Fang It

Gwyn Ashton was born in Wales and grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. His guitar playing was first inspired by musicians from the Australian scene, such as Chris Finnen, Kevin Borich and Ian Moss, along with favourites Chuck Berry, and Hank Marvin. In 1985, Gwyn moved to Sydney to join John Swan's band Swanee, and by 1986 he had teamed up with ex-Easybeats vocalist Stevie Wright and members of Jimmy Barnes's band. Malcom Young's nephew James played drums with Gwyn for a time and introduced him to Mal, who came to several of Gwyn's gigs before resuming his tour dates with AC/DC. Gwyn spent most of the Eighties playing in almost every bar in Australia, impressing many international musicians, including Mick Fleetwood, who sat in with Gwyn's band one late night in Adelaide. His power trio has opened in Australia for Rory Gallagher, Junior Wells, Steve Morse and Albert Lee and in Europe for Buddy Guy, Peter Green, Dr Feelgood, Canned Heat, Nine Below Zero and many others. In October 1999, his first UK release was followed by 15 concerts on tour with Status Quo, including dates at Wembley Arena and Birmingham NEC. Gwyn Ashton delivers a powerful yet bluesy Rock, with country and jazz influences. His guitar playing varies from the wild to the colourful or gentle, and offers a fantastic and diverse range of melodies. Each of his notes comes alive with a unique touch, which mixes Blues techniques, sheer power and the musical influence of his country of origin. Gwyn Ashton recorded his second album 'Fang It!' at Matrix Studios in London with ex-Rory Gallagher sidemen Gerry McAvoy on bass and Brendan O'Neill on drums. The album was produced by Nine Below Zero's Dennis Greaves and engineered by Kenny Jones (Oasis, Robbie Williams...). Gwyn Ashton composed ten of the eleven songs on 'Fang It!' which reveals his immense talent as a musician and songwriter. The rendition of Rory Gallagher's 'Who's That Coming' is the ultimate tribute to the great Irish musician, recorded with Gerry and Brendan, Rory's killer rhythm section. 'Fang It!' showcases all aspects of Gwyn Ashton's talent: from hard-rocking tracks 'Breakin' All The Rules', 'I Boogied', 'Getting Better' and 'How Can I Leave You', which are packed with energy, and are indicative of the band's powerful performances on stage, to slower blues/jazzy songs such as 'Hot in Here', which are steeped in the greatest of musical authenticity. Gwyn also shines on the closing acoustic number 'Faded Memory', with soulful, emotion fuelled vocals. 'Fang It!' promises to be an even bigger showstopper than Gwyn's critically acclaimed debut album 'Feel the Heat', acknowledging Gwyn as one of the fastest rising guitarists on the rock/blues scene today.