Press for People Are Fragile (2019)

“Michigan-based “jazz-folk” singer Ashley Daneman has found an intriguing balance between the soaring virtuosity of Joni Mitchell and the earthy Americana of Becca Stevens. In a nutshell, the material and arrangements incline toward the latter, Daneman’s vocal performance toward the former. People Are Fragile is a showcase for Daneman’s nine fine originals, set alongside three tradition-steeped covers. And as its title indicates, the album showcases vulnerability as well. It’s tempting to read it as a personal statement, but the fragilities are too diffuse to boil down to a narrative. On “I Alone Love The Unseen In You,” she stands stoically in protection of a wounded loved one; and on the country-soul shimmy “Shake It All Down,” she chases away despair. None of these is particularly delicate: She saves that for the exquisite glimmers-of-hope “When You Break” and “Recall,” as well as the spiritual standards. But if there’s a throughline, it’s simply Daneman’s supple voice and a delivery both robust and mature enough to temper the whole affair.” - Michael West, Downbeat Magazine

“THIS IS SUPERB... keep an eye out for People Are Fragile, out of Chicago, singer-songwriter Ashley Daneman combining a literary sensibility with a driving experimental jazz style where the heart of the song can find itself anywhere and always in a personal intimate space backed by a band with an open improvising set of skills who take it there. Among the personnel the album, which contains both originals and spirituals (a beautiful version of 'Deep River’ for instance), features break-out drummer Makaya McCraven but above all Daneman’s voice conjures vast complex territory that embraces Joni Mitchell to Gretchen Parlato and far beyond with a soulful, powerful sense of truth hardbedded into it.” - Marlbank

“Possessing a singer-songwriter's sense of focus, a forward-thinking jazz singer's thrill for the unknown, and a perceptive gaze that penetrates the hardest of topic surfaces, she turns songs into fellowships connecting artist and listener.” - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

Step Tempest

Press for Beauty Indestructible (2015)

“...beautiful jazz art music from a gorgeous voice with superb accompaniment.” - MARK S. TUCKER, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

“To each and every one of those contributors, “Thank You.” For Beauty Indestructible is a striking debut, full of strong, memorable, songs and performances…Some of the finest moments on Beauty Indestructible seem closer to the spirit of Laura Nyro – deeply personal and honest in their beauty.” - Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

“A collection of nine original “spirit poems” scored and written by Daneman, existing as an intensely personal song cycle. Daneman addresses the fundamental healing power of love.” - C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

“A key theme to this program of nine original compositions is the notion that music can have a healing quality…the lyrics to “Think On Whatever Is Lovely” contain some phrases that would work well as a mantra to help someone get through a tough day.” - Bobby Reed, DownBeat Magazine

“Nearly 200 people donated to a Kickstarter campaign to get this album made, and to my ears they made a damned fine investment…Daneman has a clear purpose, and it’s not only to make lovely sounding music but also to incorporate a positive “healing” quality to it as well.” – Peter Bacon, The Jazz Breakfast

“A stunning personal statement filled with strong melodies, lovely harmonies and the promise of redemption…a profound work of art that is so alive, so positive, and so blessedly musical.” – Richard Kamins, StepTempest

“This is killer stuff that’s sure to resonate with the gypsy in your soul.” – Chris Spector, Midwest Record