Harpist Dorothy Ashby recorded this very hip and sophisticated album ‘Afro Harping’ for the Cadet label in 1968. It is produced and arranged by the magnificent Richard Evans, and features some great musicians, alongside the wonderful Ashby we have Charles Stepney on vibes and keys, Phil Upchurch on bass and In places Maurice White on drums.
‘Afro Harping’ is a beautiful uptempo Soul-Jazz groover. ”Soul Vibrations’ an orchestrated funky track that has a beat made for sampling. ‘Games’ is a lovely mid tempo shuffler, the version of Freddie Hubbard’s ‘Little Sunflower ‘ is totally enchanting and sublime, whilst her cover of ‘The Look of Love’ is a latin-esq groove. ‘Come Live With Me’ was sampled by Pete Rock in 1992 bringing Dorothy’s music to a new generation. This deluxe edition contains alternative and quite different takes of 8 out of the albums 10 tracks. Excellent album that deserves to be appreciated by a wider audience, if you are into Brandee Younger or Amanda Whiting check out one of their main influences from 50 years earlier.
Click on the product below to listen to the tracks and buy the album.
