Ashleigh Graham I’ll Just Drive

Ashleigh Graham’s “I’ll Just Drive”: A Journey of Faith and Bluegrass Mastery

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Ashleigh Graham, a rising star in the Bluegrass scene, is set to captivate audiences with her highly anticipated new album, I’ll Just Drive, slated for release on June 6. Preceding the full album, Graham has unveiled her latest single, the deeply moving, Gospel-infused “Soldiers of Heaven,” available now via Pinecastle Records. This heartfelt track serves as a powerful testament to Graham’s evolving musical journey, seamlessly weaving profound spiritual depth with her distinctive Bluegrass sound.

“Soldiers of Heaven,” co-written by Ashleigh Graham and the acclaimed songwriter Mark Brinkman, delivers a resonant message of redemption and purpose. It offers a beacon of hope to those navigating life’s most arduous challenges, standing out as a poignant addition to Graham’s recent releases, which also include the mainstream Bluegrass single “Who We Were Back Then” featuring Russell Moore. The track’s soaring melodies and moving lyrics are brought to life by a stellar lineup of musicians: Ashleigh Graham on lead vocals and mandolin, Scott Patrick on guitar, Eli Johnston on banjo and harmony vocals, Stephen Burwell on fiddle, and Kameron Keller on upright bass, with additional harmony vocals from John Meador. The song, like the entire album, was expertly produced by Stephen Burwell and Eli Johnston.

Graham shares the profound inspiration behind “Soldiers of Heaven,” recounting her collaboration with Mark Brinkman following his IBMA ‘Gospel Song of the Year’ win. “I had never written a Bluegrass Gospel song before and I wanted to make sure I got it right, all while learning from a master,” she explains. Her reflections delve into the biblical narrative of God using “broken people to help broken people find their way back to Jesus,” emphasizing that even imperfect prophets found God in their brokenness and were then used to preach. “Again, not because they were perfect, but because they were imperfect. They understood the people in their struggles and were therefore more able to help them. That is what this song is about,” Graham adds, drawing a personal connection to a difficult period in her own life: “What gave me hope was knowing God could still use me to help others.” This personal conviction imbues “Soldiers of Heaven” with an authentic rawness and a universally relatable message of hope and resilience.

Originally hailing from North Carolina and now based in East Tennessee, Ashleigh Graham has swiftly garnered recognition for her authentic storytelling, commanding vocals, and heartfelt songwriting. I’ll Just Drive features 12 tracks that brilliantly showcase both her prowess as a writer and her interpretive skills. Beyond “Soldiers of Heaven,” the album boasts other standout moments, including the introspective, self-penned “Me and My Mandolin,” the spiritually uplifting “The Life of Jesus,” and her charting debut single “Bless Your Little Heart,” which impressively spent seven weeks on the Roots Music Report charts. Graham’s creative fingerprints are evident throughout the album, as she wrote or co-wrote seven of the 12 songs, collaborating with esteemed writers such as Scott Patrick, Rick Lang, and Jack White.

I’ll Just Drive promises to be a significant release for Ashleigh Graham, solidifying her position as a compelling voice in contemporary Bluegrass. With its blend of spiritual reflection, honest narratives, and masterful musicianship, the album is poised to resonate deeply with fans and critics alike.

I’ll Just Drive Track Listing:

1. Dozen Roses
2. Fiddle And Bow
3. I’ll Just Drive
4. As Good As Dead
5. Who We Were Back Then featuring Russell Moore
6. Head Over High Heels
7. Soldiers Of Heaven
8. The Life Of Jesus
9. One More Chance
10. Bless Your Little Heart
11. Me And My Mandolin
12. Tomorrow