Under the collaborative effort of over 150 people involved in this project Asheville Symphony Sessions ties some of Western North Carolina’s finest musicians and the musicianship of The Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Established in 1960, The Asheville Symphony Orchestra, performs and produces music for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents of Western North California. Featuring artists like Doc Aquatic, Electric Owls, Free Planet Radio featuring Lizz Wright, Lovett, Matt Townsend, Rising Appalachia, Shannon Whitworth and Steep Canyon Rangers, the record showcases genres that range from folk, bluegrass, R&B and jazz, but distinctly salutes the musical community of Asheville. Each track is backed by the orchestrated sounds of The Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
The first track “Filthy Dirty South” is by Rising Appalachia and features the strumming of acoustic guitar with piano overlays. The orchestra supported track relays a gripping and relents under a lasting enthused note. The jazzy vocals and bluesy overtures also contributes to cathartic and a dreamy sound that provides for some riveting blues. This great mixture of jazz and R&B with an orchestra sound makes for some very inviting and soothing tunes. The melody here is mixed in with some great rhythms. This is a fulfilling rendition that definitely puts you at ease as the tinkling of piano keys lands off in a graceful and elegant way with its staccato backbeat.
The magic continues in the next track as the symphony ensemble continues to give their support. “Last Monday” by Doc Aquatic gives off some a great wash of musical sensibility as the bluesy fervor remains. The vocals here sound arresting. The mixture of folk, rock and blues also has its fixations on some indie-pop sounds. Backed by the ASO ensemble, this lends a hand in giving this discography an emotional impact.
“Don’t Freak Out” by Lovett is enhanced not only by The Asheville Symphony Orchestra, but here we are also privileged to listen to a choral harmonizing in the background. It is a jam-packed, fun loving track. The folk and pop sounds to these sessions are truly enhanced by the ASO contributions.
Among some of the favorites on this album would have to be “Last Monday” and “Pontiac” by Electric Owls. This latter track’s dreamy clashes of sounds makes for some progressive and grabbing cadences. While the original composition posits its seat in the modern world, it also proposes a very old school. The echoing vocals gives off a ballad quality. Underling the gamut of the track is the symphonic release of more classical music.
This comprehensive compilation embraces the sounds found specifically from the musical styles of musicians with roots in the Western North Carolina area. Added with the beatific layering from The Asheville Symphony Orchestra, we are given a playlist of what spells out a musical journey that adds a sweeping layer to the Asheville music scene. Immensely enjoyable, this innovative new album will be sure to be a lovely addition to your music catalog.