Ashley Tamar Davis is a name already enshrined in the history of funk, r&b, and soul rock. Having a storied background that spans from being a member in the original female group Girls Tyme ( later Destiny’s Child) to performing in acclaimed Broadway shows and headlining a tour with Prince, she’s got a wealth of accomplishments under her belt. She sang the co-lead vocals on Prince’s Grammy-nominated song “Beautiful, Loved and Blessed” from his 2006 album, 3121 and on backup vocals throughout the album. I could go on about her achievements, how she’s currently in charge of musical supervision for the upcoming “That Damn Michael Che Show”, but we’re here to talk about her latest work — an eight track funk/rock project that is just filled with fun.
As you’d expect, Tamar’s voice is the focal point, the anchor, and the main attraction to this entire project. Every bit of musical ensemble around it serves as a stage for her to shine on. She’s able to work wonders on the more classic rock style on songs like ‘Listen 2 My Heartbeat’, where the electric guitar shines. The vocal harmonies and ad-libs add another level to the tune. Immediately after, on ‘Kind Wordz’, Tamar slows down the pace multiple notches down. In the acoustic dominant slowjam, she’s able to instantly show you her range in just two tracks. And then on ‘Boyfriend’, Tamar shifts to an exciting, upbeat, commercial pop tune that’s filled with a fun and exciting chorus that has itself firmly imprinted in your head. Her falsetto is majestic, a kind so profoundly professional and naturally resplendent.
Támar is building a musical empire entirely through her own volition by securing the best outlets in which to display her sound and the sounds of artists to come. She has recently been named brand ambassador for Atlas Ocean Voyages and continues to develop innovative creative content with collaborators both nationally and internationally. And, while her ever growing musical empire continues to amaze, Tamar is an artist first and foremost.
‘My Name is Ashley’ is a piece of work filled with love, intimacy, and personality. It’s Tamar at her rawest and most focused, a cohesive collection of funk and soul rock that’s reminiscent of her mentor and collaborator, Prince himself. Despite his estate doing their best to restrict her, Tamar is finally unshackled and her best self on this record. It’s pure fun all around.
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