The Jazz Harpist

Description

This isnt just a novelty, though that is what you expect. The harp has a clean jazz voice with a resonance and syncopation that turn familiar jazz phrasing inside out. Dorothy Ashby
Years ago the All Star polls in jazz were primarily concerned with trumpets, trombones, saxophones and the usual rhythm instruments, but of late the situation has changed in order to welcome new instruments and players into the ever-broadening aspect of jazz performance. Now, such widely varied instruments as the cello, accordion, and flute are accepted as contributing members of the jazz group or orchestra. And here Regent is presenting still another voice for jazz expression: the harp. No, this isnt the first time a harp has been used on a jazz date. But, I cant recall when a harp was featured as a solo instrument within a jazz context as it is here. The harpist of reference is Dorothy Ashby, and in her recording debut she is featured as the leader of a thoroughly refreshing group as well as soloist, composer and arranger of great merit.