Award-winning blues-rock aficionado Aynsley Lister has announced that his eighth studio album Eyes Wide Open will be released on Friday 7th October 2016 on Straight Talkin’ Records.
Eyes Wide Open is Aynsley’s magnum opus, which sees him confidently pursuing his own musical path. Self-assured, inventive and richly-textured, Aynsley brings his 18 years of hard touring, 11 album releases (eight studio and three live) and all his experience as a musician to fruition on Eyes Wide Open.
Aynsley’s previous opus, 2013’s Home garnered the guitar ace both Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year at the British Blues Awards. Eyes Wide Open is a bold, confident and accessible slice of contemporary blues-rock that promises to bring Aynsley yet more accolades as well as introduce his genre-blending sound to a new audience, building on the 100,000 albums he’s already sold worldwide.
Photo Credit: © Alexandre Coesnon
The 39-year-old British guitarist says that this raw, energetic album is a return to his roots; a record that at its heart boasts all the grit of traditional blues. “I wanted to keep the raw edginess and energy of a band,” says Aynsley. “So that meant minimal takes and going with the ones that had the most spirit and passion over those with technical perfection. To me, music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to grab you and move you both emotionally and physically; it’s supposed to connect with you.”
Eyes Wide Open seals Aynsley’s reputation for adroitly blending blues and rock, pop and even a smattering of soul. Hooky melodies dovetail seamlessly with blazing blues solos that are as passionate as they are tasteful. Like every musician of weight, this album also reveals Aynsley’s ability to tell a story. Each track paints a picture, exposing an emotional landscape with the insight of a fine artist: “The world never stops and so much happens around us – some of it resonates with you, some of it doesn’t. This album is written about the world as I see it, through eyes wide open.”
Peter Green, Albert King and Eric Clapton were the musical giants influencing the young ears of Aynsley Lister while he was growing up. Building on this foundation, Aynsley has crafted his own unique perspective on contemporary blues since he first formed a band aged 13 and released his self-titled debut in 1998 on Ruf Records. It’s been a fantastic journey so far that has seen Aynsley play with, amongst others, Buddy Guy, John Mayall and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He’s won multiple awards including Guitarist of the Year at the 2015 British Blues Awards and he has been nominated in the Guitarist and Male Vocal categories in the 2016 British Blues Awards.
Eyes Wide Open is Aynsley’s magnum opus, which sees him confidently pursuing his own musical path. Self-assured, inventive and richly-textured, Aynsley brings his 18 years of hard touring, 11 album releases (eight studio and three live) and all his experience as a musician to fruition on Eyes Wide Open.
It’s a mature album that bears witness to his virtuosity as a guitarist (“I definitely wanted to rip out on the guitar on this one”) but is also testament to his skill as a songwriter and his ability to craft catchy yet emotionally-resonant melodies. Eyes Wide Open also displays Aynsley’s exquisite taste that means he always plays for the song, bringing the blues to everyone.
Tracklist
01. All Of Your Love
02. Everything I Have To Give
03. Il Grande Mafioso
04. Won’t Be Taken Down
05. Time
06. Dishevelled
07. Troubled Soul (Intro)
08. Kalina
09. Handful of Doubt
10. Right As Rain
11. Other Part Of Me
12. Stay
13. Hold You To It (Bonus Track)
7th October 2016
Straight Talkin’ Records
Website Aynsley Lister
Pre-order the album here.
Photo Credit: © Alexandre Coesnon
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