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LP
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WLV 82112LP
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Wax Love present a reissue of Dorothy Ashby's self-titled album, originally released in 1962. Dorothy Ashby was perhaps not Detroit's most famous female jazz harpist as that distinction belongs to Alice Coltrane but she was notably the first and a trailblazer who overcame massive setbacks throughout her nearly 30-year recording career. Playing on an instrument not usually associated with jazz, in a male dominated field, Ashby is a true and amazing original. Originally released in 1962, and with the help of a rhythm section of Herman Wright on bass and John Tooley on drums, Dorothy Ashby is one of her earliest titles as a leader and a beautiful piece of innovative mid-century jazz. A mix of originals and tastefully selected covers like Ellington's "Satin Doll" and Neal Hefti's "Li'l Darlin'" this is another lost jazz classic resuscitated by Wax Love.
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CD
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SPELL 4001CD
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Spellbound Music present a reissue of Dorothy Ashby's sixth album, The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby, originally released in 1965. Ashby was a Detroit born jazz harpist who passed away in her early 50s in 1986. She left a rich legacy of music with The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby being one of her milestones. The music is purely bright and swinging with a joyful mood. Dorothy Ashby is always there upfront while the brass section mostly fills the background with color. Typical for the ancient jazz, there are no vocals on this record but this only adds to the depth and intriguing atmosphere of the music. Ashby starts where Coltrane left the field of real song-oriented albums for his experimental efforts and she really pulls it off. The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby is haunting but with a rather relaxed approach to this style. For the time it was released, this album was an utterly progressive effort and the pop sensibility of many tracks make it a great joy to spin. Jazz fans will dig it and open minded people who love the music of the '60s will also develop a fondness for this beauty.
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LP
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DOY 698LP
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The 1957 recording debut of the most famous jazz harpist! Featuring: Frank Wess (flute), Eddie Jones (bass), Wendall Marshall (bass), and Ed Thigpen (drums). 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 isn't the first time a harp has been used on a jazz date. But, I can't 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 a soloist, composer and arranger of great merit. Pressed on 140 gram virgin vinyl.
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LP
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CADET 841LP
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Exact repro of this 1970 album from jazz harpist-turned-koto player Dorothy Ashby. Inspired by Persian poet Omar Khayyam. Otherworldly and way ahead of its time.
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LP
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CADET 809LP
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2010 repressing, exact repro. Originally released in 1969. Harp-led soul jazz classic, similar in vibe to some of Alice Coltrane's classic LPs, but less mystical and more grooving. "It's a richly rewarding, highly accessible collection, a humid mix of exquisitely scored soul, jazz and funk arrangements over which Ashby's playing fans like an ocean breeze." --The Wire
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