Matt & Ashleigh fly south for the winter...

Well... we didn't fly south... we drove... and we're not staying for the whole winter, just a little while.

When we left Asheville, it was a winter wonderland! I'm so happy that I got to spend some time in the snow this winter, and Asheville certainly looks lovely under a blanket of white. However, I'm glad we got the chance to go to the beach and hang out in the sunshine, while at the same time play a whole lot of music.

We've been playing a lot of private parties, and afternoon concerts. So far, we've been well received and we're having a blast! I wish we brought along a video camera, because I'd love to share some of our new arrangements and new tunes!

What I can give you for now is a little glimpse into our tour via some pictures:

Our porch when we left Asheville:







Ruby's first trip to the beach:


Still a little cold:







Collected a few shells:


Savannah (right after we were serenaded by a street performer singing, Georgia. It was pouring, but he kept on playing):











Last but not least, a beautiful sunset:




Its been a fun trip so far. I spent most of today taking pictures of all the Spanish Moss hanging from the trees here in Brunswick. I'm a little disappointed that there isn't more stew here, but I guess I'll get over it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

-Ashleigh

December Drawing winners!

Congratulations to our December Drawing winners!

Bernie Galus and Mike Singer!

Thanks to everyone who participated and better luck next time to everyone except for Bernie Galus and Mike Singer!

Stay tuned for more drawings in the future!!!

Nice review in Bluegrass Unlimited!

2011 has already been good to me. Check out the latest Fruit of the Vine review in Bluegrass Unlimited!

ASHLEIGH CAUDILL
FRUIT OF THE VINE
No Label
AC0002

Usually promo quotes on album covers must be taken in context. In the case of Ashleigh Caudill’s new recording, they prove true. Ashleigh Caudill, as Claire Lynch writes, does indeed “have an undeniable gift for songwriting.”

While the themes of her 12 originals are the basic themes of poor but happy, hard times, wishing for love, working toward the promised land, murder, death and the joys of being in love, what raises them to a superior level is her creativity at blending contemporary touches with older traditional forms and rhythms. The insistent 3/4 pulse of “Toil & Shame,” for example, has a chorus that calls to mind the old folk tune “Wind And Rain,” but also has a short interlude that makes me think of The Band. “Fruit Of The Vine,” the title song, uses clawhammer banjo and mixes the oldtimey image of wishing to be an apple on a tree with the contemporary wordplay of “vying with the fruit of the vine,” while “Pluckin’ The Hen” is an original happy go lucky fiddle tune with words and is reminiscent of “Down The Road” or “Cumberland Gap.” Perhaps the most impressive example of her use of older forms is the ballad “William White.” Many have written murder ballads in bluegrass of late, but most of them sound forced. “William White” doesn’t suffer that fate. Caudill cloaks her tale in archaic form and language structure, making it sound like she found a lost notebook from Cecil Sharp.

All four of those are highlights, but there are many others, including the religious anthem “Row By Row,” the quickpaced, joie de vivre of “Saturday Afternoon Man” and the lilting and pensive waltz of “Sad Song.” Caudill renders them all in a voice that is smooth and light, at times skipping and playful, at times drifting and soulful. Such vocal skills and good arranging and good backing work go with her fine songwriting skills and result in an exceptional album. (Ashleigh Caudill, 426 Deaverview Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, www.ashleighcaudill.com.) BW

To read the same review on the Bluegrass Unlimited site, just click here!


I'm thrilled about the great review! I'm also thrilled to draw more names out of the hat for our December drawing. I'll have the results posted by tomorrow, so be sure to check and see if you're a winner!

Happy New Year!

-Ashleigh