Notes
?If you live in or have visited the Washington Metropolitan Area, and have had your radio tuned to the sounds of 'Smooth Jazz 105.9', chances are you've heard her name mentioned as the entertainment for one of their many special events or after work parties. She is no stranger to the music business, but absorbing patience and waiting on God to open doors, that He only can open to her destiny. There is an elemental aura to her music, and a 'signature voice' that emulates no one. Don't categorize her, she is simply an artist and performer with no boundaries, capable of rising to any occasion, whether it's soul, pop, hip hop/r&b or contemporary jazz. On stage, it's her comfort zone, and her appearance at New York's world-famous Apollo Theater, where the audience gave her a standing ovation is a testament to her music prowess. Marilyn Ashford-Brown, is an artist of 'unbelievable talent' says one club owner, following her first appearance at his entertainment venue, along with her long time band 'Rave'. Singer, Tony Bennett described this gifted singer and native Washingtonian as a 'class act', after seeing her perform at 'Blues Alley' a popular night spot in Georgetown, located in our Nations Capitol. Everyone has a story. Her story is one of false hope, broken promises, deceit and disappointments. Through it all, Ashford's climb to success has been of perseverance and a strong determination to make it as a recording artist. Her faith is that God has given her something very special to share with the world. Marilyn's professional career began in the mid 80's with a female trio called 'Sass'. The group auditioned for Maxx Kidd an independent record promoter, who immediately began managing the girls. Through the works of Kidd 'Sass' began working with Philadelphia International Records Producer, Dexter Wansel and then partner, Cynthia Biggs (both known for their works with Pattie Labelle, Phyllis Hyman and The Stylistics). Fascinated with the groups harmony, Wansel and Biggs often arranged for the girls to record backup and perform with some of the industry's well established artists. Such artists as Lou Rawls, the late Grover Washington, Jr. and Pieces of A Dream. They also opened for Roy Ayers. Wansel produced a single on 'Sass' which was released in the United Kingdom, on Virgin 10 Records. Prior to the release in the U. K., 'Sass' had previously toured there as backup singers. Versatility and tenacity has helped Marilyn to remain true to her talents. She continues performing indoor/ outdoor venues, playing to a large following. During frequent performances Marilyn gained a new audience and an even larger following who appreciated her unique talents and powerful voice. She discovered, a starving generation of real music lovers, that had been totally neglected and abandoned by the recording industry. And a whole market of would-be, CD buyers that were not being accommodated. This new found discovery and the love of her fans inspired her to independently launch a life long goal of recording her first Debut CD. Marilyn has seized the opportunity to give back to the recording industry something that seems long forgotten. The first single from the CD which she wrote titled 'Low Down Dirty Dog' is evidence of her talents as both singer and songwriter. If anything, this CD will put back some of the purity that has been stripped from the black heritage of 'Soul Rhythm and Blues'. One of the first songs that Ashford wrote caught the attention of Orpheus Record Executive, Charles Huggins who was seeking music for an artist. The song titled 'Number One' was acquired from Marilyn's independent publishing company, 'Ashfo Music', in a joint publishing deal. 'Number One' reached the 'Billboard Charts' and is featured on her debut CD. Number one is now jointly own with MCA/ Universal Music. There is everything to love about this CD, which she has reunited with Producers, Dexter Wansel and Al Johnson. Nine of the eleven songs on the CD
