchased copy of the album along with a special homemade “thank you” gift that Farmer created herself.
The Blue Vine will be selling beer and wine as always, so this event is 18 and older only.
The album is now available to listen to in its entirety at www.ashleyjofarmer.com/album-special-preview.html.
The album is now available for purchase online at: www.cdbaby.com/cd/ashleyjofarmer as well as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and more.