INTRODUCING: ASHLEY MELNICK

Continuing in the tradition of introducing you, the reader, to artists you may or may not have ever heard of, Musical Ramblings would like to direct your attention to young Miss Ashley Melnick of Texas.

Ashley says she's actually from Delaware, but we all know how Texas grows on a girl. Ashley is a classically trained singer, a pageant veteran, a staple on Philly's The Al Alberts Showcase, and a regular anthem singer for the Philadelphia 76ers. Ashley also is a classically trained pianist, and played Anna in The King and I. All this by the tender age of 16!!!

So, if you want, go to her myspace page and sample her music!

The first track she has made available is "Turn the Page." It features Ashley on the vocals and on the piano. Musically, this song is comparable to any commercially available pop song in terms of quality. Her voice is quite nice, and it displays a sultry quality that Britney Spears could only have hoped for. Ashley co-wrote this song, and it's quite obvious the girl has skills. She shows off her vocal range in the middle of the song, and it's quite clear the girl is no lightweight. The song displays a depth of emotion that is uncommon in most teenage compositions

"Angels" is a slower song and less orchestrally driven. It's a bit heady, and it speaks to those of us (namely me) who might be feeling down and out. Ashley delivers the song soulfully and tugs on our heart strings at just the right moments. There's just something about her voice that sounds older than she really is.

"Hold Me High" was written by Lauren Hart. Like the other songs on Ashley's demo, the song is very introspective, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of puff pop pieces. Ashley is definitely categorizable as a pop artist, but her material doesn't entirely fit when you think about depth of lyrics and strength of vocals. (There's some whispering here, but not much.) Ashley manages to come out and punch you in the gut during the latter parts of the song.

"Till the End of Time" was also co-written by Ashley. It's a heartfelt ballad that again features Ashley on piano with a synthesizer background. With some development, this could be a great song. The sentiment again seems a bit mature for Ashley's age, but I suppose that is to her credit rather than her detriment. The vocals are again impeccable, and it would take very little work to take this song or any of the others and make Ashley very marketable.

If you're tired of the current crop of pop dreck like Ashlee Simpson, Britney Spears, or such as that, check out Ashley by clicking on her banner below with Musical Ramblings blessings! Drop by her myspace page and let her know what you think!