Album Notes

Ashleigh Flynn, Portland, Oregon’s Americana songstress, presents her third album, American Dream, on Home Perm Records. This album, of emotional depth and stellar storytelling, is sure to continue her trajectory of national acclaim and impressive sales. Produced at Mississippi Studios, she’s joined by some of Portland’s finest musicians: Chris Funk, The Decemberists; Phil Baker, Pink Martini; Jim Brunberg, Boxset; Analisa Tornfelt, Bearfoot Bluegrass; David Gerow, Sneakin’ Out; and Gregg Williams. From Kentucky, Ashleigh Flynn grew up foot stomping along the Ohio River as the steamboats and barges made their way to the muddy Mississippi. An electrifying performer blessed with unbridled charisma, Flynn has released two previous full-length studio efforts, Chokecherry (2002) and Ashleigh Flynn, self-titled (1999). The Village Voice regards Ashleigh as “A darling of the NW Americana scene”, hailing Chokecherry, “. . . Flynn adds a smoky soulful voice . . . marrying styles such as bluegrass to pop.” In an effort to capture the energy of a live show, Flynn released Sneakin’ Out with Ashleigh Flynn in late 2005, a live Mississippi Studios recording with Portland’s renowned alternative bluegrass band, Sneakin’ Out, and featuring national songstress Tracy Grammer. On American Dream, listeners join Flynn in exploring profound questions about the historical and political consequences of manifest destiny. The album is alive with stories about down-and-outers, young and old, all still hopeful, as is Flynn, that they can achieve the American Dream. Beguiling and wise, Flynn’s musical poetry muses on the expansive American Dream.