“Ashley Campbell’s Good Night Nashville Tour”
By Andy Crust for Country Music News International Magazine
Opened tonight at The Astor Theatre in Deal in The UK and delivered a warm, intimate and beautifully crafted evening of music.
The Tours Name is the Title of her latest Album, The first set moved from the reflective The Lonely One into the wistful Wish We Were Having a Good Time, with La Bête offering a striking moment of lyrical depth and emotional clarity. POS closed the set with confidence and energy.
The second act deepened the connection with the audience, with Ashley sharing heartfelt stories from her life that gave the songs even more meaning. “Remembering”was the emotional heart of the night performed with real tenderness and care, it was the moment that stayed with many of us. The encore of Gentle on My Mind and Folsom Prison was a special highlight, especially hearing Ashley play banjo so beautifully and making the John Hartford Classic Gentle on my Mind her own but I couldn’t help but remember her playing this on Her fathers shows the late great Glen Campbell.
The band were excellent. Thor Jenson’s guitar playing stood out with detailed fingerpicking and strong vocal support. Ben on double bass provided warmth and depth, and Jack Ambum on drums and washboard brought great shape, feel and texture to the sound. Together, they created a performance that felt sincere, complete and full of character.
Ashley’s songwriting throughout was fantastic thoughtful, clever and honest and this new album is without question a great one and a must-listen. A moving, musically rich and heartfelt opening night.