Smart Bets: Asher Leigh

NEVER TOO LATE: Although singer-songwriter Asher Leigh didn’t launch her music career until she moved to Asheville a decade ago, she’s turned her late start and early battle with anxiety into strengths. Leigh released her debut album, 'Roots Alive,' in February. Photo by Erica Mueller

Unlike musicians who recognize early on that they want to dedicate themselves to the creative arts, Asher Leigh didn’t start tinkering with songs until she moved to Asheville a decade ago at the age of 25. The former dedicated athlete credits music with opening up her life and shares those revelations and more on her debut album, Roots Alive. Multi-instrumentalist Chris Rosser of Free Planet Radio served as audio engineer for the combination of contemporary folk, alternative and pop sensibilities, and his bandmate River Guerguerian plays cajon and djembe, adding what Leigh calls “a sweet flavor of world music … that really solidified the vibe.” Alongside Rosser, violinist Madelyn Ilana and percussionist Mattick Frick, Leigh celebrates the record’s release Sunday, Feb. 17, at The Grey Eagle. The seated show begins at 8 p.m. $10 advance/$12 day of show. thegreyeagle.com. Photo courtesy of the musician

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About Edwin Arnaudin
Edwin Arnaudin is a staff writer for Mountain Xpress. He also reviews films for ashevillemovies.com and is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) and North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA). Follow me @EdwinArnaudin

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