ryan adams' first solo album to be released on his own pax-am label and sony's columbia records, the album was recorded in la at sunset sound in hollywood and produced by glyn johns, renowned for his work with the likes of the beatles, bob dylan, the clash, the who and the rolling stones, and whose son ethan produced previous ryan adams albums 'heartbreaker', 'gold' and '29'. 'ashes and fire' also features tom petty and the heartbreakers' organist benmont tench as well as norah jones who sings backing vocals on several tracks, including the lilting, acoustic overtures of 'come home', the sumptuous ballad 'save me' and the heartfelt 'kindness'. from the country-rock tinged opener of 'dirty rain', to the piano-led lament of 'i love you but i don't know what to say' and the acoustic harmony of 'lucky now', 'ashes and fire' is the most cohesive and luscious album of ryan's distinguished, critically-acclaimed career.