Ash Walker presents emphatic new single ‘Six Eight’ ahead of 18th September release
Following the success of his debut EP, ‘Agnostic’, producer Ash Walker returns with double single ‘Six Eight’ / ‘Noodle’, on established electronic imprint Deep Heads.
Whilst ‘Agnostic’ saw an abstract trip-hop sound infused with elements of dub and reggae, his new singles stay true to his core jazz influences, retaining individuality with modern beats, rolling bass guitars and delicate keys.
The first single, ‘Six Eight’ features a shuffled beat with a characteristic jazz ride cymbal rhythm, punchy kick punch and walking bassline. Bass guitarist Marc Cyril makes his mark on the track, who alongside keys player Jason Moe added his expertise to Ash Walker’s foundations. Adding depth to the single are fizzling tweaks, staccato sounds and harmonic keys, magnificently improvised by Jason Moe.
‘Noodle’ begins with a gentle introduction, then follows the momentum of ‘Six Eight’ with a similar bassline, also developed by Marc Cyril, who has played with the likes of Joss Stone, Dennis Bovell, Jr Walker and the All Stars and Faithless’ Maxi Jazz. Engrossing in its shadowy intrigue, the brooding bassline acts as the main focus of the piece. In Ash’s own words, ‘I didn’t want to over complicate the beats and made sure that the bass had enough space to breath’. The bass is however perfectly complemented by simple and melodic chimes, maintaining a lighter, dubby feel.
As a DJ, Ash has long performed in support of prestigious acts including The Specials, Lee Scratch Perry, and David Rodigan, but now signed to Deep Heads, his productions are receiving the increased attention they deserve. ‘Agnostic’, received staunch radio support from BBC 6 Music, with air time play from the likes of Gideon Coe, Don Letts and Tom Robinson. His single ‘Round The Twist’ which features The Specials’ Nikolaj Torp Larsen, premiered on French lifestyle publication Konbini, whilst‘Bamboo Circus’, featuring Segilola, was championed by Guestlist and a host of other tastemakers.
With a forward thinking jazz sound, ‘Six Eight’ / ‘Noodle’, once again exhibit Ash Walkers talents as a musician, producer and collaborator.
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