Ashby, Dorothy: Afro-Harping (Vinyl LP)

Dorothy Ashby was an American jazz harpist, one of the very few who used her instrument to play credible jazz and bebop. First studying as a pianist at Wayne State University and later, in 1952, switching to harp. She recorded eleven albums for different jazz labels, like Savoy and Prestige. Dorothy also guested as a studio player on albums with Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and many more.

One of the grooviest records ever, Afro-Harping is a sublime blend of african percussion, soulful orchestrations, and Dorothy Ashby's amazing electric harp. By the time of this landmark album Dorothy had been knocking around the jazz world for a number of years, but it wasn't until she hooked up with Richard Evans at Cadet Records that her sound really began to cook - breaking down genres and expectations in the trademark style of the best late 60s sides from the chicago underground. The record's got a bit of funk, a bit of jazz, and a heck of a lot of soul - and the setting works perfectly for Dorothy's harp, giving it a lot more room to work around than some of her smaller jazz combo albums. The album includes two great originals - 'Soul Vibrations' and 'Afro-Harping' - both of which have a nice funky edge, and a groovy soulful bounce. 

1. Soul Vibrations
2. Games
3. Action Line
4. Lonely Girl
5. Life Has Its Trials
6. Afro-Harping
7. Little Sunflower
8. Theme From 'Valley Of The Dolls'
9. Come Live With Me
10. The Look Of Love