Ashby is an ambitious duo from Boston whose music isn't easy to define. Their name is a tribute to few of their favorite artists, including film director Hal Ashby and jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby.

Ashby released their debut, "Power Ballads," on Germany's Marina Recordings, and I got the chance to speak with Evelyn Pope and William Cowie about remaining open to new musical influences, the beauty and difficulty of analog keyboards and their love of 1970's movie soundtracks.

Well-Rounded Listening
Reviews and samples from three new releases—and one re-release—from artists as diverse as they come.

- Patti Griffin's "1000 Kisses"
- Corey Harris' "Downhome Sophisticate"
- X's "Under the Big Black Sun"
- Res' "How I Do"

Willard Grant Conspiracy

Willard Grant Conspiracy is singer Robert Fisher and an ever-changing cast of musicians from Boston and around the world who help him flesh out a music best described as Americana.

Currently finishing their fifth record, I got a chance to speak with Robert about how the group came into existence, the pros and cons of organizing a band without walls, and why musicians shouldn't give up on touring the USA.

Photo: Laurent Orseau

Well-Rounded Reading
Da Capo Press' "Best Music Writing 2001"
A review and synopsis of a compendium of 27 articles from alternative weeklies, mainstream music press, and web sites from throughout 2001.

Pressure Cooker

As proprietors of a good time wherever they play, Pressure Cooker incorporates reggae, ska, rock-steady and dancehall elements into their live and recorded sets.

I recently spoke with Adam Dobkowski and Michael O'Connor of Pressure Cooker about the personal and political elements of reggae—and how 8 non-Jamaicans make such great Jamaican music.

Photo: Lily Cunningham

Ashby.

Well-Rounded Listening
Patti Griffin
Corey Harris
X
Res

Willard Grant Conspiracy on Rykodisc

Well-Rounded Reading
Best Music Writing 2001: Da Capo Press

Pressure Cooker