Gwyn Ashton

Blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Gwyn Ashton entered the world in Wales before his upbringing unfolded in South Australia. Recordings by Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Rory Gallagher, Muddy Waters, and numerous additional artists sparked an early passion for blues and rock music. At age 11 he acquired his first guitar and launched into the process of mastering the instrument, where his inherent ability surfaced with notable speed. During his teenage years he joined forces with two friends to establish his initial professional band and took the role of frontman, securing performances at neighborhood blues clubs and bars. After cultivating a modest following and receiving favorable notices, he brought his music to stages throughout Australia while occasionally contributing to other ensembles as a temporary member. Ashton completed work on his first album, Feel the Heat, in 1993, with the follow-up full-length release Beg, Borrow and Steel appearing three years afterward. Worldwide touring had already commenced by that point, opening an audience in the United States for his slide guitar-driven blues-rock. Among the players who appeared on his recordings were drummers Brendan O'Neill, Rick Tredrea, and Michael Wiedrich, together with bassists Geoff Brown, Sambor Kansy, and Gerry McAvoy.