Ashley Henry’s critically acclaimed second album Who We Are was released in October 2024, to international critical acclaim:
‘A utopian suite from a remarkable talent.’
— The Guardian
“With Henry, a vocalist/pianist/band leader primarily pounding away on the keys at the piano, this masterful album mostly carries the feel of a traditional jazz ensemble. But the multitalented British artist consistently transcends one genre, like on the song “Take Me Higher,” which has a strong ‘70s disco/funk vibe. “Each of these songs holds an attempt to understand and strive for liberation or collective possibility,” Henry says of the 14 songs on his 2024 album “Who We Are,” written to provide a respite from “these times we find ourselves in.” There is a soaring quality to much of the album, particularly the aptly named “Fly Away,” featuring Aja Monet.”
“Built around jazz, Henry’s latest work defies categorization the way Stevie Wonder did in his 70s heyday or Brian Wilson did circa Smile… Who We Are does possess that same blend of musicality and swagger that transcends genre…Remember the name Ashley Henry. I promise you that years from now you will feel incredibly special to have been there at the beginning of his career.”
— Forbes, “Britain’s Ashley Henry Blends Jazz and Vibe into a Magical World”
His first album, Beautiful Vinyl Hunter, was released in 2020. It was Jazz Japan’s Album of the Year, nominated as a BBC 6 Music’s Album of the Year, becoming only the second jazz album ever to do so. He was named France Jazz Magazine’s New Jazz Artist of the Year for 2020, and toured globally with Christine and the Queens, whilst supporting Loyle Carner’s second album tour.
Ashley Henry’s take on sound reflects his London upbringing and his Caribbean roots. His genre-bending sound and collaborative practice draws from classical training and being a diligent student of the Black radical tradition, its futurism and history, pulse, restlessness, and poise. His music is as informed by the work of James Baldwin, and Angela Davis, as it is by Ahmed Jamal, George Benson, Geri Allen and Aretha Franklin.
His deep sonic compositions have launched some of the best contemporary jazz vocalists in the UK. Whilst as a sonic artist his work allowed him to be the first musician commissioned by the Royal Observatory; Curate & establish The Freestyle Fellowship inviting Shabaka Hutchins; Blue Lab Beats and Binker Golding to support the UK’s Mental Health Foundation & Musicians during Covid. Whilst his Ronnie Scott’s Live Stream performance was the most streamed live jazz performance across Europe for 2020.
Teaching and Research
Henry lectures at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and has delivered masterclasses at institutions across the world. He serves as an Ambassador for the Abram Wilson Foundation.
In 2023 Henry established his own label Royal Raw Music via Believe International with the aim of continually pursuing and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and collaboration.