Ashley Henry is one of a new generation of musicians who’ve been raised with a wide range of influences, from such luminaries as Kirkland, Moran, Madlib and Dilla, yet also steeped in the traditional sounds of masters such as Hancock and Monk. At the time of recording, Henry was only 24, playing with such beauty and sensitivity – that usually comes from a lifetime immersed in jazz – that allowed him to tour the UK appearing at Ronnie Scott’s, the Jazz Cafe and the Royal Albert Hall. He was the youngest performer on the bill for the 2015 International Piano Trio festival where he performed alongside the likes of Robert Glasper.

After graduating from Leeds College of Music with the Yamaha Jazz Scholarship Award, Ashley continued his studies, attaining a Master’s degree in Jazz Piano & Performance from the Royal Academy of Music.

As well as performing with some of the UK’s leading Jazz musicians (including Gary Crosby, Jean Toussaint, Shane Forbes, Jay Phelps, and award-winning saxophonist Krzysztof Urbanski) he’s also recorded extensively with Manchester-based hip hop collective The Mouse Outfit.

On his forthcoming debut studio LP ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’ he once again moves in all different musical directions. Drawing influences from classic jazz, hip-hop, and grime he enthuses that the album “takes you to some crazy places to meet some beautiful and crazy people, all you need to do is listen.”

Across the 15-track album, you’ll find Henry collaborating with the likes of Makaya McCraven, Jaimie Branch, Binker Golding, Ben Marc, Keyon Harrold, Luke Flowers, MC Sparkz, and Joshua Idehen.

Speaking about the album Henry says: “My music is a straight up reflection of who I am; London in all its mixed up glory. The immigrant in me has musical roots that are traced back to the 1600s, so it’s important my music today reflects that jazz alpha narrative across different genres and generations”.”