Ashby Frank: From “Blue Night” to “The Bug” – A Mandolin Maestro’s Genre-Bending Journey
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Ashby Frank, a name synonymous with mandolin mastery in Nashville, is back, and he’s proving yet again that his musical vision transcends traditional bluegrass boundaries. Fresh off the success of his chart-climbing rendition of the classic bluegrass staple, “Blue Night,” Frank is now venturing into uncharted territory with his latest single, a bluegrass-infused take on Dire Straits’ “The Bug,” a song famously covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
This bold move showcases Frank’s eclectic musical palette and his ability to seamlessly blend genres. “I grew up listening to the great country music of the 90s,” Frank recalls, “and first heard this song when it was recorded by one of my favorite singer songwriters, the great Mary Chapin Carpenter. I wasn’t aware that it was a cover until several years later, when I heard the original recording by Dire Straits and discovered that it was written by Mark Knopfler. That band had such a deep groove on that original cut that I really got into, and I immediately started thinking about how a Bluegrass arrangement might work.”
Frank’s curiosity and creative spark led him to the studio, where he and his talented collaborators embarked on a sonic exploration. “I brought the song up in the studio when we started recording my new album,” he explains. “And we bounced it around until we came up with a groovy traditional-meets-jam band version that I’m super proud of.”
The result is a captivating blend of bluegrass instrumentation and the infectious energy of country-rock. Seth Taylor’s virtuosic flat-picking guitar and Matt Menefee’s dazzling banjo solos take center stage, transforming Carpenter’s iconic chicken-picking instrumental section into a showcase of bluegrass brilliance. The extended outro, featuring out-of-the-box banjo and mandolin pyrotechnics, adds a thrilling jam-band element, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Frank’s rockabilly-tinged vocals deliver the song’s wry and philosophical lyrics with a captivating blend of grit and charm:
“Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug Sometimes it all comes together, sometimes you’re a fool in love Sometimes you’re the Louisville slugger, sometimes you’re the ball Sometimes it all comes together, sometimes you’re gonna lose it all”
Adding another layer of intrigue, Frank reveals, “I even threw in a couple of yodels, which is a career first for me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” This unexpected addition underscores his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of his musical expression.
The track’s sonic depth is further enhanced by the contributions of Travis Anderson on bass and master session drummer Tony Creasman, creating a “deep groove” that serves as the perfect foundation for the ensemble’s dynamic performance.
Ashby Frank’s journey as a musician is a testament to his versatility and talent. Hailing from North Carolina and now firmly rooted in Nashville, he has established himself as one of Music City’s most sought-after collaborators. His impressive resume includes stints with the Mashville Brigade, the Likely Culprits, the Earls of Leicester, John Cowan’s HercuLeons, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, the Marty Raybon Band, and Special Consensus.
Beyond his instrumental prowess, Frank is also a gifted songwriter, penning songs for esteemed artists such as Junior Sisk, Amanda Cook, Dale Ann Bradley, and Lindley Creek. He even ventures into the realm of comedy as a member of the Darrell Brothers, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
His partnership with Mountain Home Music Company has allowed him to showcase his solo artistry, with his debut single, “Midnight Highway,” topping bluegrass radio charts and introducing his unique sound to a wider audience.
“The Bug,” now available in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL, is a testament to Ashby Frank’s artistic vision and his ability to bridge musical worlds. It’s a track that will resonate with bluegrass enthusiasts and fans of Americana alike, showcasing his mastery of the mandolin and his knack for creating music that is both timeless and innovative.
Ashby Frank’s latest single is not just a song; it’s an experience, a journey through genres, and a testament to the power of musical exploration. He continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with, a mandolin maestro who is shaping the future of bluegrass music.