He’s a hot young guitarist, whose name isn’t John M. or even Jonny. No it’s AYNSLEY, as in Aynsley Lister. Can you imagine if it was he, who topped the Contemporary charts? Here’s a good looking, very talented gentleman from the U.K. who plays blues guitar, wrapped around well crafted rock songs, sung with a passionate voice that is radio friendly. Sound familiar E.C.? The women would want him to sing to them and the guys would want to be him. That would definitely be the spark to ignite a fire under the arse of the music business. Hmm, a new British Invasion, laced with the blues that originated in the U.S.
‘Upside Down’ is the 4th studio CD that Aynsley has released for Germany’s Ruf Records. I think he was just 19 years old when I first heard his debut. We will look back one day and say, “Uoside Down was the one that moved Aynsley Lister into the mainstream. There is something here for everyone’s ears to enjoy. From the fiery riff of “Find My Way Home”, a rousing number that shoots right out of the gate, to the chunky rhythms and dynamic solos on the closing number “Falling Down” you will almost recognize his style. I definitely hear ROBBEN FORD in the songs “Getaway” and “Wherever I Am”. But wait, he wears more influences on his sleeve, like the SRVaughn meets KWShepherd on, “With Me Tonight” and “Disorderly Me”. To add some shade to the light, he pulls out two acoustic numbers. One that was written for a certain inspiration called “Beautiful (Keiana’s Song) and the other is a Country Blues SONG CALLED “Rain”. Even the song “Always Tomorrow” sounds like it could be done solo acoustic. What really shines is the song called “Ice I’m Upon”, that could even cross him over to the Country charts. Are you listening John Robert Lange or Dann Huff?
It’s a shame Aynsley Lister is not better known here in the States. If you like emotional guitar playing, a radio friendly voice and songwriting that gets better with age, then go out and find ‘Upside Down’ by Aynsley Lister. Hell, check out his whole catalog, pretty impressive. For more info go to www.aynsleylister.co.uk
