Newsletter signup

Music

  • Boyz II Men joins New Kids, 98 Degrees on tour
    They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but Boyz II Men had to get out, just for a couple of months. The group had a sweet deal there, having launched a 78-show residency at The Mirage in March.
  • ‘Pitch Perfect’ album hits the high notes
    They say it’s not over till the fat lady sings – and that means Fat Amy isn’t ready to put down her microphone.
  • Freshcut
    ‘Quarter to Six’ The Idan Raichel ProjectThe idea that one could create a cohesive album by pulling together unique voices singing in different languages and from different musical traditions would seem daunting.
Advertisement
Warner Bros.
Freshcut

Singer’s path like Parton’s

‘Like a Rose’ Ashley Monroe

“You Ain’t Dolly (And You Ain’t Porter),” a single from Ashley Monroe’s album, “Like a Rose,” finds her trading tongue-in-cheek lines with country star Blake Shelton on a witty duet soaked in Nashville traditions.

Despite what the lyrics contend, Monroe shares many traits with Dolly Parton. She comes from a struggling family in East Tennessee. She sings in a fetching, tender-yet-strong warble. She writes story-songs steeped in real-life drama, yet with a sunny underpinning. And she has a natural, down-home charisma that shines through on everything she does.

A member of the Pistol Annies, Monroe’s big-name supporters are many: Vince Gill co-produced her album and she’s already collaborated with Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Wanda Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Jack White, Dwight Yoakam and the rock band Train. No wonder “Like a Rose” has the audacious sound of a newcomer whose talent is already in full bloom.

Advertisement