Ashley Henry Discusses New Track “Take It Higher” and Artistic Journey

Ayesha Rascoe, a host for NPR, delves into a conversation with jazz musician Ashley Henry, exploring the artist’s journey in finding his unique musical voice. Henry, a British and Jamaican jazz pianist, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career in a candid dialogue with Rascoe.

“Just the whole idea of being an artist sometimes, especially when I was younger, you know, I mean, it can sometimes feel a bit out of reach or something that’s not possible,” Henry reveals, emphasizing the self-doubt many musicians face in their formative years. He adds, “There’s a part of you eventually that just goes, yes, it is possible, and you are doing it right now, you know?”

The interview highlights Henry’s latest musical release, “Take It Higher,” which is an expression of his artistic self-discovery. “It’s all about connecting with yourself and expressing your voice,” said Henry, noting the track’s deep roots in his upbringing. Raised in a predominantly Afro-Caribbean community, Henry credits a diverse array of music, played on his father’s sound system, as foundational to his sound. “From a young kid, it’s just like, damn, that’s the entry level, if you want to be an artist,” he shared, citing influences like Dennis Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Henry elaborates on the inspiration behind “Take It Higher,” describing it as an homage to the Mizell Brothers’ era of the 1970s, marked by artists such as Donald Byrd and George Benson. This period’s music constitutes “the backbone of my childhood,” he states. For Henry, the release of this track represents vulnerability, “because I’ve never released a track like this before.” He sees it as an “entry point into my sonic world,” allowing listeners to join him in a space of “respect, joy, and childlike creativity.”

The pianist acknowledges the complexity of his artistic journey, describing it as a “double-edged sword,” where passion and impostor syndrome often collide. Still, he celebrates his distinctive approach, remarking, “I’ve always did things my way, which kind of frustrated my teachers, but without me knowing or realizing I was just developing my sound.”

Ashley Henry’s upcoming album, “Who We Are,” containing the track “Take It Higher,” is set for release on October 11. The collection promises to reflect his artistic influences while introducing audiences to a personal musical narrative.