Ian Paul Ashford is an Irish singer-songwriter born in Dublin. The song “Ray of Hope” is his latest composition in combination with Swiss/Italian bassist Fabien Iannone and Swiss drummer George Oldream.
“’Ray of Hope’ has been a song I was trying to finish for quite a few years. Written in 2021, It was based on a dream about my grandmother Nancy. In the dream I was in a terrifying storm high up in the mountains where I lived at the time. My grandmother appeared with a message to say I must always remain optimistic and more so through the great storms of life.
Optimism, Nancy said, was to be found out on my horizon line. I remember explaining to Nancy that I could not see any horizon line here in the mountains and especially now in a storm. My grandmother suggested I simply close my eyes and create my own. That all seems so obvious to me now.
‘Ray of Hope’ was initially very protracted lyrically so I stood back from that approach this time and tried to refine and simplify the idea while keeping the essence. Working with Fabien Iannone and George Oldream has allowed me hone in to my own voice and trust in my own uniqueness as a songwriter. I think this brought simplicity to the words.”
Ian Paul Ashford – Vocal, Guitar and Synth
Fabien Iannone – Bass
George Oldream – Drums and Percussion
Recorded in Ireland, France and Switzerland
Mixed by Fabien Iannone
Arranged and Produced by Ian Paul Ashford and Fabien Iannone
Written by Ian Paul Ashford
Artwork Ian Paul Ashford