Concert Review: Ashley Monroe Is A Bubbly Sparrow At Rough Trade

I have often spoken about how life can be divided between the “givers” and the “takers”. As Ashley Monroe thanked her crowd, again, for receiving the moment she had so badly wanted to give them, I knew she was a giver. The entire night played to her generosity as a woman who loves her family, her Jesus, and the idea that everyone could love the same.

Ashley Monroe was a complete pleasure to the Rough Trade stage. She has a bubbly personality, which reflected the effervescent nature of her voice. She has a “champagne” vocality that has the tendency to make lyrics appear the like they are guzzling and fizzling form her soul. This transformed her verses into enlightenment as she played songs from her newest album Sparrow. “Heaven Sent”, “Rita”, and “Paying Attention” showed her country range can go from hymns to dance parties to her, but both never falter in making people feel like there is a cosmic power to living.
Ashley Monroe – “Hands On You” (Official Music Video)

On one hand, Ashley could revive a spirit with hints of faith and mystical lyrics on what it is to have a vision of love. Then, on the other hand, she could laugh about trying to make music with a baby in a room or touring with Miranda Lambert. Her friendly candor made it clear that the night was special in personal meaning, which gave the ambiance an added layer of warmth. Moreover, it allowed her audience to give into the optimism that painted through tracks like “To Mother” or the tragedy of songs like, “Orphan”. To Monroe, life is a glorious adventure with sadness being only a barrier to its glory and not a provider of it.
Ashley Monroe – “Wild Love” (Music Video)

In life, we have tendency to believe suffering gives us meaning, but how many times have you asked what is the meaning of suffering? If it is supposed to provide a purpose then it is failing. Instead, to Ashley Monroe, your suffering is just that, but your purpose is meant for joy. Thus, as the violin, keys, and drums surrounded her, the Knoxville native picked up her guitar and created a night of hopefulness and they humility needed to receive it. There was an easy electricity to her presence that showed talent truly is amplified by a good personality. For More Information On Ashley Monroe Click Here.