For Your Grammy Nomination Consideration
Best New Age Album
The Gift EP
1. The Gift 3:29
2. Tethered Hearts 2:38
3. Heaven Sent 2:13
4. Notes From The Heart 3:46
5. River Of Love 2:57
6. Hidden Treasure 2:36
7. KG’s Lullaby 2:28
8. Walk With Me 2:39
Total Running Time 23 minutes
CREDITS:
All music written and performed by Alise Ashby & Kristen Miller
Mixed & Mastered by Grammy nominated Tom Eaton
Artwork by Mariella Travis - www.alleiram.com
Inspired by friendship, synergy and being in flow, on their EP, The Gift, pianist Alise Ashby and cellist Kristen Miller deliver eight lush original compositions with a calming, soothing effect. Heartfelt melodies soar over intricate piano and cello phrases, uplifting and transporting the listener to a peaceful atmosphere.
The Story
In March of 2023, friends Alise Ashby & Kristen Miller reconnected for the first time since 2018. Both feeling guided to play together, they decided to meet for a fun improvisation session, which they had never done before.
After two hours they had created seven pieces and knew they had something special to share. The first track to show up was what became, "Notes From The Heart" - the 4th track on the album.
Every aspect of how 'The Gift' came to be was a gift, from the ease and grace in how the project unfolded, to the melodies and harmonies that flowed seamlessly between them...to the joy and laughter that was palpable in the process. So of course the title had to be 'The Gift'.
About The Artists
ALISE ASHBY
Alise Ashby is a British pianist, composer & songwriter based in New England. Her multi-instrumental work has been featured in commercials and film, including at The Cannes Film Festival.
Her fans know her for her moving melodies as the music transcends the listener into a serene world of their own creation.
Alise’s catalog spans the genres of cinematic, jazz, world, new age & meditative instrumentals, as well as harmonically intelligent and infectious pop ballads, and tender warm heart-centered love songs.
The Gift, a collaboration with cellist/composer Kristen Miller, released in spring of 2024 on the Heart Dance Records label, has charted internationally and is enjoying radio play worldwide including on Sirius XM.
Alise's recent EP release, Stardust’ won the OWMR Chrissie Sheppard Award for Best Album for July 2024. The EP also charted at #7 on the 100 Album Charts with OWMR for July 2024.
Alise is also the founder of The Inside Music Program. Designed to create an incremental path of learning through Improvisation, it is a creative platform that guides students to listen, feel and express freely by letting go of limitations in thoughts and beliefs, so they may blossom into their full potential through music and in life.
KRISTEN MILLER
Kristen Miller is a Billboard Charting Cellist and Shamanic Sound Healer. Creating textural, calming cello compositions using live looping, she has been a Heart Dance Records artist since 2020.
Kristen was the cellist on Ryan Judd’s guitar and cello record An Open Sky (2018) which won a Zone Music Reporter Award and spent over a year on the Billboard Top 10 Chart for New Age. The duo’s latest recording Soaring Together (2021) has been receiving global airplay and stellar reviews. In addition to solo playing, Kristen also enjoys work as a session cellist for artists like What Time is it, Mr. Fox?, Vance Gilbert, and Irma Thomas, and enjoys teaching cello to students of all ages.
Kristen’s latest solo EP, Parisian Sketches (2023) is a collection of five multi-layered compositions reflecting five different atmospheres of Paris. Her single Orangerie is enjoying regular play on Sirius XM.
Her latest EP, The Gift, is a collaboration with pianist/composer Alise Ashby which released in spring of 2024 on the Heart Dance label. It has charted internationally and is enjoying radio play worldwide including on Sirius XM.
Kristen’s newest single Closer to You released on July 26 in collaboration with composer/pianist Jean Bell on the label Piano and Nature.
Kristen is the recipient of several awards and scholarships including Jam Magazine’s Female Artist of the Year, and the Zara Nelsova scholarship for excellence in cello performance.
REVIEW
New Music Alert
“The Gift” is not merely an album; it’s an experience—an invitation to pause, breathe, and immerse oneself in the beauty of sound. As the cello and piano dance in harmony, they speak a language of peace and unity, reminding us of the power of music to heal, uplift, and connect.
In conclusion, Kristen Miller and Alise Ashby’s “The Gift” is a testament to the transformative power of music. With its exquisite compositions and heartfelt performances, this EP is sure to resonate with audiences seeking solace and inspiration in today’s fast-paced world. It’s a reminder that amidst life’s chaos, there is always beauty to be found, and sometimes, it comes in the form of a gift—one that transcends words and speaks directly to the soul.”