EXCLUSIVE LISTEN – DOUBLE PLAY!

Ashmont Hill is one of my favorite new groups.  Their self-titled debut album was released in 2008.  I don’t think it got NEARLY as much attention as it deserved, but in due season…

They’re back with their sophomore album, Your Masterpiece, which will be released on May 25th and GospelPundit.com is giving you the exclusive first listen to TWO NEW TRACKS– the title track, “Your Masterpiece,” and another called “Around.”

If you recall, my wife and I visited them in-studio back in September and I raved about a song that they were working on– “Your Masterpiece” is it.  That track features beautiful lyrics and great vocal performances from the group.  “Around” is a catchy and rousing declaration of praise– “your love has turned me around.”  It’s great stuff!

I’ve just added BOTH OF ‘EM to the PunditPlayer.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!!!

And make sure you lemme know what you think!

Remember a few months ago, when I was in the studio with Ashmont Hill as they worked on their upcoming album?

Well, during that session, they were working on a particular song that nearly sent me INSANE… beautiful melodies, beautiful lyrics, beautiful concept.  At the time, I didn’t release the title, but I think I can now…

The tune is called “Your Masterpiece” and it’s written by group member Phil Thompson and Zenzo Matoga.  It’s GREAT.

I just found some video footage of guitar overdubs being recorded this week, by producer Sal Oliveri and guitarist Andrew Ramsey, and I figured I’d share it with you guys.  If you listen closely, you can hear the vamp of the song behind the guitar… it’s a BIG worship ballad that I think you guys are going to love.

From what you could hear, what do you think???

My wife and I were fortunate enough to be invited to a great studio session in Nashville last night– gospel/CCM group Ashmont Hill was laying tracks for their upcoming album, which should be out in early 2010.

LEMME TELL YA– great songs, from what we heard.  The lyrics alone are insightful and refreshing (the imagery of one song, alone, was enough to almost take me OUT during the session).  Additionally, the music is relevant and excellently done.  Ashmont Hill is another one of those gap-bridging recording artists… I think we need to really embrace ‘em.

Special shout-out to producer Sal Oliveri for the invite and to the group for letting us crash.  We had a blast.

What do YOU GUYS know about Ashmont Hill?  If you’ve got their debut album, you know what I’m talking about.  If this is your first time hearing about them, it won’t be your last.

Check out their MySpace page and lemme know what you think: http://www.myspace.com/ashmonthill.

I first learned of this dynamic group from Boston, comprised of three siblings and a hubby, about a year ago.  My wife and I spent over an hour on the Ashmont Hill MySpace page, reading their bio, looking at photos and listening to their self-titled debut (which we immediately purchased twice, one for each iPod).

We enjoyed the refreshing fact that they seemed like unaffected industry “outsiders,” by comparison to other emerging artists.  And we loved the fact that, because their writing, production and arrangements are noticeably influenced by both CCM and gospel music, their music appeals to multiple markets, authentically.  I think they represent a style of music ministry that is desperately needed in Christian music, across genres.  A universal appeal…

With co-production from Sal Oliveri and Calvin Nowell, they more than “do justice” to a couple of Matt Redman covers (“Blessed Be Your Name” and “Gifted Response”), and the original compositions are just as great.  My favorites include “I Give You Worship,” a powerful praise and worship song, “Praise His Name,” a worship-inspiring ballad, and “I Live to Worship,” an intimate, jazzy track.

I scoured the dern internet for a clip, but I can’t find one to embed on here, so you’ll simply have to TRUST ME and go to the Ashmont Hill MySpace page to hear full-length clips!!

So… whatd’ya think???