Introduction by Archie Neil Chisholm

Ashley has been exposed to music, you might say, since he was born. His father Angus frequently played the fiddle around the house and often with the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association.

Ashley's formal playing instruction started at the age of 9, under the tutelage of Stan Chapman of Antigonish. From Stan, Ashley learned both by ear and by written note.

In addition to his proficiency on the fiddle, Ashley is a very skilled performer on the piano, and has included a selection on this recording of that ability.

Ashley has entertained many people across North America, not only with the violin and piano, but as well, with his stpedancing ability, so I guess Ashley could certainly be called very versatile, to say the least. He is called frequently, to perform in such places as Toronto, Boston and Windsor. In addition, Ashley has performed in Memphis, California, and has upcoming engagements throughout Canada.

As backup, Ashley is accompanied by two of the most skilled performers of the Cape Breton style of music, to be found anywhere. Joey Beaton, a young businessman, of Mabou, has been recognised for quite some time for his uplifting style on the piano. Joey is also a very noteworthy composer of traditional music. David Mac Isaac, of Halifax, is extremely well known all over North America, for his wizardry, on the guitar for all styles of music.

Now, put these three performers together, and you have undoubtedly one of the best combos of Cape Breton music available to date, and indeed, the music achieved, is "Close to the Floor".

Archie Neil Chisholm, 1992

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