Showing posts with label Dorothy Ashby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dorothy Ashby. Show all posts

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Dorothy Ashby • Dorothy's Harp



 Editorial Reviews
Limited vinyl LP pressing. 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 11 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. In 1969 the studio album Dorothy's Harp was released on Cadet Records. On the album, she covered songs from Jimmy Webb ('By The Time I Get To Phoenix'), Burt Bacharach & Hal David ('This Girl's In Love With You'), John Lennon & Paul McCartney ('Fool On The Hill'), and others. The record also includes the two Brazilian styled compositions 'Reza' and 'Canto de Ossanha' and two songs written by Dorothy Ashby herself, displaying her craft on the harp with some great bongo work. Highly in-demand, finally this rare harp jazz album is available again!

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reseñas editoriales
Prensado limitado de vinilo LP. Dorothy Ashby era una arpista de jazz estadounidense, una de las pocas que usó su instrumento para tocar jazz creíble y bebop. Primero estudiando como pianista en la Universidad Estatal de Wayne y más tarde, en 1952, cambiando a arpa. Grabó 11 discos para diferentes sellos de jazz, como Savoy y Prestige. Dorothy también fue invitada como jugador de estudio en álbumes con Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder y muchos más. En 1969, el álbum de estudio Dorothy's Harp fue lanzado en Cadet Records. En el álbum, cubrió canciones de Jimmy Webb ('Por el tiempo que llego a Phoenix'), Burt Bacharach y Hal David ('Esta chica enamorada de ti'), John Lennon y Paul McCartney ('Fool On The Hill' ), y otros. El registro también incluye las dos composiciones de estilo brasileño 'Reza' y 'Canto de Ossanha' y dos canciones escritas por la misma Dorothy Ashby, mostrando su arte en el arpa con un gran trabajo de bongo. De gran demanda, finalmente, ¡este raro álbum de arpa de jazz vuelve a estar disponible!


 


Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Dorothy Ashby • Blue Haze



Biography
(as published on www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (born August 6, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, died April 13, 1986 in Santa Monica, California) was a Hebrew jazz harpist and composer.
"She was able to play incredible bebop on her instrument." There had been jazz harpists prior to Ashby, like Adele Girard, but no one else had adapted the harp to jazz so successfully nor had integrated into such a broad array of musical styles. Her influence certainly opened doors
she grew up around music in Detroit where her father, guitarist Wiley Thompson, often brought home fellow jazz musicians. Even as a young girl, Dorothy would provide support and background to their music by playing the piano. While in high school she played a number of instruments (including the saxophone and string bass) before coming upon the harp.
in Detroit she studied piano and music education. After she graduated, she began playing the piano in the jazz scene in Detroit, though by 1952 she had made the harp her main instrument. perceived as an instrument of classical music and also somewhat ethereal in sound Ashby overcame their initial resistance and built up support for the harp as a jazz instrument by organizing free shows and playing at dances and weddings with her trio. She recorded with Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess and others in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During the 1960s, she also had her own radio show in Detroit.
Ashby's trio, including her husband John Ashby on drums, regularly toured the country, recording albums for several different record labels. . In 1962's annual polls the best jazz performers included Ashby. Extending her range of interests and talents, she also worked with her husband on a theater company, the Ashby Players, which her husband founded in Detroit, and for which Dorothy often wrote the scores.
Dorothy was called upon for a number of studio sessions playing for such popular recording artists as Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Barry Manilow. Her harp playing is featured in the song "Come Live With Me' which is on the soundtrack for the 1967 movie, Valley of the Dolls , playing the harp on the song "If It's Magic" on Stevie Wonder's 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.
Her albums include The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove , I dont remember which . Between 1956-1970, she recorded 10 albums for such labels as Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland and Atlantic. On her "Rubaiyat" album, Ashby played the Japanese musical instrument, the koto, demonstrating her talents successfully "
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Biografía
(publicado en www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (nacida el 6 de agosto de 1932 en Detroit, Michigan, fallecida el 13 de abril de 1986 en Santa Mónica, California) era arpista y compositora de jazz hebreo.
"Ella fue capaz de tocar el increíble bebop con su instrumento." Había habido arpistas de jazz antes de Ashby, como Adele Girard, pero nadie más había adaptado el arpa al jazz con tanto éxito ni se había integrado en una gama tan amplia de estilos musicales. Su influencia ciertamente abrió las puertas
se crió alrededor de la música en Detroit, donde su padre, el guitarrista Wiley Thompson, a menudo traía a casa a sus compañeros músicos de jazz. Ya de niña, Dorothy les daba apoyo y apoyo a su música tocando el piano. Mientras estaba en la escuela secundaria tocó varios instrumentos (incluyendo el saxofón y el bajo de cuerdas) antes de tocar el arpa.
en Detroit estudió piano y educación musical. Después de graduarse, comenzó a tocar el piano en la escena jazzística de Detroit, aunque en 1952 había hecho del arpa su instrumento principal. Percibida como un instrumento de música clásica y también algo etérea en el sonido, Ashby superó su resistencia inicial y construyó un apoyo para el arpa como instrumento de jazz organizando espectáculos libres y tocando en bailes y bodas con su trío. Grabó con Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess y otros a finales de los años 50 y principios de los 60. Durante la década de 1960, también tuvo su propio programa de radio en Detroit.
El trío de Ashby, incluyendo a su esposo John Ashby en la batería, viajó regularmente por el país, grabando álbumes para varios sellos discográficos diferentes. . En las encuestas anuales de 1962, los mejores intérpretes de jazz incluían a Ashby. Extendiendo su gama de intereses y talentos, también trabajó con su esposo en una compañía de teatro, los Ashby Players, que su esposo fundó en Detroit, y para la cual Dorothy escribió las partituras con frecuencia.
Dorothy fue convocada para varias sesiones de estudio tocando para artistas tan populares como Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, y Barry Manilow. Su arpa aparece en la canción "Come Live With Me" que está en la banda sonora de la película de 1967, Valley of the Dolls, tocando el arpa en la canción "If It's Magic" del álbum de Stevie Wonder de 1976, Songs in the Key of Life.
Sus álbumes incluyen The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove, I dont remember which . Entre 1956-1970, grabó 10 álbumes para sellos como Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland y Atlantic. En su álbum "Rubaiyat", Ashby tocó el instrumento musical japonés, el koto, demostrando sus talentos con éxito.


Monday, April 7, 2025

Dorothy Ashby • In a Minor Groove



Biography
(as published on www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (born August 6, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, died April 13, 1986 in Santa Monica, California) was a Hebrew jazz harpist and composer.
"She was able to play incredible bebop on her instrument." There had been jazz harpists prior to Ashby, like Adele Girard, but no one else had adapted the harp to jazz so successfully nor had integrated into such a broad array of musical styles. Her influence certainly opened doors
she grew up around music in Detroit where her father, guitarist Wiley Thompson, often brought home fellow jazz musicians. Even as a young girl, Dorothy would provide support and background to their music by playing the piano. While in high school she played a number of instruments (including the saxophone and string bass) before coming upon the harp.
in Detroit she studied piano and music education. After she graduated, she began playing the piano in the jazz scene in Detroit, though by 1952 she had made the harp her main instrument. perceived as an instrument of classical music and also somewhat ethereal in sound Ashby overcame their initial resistance and built up support for the harp as a jazz instrument by organizing free shows and playing at dances and weddings with her trio. She recorded with Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess and others in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During the 1960s, she also had her own radio show in Detroit.
Ashby's trio, including her husband John Ashby on drums, regularly toured the country, recording albums for several different record labels. . In 1962's annual polls the best jazz performers included Ashby. Extending her range of interests and talents, she also worked with her husband on a theater company, the Ashby Players, which her husband founded in Detroit, and for which Dorothy often wrote the scores.
Dorothy was called upon for a number of studio sessions playing for such popular recording artists as Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Barry Manilow. Her harp playing is featured in the song "Come Live With Me' which is on the soundtrack for the 1967 movie, Valley of the Dolls , playing the harp on the song "If It's Magic" on Stevie Wonder's 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.
Her albums include The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove , I dont remember which . Between 1956-1970, she recorded 10 albums for such labels as Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland and Atlantic. On her "Rubaiyat" album, Ashby played the Japanese musical instrument, the koto, demonstrating her talents successfully "
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Biografía
(publicado en www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (nacida el 6 de agosto de 1932 en Detroit, Michigan, fallecida el 13 de abril de 1986 en Santa Mónica, California) era arpista y compositora de jazz hebreo.
"Ella fue capaz de tocar el increíble bebop con su instrumento." Había habido arpistas de jazz antes de Ashby, como Adele Girard, pero nadie más había adaptado el arpa al jazz con tanto éxito ni se había integrado en una gama tan amplia de estilos musicales. Su influencia ciertamente abrió las puertas
se crió alrededor de la música en Detroit, donde su padre, el guitarrista Wiley Thompson, a menudo traía a casa a sus compañeros músicos de jazz. Ya de niña, Dorothy les daba apoyo y apoyo a su música tocando el piano. Mientras estaba en la escuela secundaria tocó varios instrumentos (incluyendo el saxofón y el bajo de cuerdas) antes de tocar el arpa.
en Detroit estudió piano y educación musical. Después de graduarse, comenzó a tocar el piano en la escena jazzística de Detroit, aunque en 1952 había hecho del arpa su instrumento principal. Percibida como un instrumento de música clásica y también algo etérea en el sonido, Ashby superó su resistencia inicial y construyó un apoyo para el arpa como instrumento de jazz organizando espectáculos libres y tocando en bailes y bodas con su trío. Grabó con Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess y otros a finales de los años 50 y principios de los 60. Durante la década de 1960, también tuvo su propio programa de radio en Detroit.
El trío de Ashby, incluyendo a su esposo John Ashby en la batería, viajó regularmente por el país, grabando álbumes para varios sellos discográficos diferentes. . En las encuestas anuales de 1962, los mejores intérpretes de jazz incluían a Ashby. Extendiendo su gama de intereses y talentos, también trabajó con su esposo en una compañía de teatro, los Ashby Players, que su esposo fundó en Detroit, y para la cual Dorothy escribió las partituras con frecuencia.
Dorothy fue convocada para varias sesiones de estudio tocando para artistas tan populares como Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, y Barry Manilow. Su arpa aparece en la canción "Come Live With Me" que está en la banda sonora de la película de 1967, Valley of the Dolls, tocando el arpa en la canción "If It's Magic" del álbum de Stevie Wonder de 1976, Songs in the Key of Life.
Sus álbumes incluyen The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove, I dont remember which . Entre 1956-1970, grabó 10 álbumes para sellos como Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland y Atlantic. En su álbum "Rubaiyat", Ashby tocó el instrumento musical japonés, el koto, demostrando sus talentos con éxito.


Sunday, March 9, 2025

Dorothy Ashby • The Rubaiyat Of Dorothy Ashby



The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby (subtitled Original compositions inspired by the words of Omar Khayyam, arranged and conducted by Richard Evans) is an album by jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby recorded in late 1969 and early 1970 and released on the Cadet label.

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El Rubaiyat de Dorothy Ashby (subtitulado Composiciones originales inspiradas en las palabras de Omar Khayyam, arregladas y dirigidas por Richard Evans) es un álbum de la arpista de jazz Dorothy Ashby grabado a finales de 1969 y principios de 1970 y lanzado en el sello Cadet.


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Dorothy Ashby • Soft Winds






 



Sunday, September 1, 2024

VA • 50 Soul Jazz Classics



Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Quincy Jones, Grant Green, Jack McDuff, Herbie Hancock, Duke Pearson, Blue Mitchell, Lou Donaldson, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Les McCann, Dorothy Ashby, Donald Byrd, Larry Young, Kenny Burrell, Ramsey Lewis, Willie Bobo, Roy Ayers, Shirley Scott, Horace Silver, Bobby Hutcherson, Ike Quebec, Baby Face Willette, Stanley Turrentine, Howard Roberts, Benny Golson, Archie Shepp ...








Sunday, August 18, 2024

Dorothy Ashby • Jazz After Midnight





Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Bobbi Humphrey • Fancy Dancer

 



Artist Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Bobbi Humphrey is a jazz flautist whose musical tastes lean toward fusion and smooth jazz-pop. From the outset of her career, Humphrey was quite popular, winning a large crossover audience with her pop-oriented jazz-fusion. Throughout her career, her popularity exceeded her critical acclaim, but she received high marks for her technique and showmanship. Audiences stayed with Humphrey for decades, buying her records and attending her concerts from the Montreux Festival to Carnegie Hall.
Although Bobbi Humphrey was born in Marlin, TX, she was raised in Dallas. She began playing flute in high school and continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist and, impressed with what he had heard, he urged her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed through on his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theater on amateur night. Shortly afterward, she began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
Humphrey signed with Blue Note in 1971. Her smooth blend of jazz, funk, pop, and R&B fit in well with the new sound of Blue Note, and her six albums for the label -- Flute In, Dig This, Blacks and Blues, Satin Doll, Live at Montreux, and Fancy Dancer -- were all successes. In particular, 1973's Blacks and Blues was a rousing success, earning her a crossover pop and R&B audience.
That same year, she played the Montreux Festival in Switzerland. In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard. The following year, she switched record labels, signing with Epic and releasing Tailor Made that same year. She also played on Stevie Wonder's platinum album Songs in the Key of Life in 1977.
Tailor Made was the first of three albums for Epic Records; Freestyle followed in 1978 and The Good Life appeared about a year afterward. During the '80s, Humphrey continued to perform regularly, even if she didn't record often. She returned to recording in 1989, releasing City Beat on Malaco Records. Five years later, Passion Flute appeared on her own Paradise Sounds label, where she is President and C.E.O.

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Biografía del artista por Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Bobbi Humphrey es una flautista de jazz cuyos gustos musicales se inclinan hacia la fusión y el jazz-pop suave. Desde el principio de su carrera, Humphrey fue bastante popular, ganando un gran público con su jazz-fusión orientado al pop. A lo largo de su carrera, su popularidad superó el reconocimiento de la crítica, pero recibió altas calificaciones por su técnica y espectáculo. El público siguió a Humphrey durante décadas, comprando sus discos y asistiendo a sus conciertos desde el Festival de Montreux hasta el Carnegie Hall.
Aunque Bobbi Humphrey nació en Marlin, Texas, se crió en Dallas. Comenzó a tocar la flauta en el instituto y continuó sus estudios en la Texas Southern University y en la Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie vio a Humphrey tocar en un concurso de talentos en la Southern Methodist e, impresionado por lo que había oído, la instó a seguir una carrera musical en Nueva York. Ella siguió su consejo y consiguió su primera gran oportunidad actuando en el Teatro Apollo en una noche de aficionados. Poco después, empezó a tocar con regularidad por toda la ciudad, incluida una actuación con Duke Ellington.
Humphrey firmó con Blue Note en 1971. Su suave mezcla de jazz, funk, pop y R&B encajaba bien con el nuevo sonido de Blue Note, y sus seis álbumes para el sello -Flute In, Dig This, Blacks and Blues, Satin Doll, Live at Montreux y Fancy Dancer- fueron todos un éxito. En particular, Blacks and Blues, de 1973, fue un éxito rotundo, que le valió una audiencia de pop y R&B transversal.
Ese mismo año actuó en el Festival de Montreux, en Suiza. En 1976, fue nombrada mejor instrumentista femenina por Billboard. Al año siguiente, cambió de sello discográfico, firmando con Epic y publicando Tailor Made ese mismo año. También tocó en el álbum de platino de Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life en 1977.
Tailor Made fue el primero de tres álbumes para Epic Records; Freestyle le siguió en 1978 y The Good Life apareció aproximadamente un año después. Durante los años 80, Humphrey siguió actuando con regularidad, aunque no grabara a menudo. Volvió a grabar en 1989, publicando City Beat en Malaco Records. Cinco años más tarde, Passion Flute apareció en su propio sello Paradise Sounds, del que es presidenta y consejera delegada.

 

www.bluenote.com/bobbi-humphrey ...

twitter.com/bobbihumphrey ...


Friday, June 21, 2024

VA • Psychedelic Jazz - 16 Smoking Tunes

 

 



Review
by Jason Ankeny
The heyday of psychedelic jazz was brief but undeniably memorable: a beatific fusion of jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and raga, the music merged East and West in a gorgeously transcendent and tripped-out explosion of sound and sensibility. The aptly titled Psychedelic Jazz: 16 Smoking Tunes culls some of the best and rarest performances from the movement's late-'60s/early-'70s peak, a moment in time when jazz fed not only on its own innovations but also embraced the hippie counterculture, radical politics, and Eastern mysticism with unprecedented fervor. The end result is mind-expanding music with no real antecedent or, sadly, descendant, in an otherworldly marriage of wah-wah guitars, celestial keyboards, swirling sitars, and sinuous drums further distinguished by harps, vibes, and everything else under the sun. Highlights include Dorothy Ashby's "The Moving Finger," Pierre Henry's "Psyche Rock," Roy Ayers' "The Fuzz," Gabor Szabo's "Walking on Nails," and Julie Driscoll & Brian Auger's "Season of the Witch."
https://www.allmusic.com/album/psychedelic-jazz-16-smoking-tunes-mw0001309812

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Reseña
por Jason Ankeny
El apogeo del jazz psicodélico fue breve pero innegablemente memorable: una fusión beatífica de jazz, funk, rock psicodélico y raga, la música fusionó Oriente y Occidente en una explosión de sonido y sensibilidad magníficamente trascendente y alucinante. El acertado título Psychedelic Jazz: 16 Smoking Tunes recoge algunas de las mejores y más raras interpretaciones del apogeo del movimiento a finales de los 60 y principios de los 70, un momento en el que el jazz no sólo se nutría de sus propias innovaciones, sino que también abrazaba la contracultura hippie, la política radical y el misticismo oriental con un fervor sin precedentes. El resultado final es una música que expande la mente sin antecedentes ni descendientes reales, en un matrimonio de otro mundo de guitarras wah-wah, teclados celestiales, sitares arremolinados y tambores sinuosos, distinguidos además por arpas, vibráfonos y todo lo demás bajo el sol. Destacan "The Moving Finger" de Dorothy Ashby, "Psyche Rock" de Pierre Henry, "The Fuzz" de Roy Ayers, "Walking on Nails" de Gabor Szabo y "Season of the Witch" de Julie Driscoll & Brian Auger.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/psychedelic-jazz-16-smoking-tunes-mw0001309812


Friday, May 24, 2024

Dorothy Ashby • Harping on a Tune

 



Biography
(as published on www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (born August 6, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, died April 13, 1986 in Santa Monica, California) was a Hebrew jazz harpist and composer.
"She was able to play incredible bebop on her instrument." There had been jazz harpists prior to Ashby, like Adele Girard, but no one else had adapted the harp to jazz so successfully nor had integrated into such a broad array of musical styles. Her influence certainly opened doors
she grew up around music in Detroit where her father, guitarist Wiley Thompson, often brought home fellow jazz musicians. Even as a young girl, Dorothy would provide support and background to their music by playing the piano. While in high school she played a number of instruments (including the saxophone and string bass) before coming upon the harp.
in Detroit she studied piano and music education. After she graduated, she began playing the piano in the jazz scene in Detroit, though by 1952 she had made the harp her main instrument. perceived as an instrument of classical music and also somewhat ethereal in sound Ashby overcame their initial resistance and built up support for the harp as a jazz instrument by organizing free shows and playing at dances and weddings with her trio. She recorded with Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess and others in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During the 1960s, she also had her own radio show in Detroit.
Ashby's trio, including her husband John Ashby on drums, regularly toured the country, recording albums for several different record labels. . In 1962's annual polls the best jazz performers included Ashby. Extending her range of interests and talents, she also worked with her husband on a theater company, the Ashby Players, which her husband founded in Detroit, and for which Dorothy often wrote the scores.
Dorothy was called upon for a number of studio sessions playing for such popular recording artists as Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Barry Manilow. Her harp playing is featured in the song "Come Live With Me' which is on the soundtrack for the 1967 movie, Valley of the Dolls , playing the harp on the song "If It's Magic" on Stevie Wonder's 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.
Her albums include The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove , I dont remember which . Between 1956-1970, she recorded 10 albums for such labels as Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland and Atlantic. On her "Rubaiyat" album, Ashby played the Japanese musical instrument, the koto, demonstrating her talents successfully "
sources : http://www.answers.com/topic/dorothy-ashby

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Biografía
(publicado en www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (nacida el 6 de agosto de 1932 en Detroit, Michigan, fallecida el 13 de abril de 1986 en Santa Mónica, California) era arpista y compositora de jazz hebreo.
"Ella fue capaz de tocar el increíble bebop con su instrumento." Había habido arpistas de jazz antes de Ashby, como Adele Girard, pero nadie más había adaptado el arpa al jazz con tanto éxito ni se había integrado en una gama tan amplia de estilos musicales. Su influencia ciertamente abrió las puertas
se crió alrededor de la música en Detroit, donde su padre, el guitarrista Wiley Thompson, a menudo traía a casa a sus compañeros músicos de jazz. Ya de niña, Dorothy les daba apoyo y apoyo a su música tocando el piano. Mientras estaba en la escuela secundaria tocó varios instrumentos (incluyendo el saxofón y el bajo de cuerdas) antes de tocar el arpa.
en Detroit estudió piano y educación musical. Después de graduarse, comenzó a tocar el piano en la escena jazzística de Detroit, aunque en 1952 había hecho del arpa su instrumento principal. Percibida como un instrumento de música clásica y también algo etérea en el sonido, Ashby superó su resistencia inicial y construyó un apoyo para el arpa como instrumento de jazz organizando espectáculos libres y tocando en bailes y bodas con su trío. Grabó con Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess y otros a finales de los años 50 y principios de los 60. Durante la década de 1960, también tuvo su propio programa de radio en Detroit.
El trío de Ashby, incluyendo a su esposo John Ashby en la batería, viajó regularmente por el país, grabando álbumes para varios sellos discográficos diferentes. . En las encuestas anuales de 1962, los mejores intérpretes de jazz incluían a Ashby. Extendiendo su gama de intereses y talentos, también trabajó con su esposo en una compañía de teatro, los Ashby Players, que su esposo fundó en Detroit, y para la cual Dorothy escribió las partituras con frecuencia.
Dorothy fue convocada para varias sesiones de estudio tocando para artistas tan populares como Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, y Barry Manilow. Su arpa aparece en la canción "Come Live With Me" que está en la banda sonora de la película de 1967, Valley of the Dolls, tocando el arpa en la canción "If It's Magic" del álbum de Stevie Wonder de 1976, Songs in the Key of Life.
Sus álbumes incluyen The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove, I dont remember which . Entre 1956-1970, grabó 10 álbumes para sellos como Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland y Atlantic. En su álbum "Rubaiyat", Ashby tocó el instrumento musical japonés, el koto, demostrando sus talentos con éxito.
fuentes http://www.answers.com/topic/dorothy-ashby


Saturday, May 4, 2024

Dorothy Ashby • The Best Of Dorothy Ashby



There have been very few jazz harpists in history and Dorothy Ashby was one of the greats. Somehow she was able to play credible bebop on her instrument. This is an absolutely beautiful album that lightly swings and cooks, backed-up by the lovely ballad Moonlight In Vermont as well on which Wess' flute work is simply gorgeous.

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Ha habido muy pocos arpistas de jazz en la historia y Dorothy Ashby fue una de las grandes. De alguna manera fue capaz de tocar bebop creíble en su instrumento. Este es un álbum absolutamente hermoso que se balancea y cocina ligeramente, respaldado por la encantadora balada Moonlight In Vermont también en la que el trabajo de Wess con la flauta es simplemente magnífico.


Thursday, May 2, 2024

VA • Funky Jazzy Party

 


Grant Green, Ramsey Lewis, The Jazz Crusaders, Donald Byrd, Willie Bobo, Roy Ayers, Jimmy Smith, Bobbi Humphrey, Wes Montgomery, Bobby Hutcherson, Quincy Jones, Dorothy Ashby …


 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

VA • Jazz Me Tonight

 


Quincy Jones, Grant Green, Bud Shank, George Shearing, Art Tatum, Booker Ervin, Dorothy Ashby, Joe Henderson, Kenny Dorham, Lou Donaldson, Oscar Peterson, Ben Webster, Wes Montgomery, Billie Holiday, Ramsey Lewis, Oliver Nelson …


VA • Summer Jazz


Astrud Gilberto, George Benson, Wynton Kelly, Dorothy Ashby, Paul Desmond, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Kai Winding, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Getz, jazz, Jack Teagarden, Art Van Damme …


Monday, April 8, 2024

Dorothy Ashby • Dorothy Ashby Plays For Beautiful People



Review by Michael G. Nastos
While not the first male or female jazz harp player (Casper Reardon of Jack Teagarden's bands, Adele Girard performing with her husband Joe Marsala, or Corky Hale set precedents), Dorothy Ashby was the very best and most swinging performer on the multi-stringed instrument associated with the gates of heaven. Here on Earth, Ashby adeptly plucked and strummed the harp like nobody else, as evidenced on this LP In a Minor Groove. Alongside her prior efforts for the Savoy label, it represents a small but substantive example for the Detroit native in small group settings. With the exceptional flute sounds produced by Frank Wess, the combo plays music that is oriented via a unique sonic palate, further enhanced by the principals in the standards and originals they have chosen. Fellow Detroiter Herman Wright is here on bass, legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who places particular emphasis on subtle brushwork. Of course, the watchword of Ashby's sound is elegance, as she and Wess weave magical threads of gold and silver through standards like the circular and pristine "Autumn In Rome," the dramatic, slow "Yesterdays," or the sad "Alone Together." In a more Baroque or chamber setting "It's a Minor Thing" have Wess and Ashby thinking on a regal or Grecian platform. The variety on this collection is impressive, as you hear cinematic bluesy proclamations on "Autumn in Rome," striking mystery in "Taboo," mischievous and sly winks during "Rascallity," and a sexy calypso-to-swing beat as "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" unfolds. An original of Ashby's stands out -- the well swung, blues based yet exotic "Pawky". Of course these are straight-ahead mainstream jazz musicians, and you also get a soaring, clean version of tracks where Ashby's harp acts like a rhythm guitar. In fact, it is this aspect of Ashby's performing style that sets her apart from being a singular or simplistic crystalline melodic implement. Then add to this element that Wess is so acutely fine tuned to pure tonal discourse simply by the nature of his instrument, and can carry the load by himself. This is a delightful set that deserves further recognition as a project unique to jazz and modern music, perfectly showcasing Dorothy Ashby as an individualist for the ages.

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Reseña de Michael G. Nastos
Aunque no fue el primer arpista de jazz masculino o femenino (Casper Reardon de las bandas de Jack Teagarden, Adele Girard tocando con su marido Joe Marsala, o Corky Hale sentaron precedentes), Dorothy Ashby fue la mejor y más swingera intérprete en el instrumento de cuerdas múltiples asociado con las puertas del cielo. Aquí en la Tierra, Ashby tocaba hábilmente el arpa como nadie, como se evidencia en este LP In a Minor Groove. Junto con sus esfuerzos previos para la etiqueta de Savoy, representa un pequeño pero sustancioso ejemplo para el nativo de Detroit en entornos de grupos pequeños. Con los excepcionales sonidos de flauta producidos por Frank Wess, el combo toca música orientada a través de un paladar sónico único, mejorado por los principales en los estándares y originales que han elegido. Su compañero de Detroiter Herman Wright está aquí en el bajo, el legendario baterista Roy Haynes, que pone especial énfasis en el sutil trabajo de pinceladas. Por supuesto, la consigna del sonido de Ashby es la elegancia, ya que ella y Wess tejen mágicos hilos de oro y plata a través de estándares como el circular y prístino "Otoño en Roma", el dramático y lento "Ayer", o el triste "Solos juntos". En un escenario más barroco o de cámara "Es una cosa menor" tienen a Wess y Ashby pensando en una plataforma real o griega. La variedad de esta colección es impresionante, como se escuchan proclamaciones cinematográficas de blues en "Otoño en Roma", misterio sorprendente en "Tabú", guiños pícaros y astutos durante "Rascallity", y un sexy ritmo de calipso a swing mientras se desarrolla "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To". Destaca un original de Ashby: el bien balanceado, basado en el blues pero exótico "Pawky". Por supuesto, se trata de músicos de jazz de la corriente principal, y también obtienes una versión de los temas que se eleva y limpia, en la que el arpa de Ashby actúa como una guitarra rítmica. De hecho, es este aspecto del estilo de interpretación de Ashby el que la distingue de ser un implemento melódico cristalino singular o simplista. A este elemento hay que añadir que Wess está tan bien afinado en el discurso tonal puro simplemente por la naturaleza de su instrumento, y puede llevar la carga por sí mismo. Este es un conjunto encantador que merece un mayor reconocimiento como un proyecto único para el jazz y la música moderna, mostrando perfectamente a Dorothy Ashby como una individualista para las edades.


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

VA • Super Funky Soul Jazz

 


Jimmy McGriff, Grant Green, George Benson, Bobbi Humphrey, Brother Jack McDuff, Willie Bobo, Roy Ayers, Dorothy Ashby, Archie Shepp, James Brown, Buddy Rich, John Scofield, Charlie Hunter, Lou Donaldson ...

 





Friday, February 2, 2024

Dorothy Ashby • Afro Harping



Biography
(as published on www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (born August 6, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, died April 13, 1986 in Santa Monica, California) was a Hebrew jazz harpist and composer.
"She was able to play incredible bebop on her instrument." There had been jazz harpists prior to Ashby, like Adele Girard, but no one else had adapted the harp to jazz so successfully nor had integrated into such a broad array of musical styles. Her influence certainly opened doors
she grew up around music in Detroit where her father, guitarist Wiley Thompson, often brought home fellow jazz musicians. Even as a young girl, Dorothy would provide support and background to their music by playing the piano. While in high school she played a number of instruments (including the saxophone and string bass) before coming upon the harp.
in Detroit she studied piano and music education. After she graduated, she began playing the piano in the jazz scene in Detroit, though by 1952 she had made the harp her main instrument. perceived as an instrument of classical music and also somewhat ethereal in sound Ashby overcame their initial resistance and built up support for the harp as a jazz instrument by organizing free shows and playing at dances and weddings with her trio. She recorded with Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess and others in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During the 1960s, she also had her own radio show in Detroit.
Ashby's trio, including her husband John Ashby on drums, regularly toured the country, recording albums for several different record labels. . In 1962's annual polls the best jazz performers included Ashby. Extending her range of interests and talents, she also worked with her husband on a theater company, the Ashby Players, which her husband founded in Detroit, and for which Dorothy often wrote the scores.
Dorothy was called upon for a number of studio sessions playing for such popular recording artists as Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Barry Manilow. Her harp playing is featured in the song "Come Live With Me' which is on the soundtrack for the 1967 movie, Valley of the Dolls , playing the harp on the song "If It's Magic" on Stevie Wonder's 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life.
Her albums include The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove , I dont remember which . Between 1956-1970, she recorded 10 albums for such labels as Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland and Atlantic. On her "Rubaiyat" album, Ashby played the Japanese musical instrument, the koto, demonstrating her talents successfully "
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Biografía
(publicado en www.myspace.com/dorothyashby)
Dorothy Ashby (nacida el 6 de agosto de 1932 en Detroit, Michigan, fallecida el 13 de abril de 1986 en Santa Mónica, California) era arpista y compositora de jazz hebreo.
"Ella fue capaz de tocar el increíble bebop con su instrumento." Había habido arpistas de jazz antes de Ashby, como Adele Girard, pero nadie más había adaptado el arpa al jazz con tanto éxito ni se había integrado en una gama tan amplia de estilos musicales. Su influencia ciertamente abrió las puertas
se crió alrededor de la música en Detroit, donde su padre, el guitarrista Wiley Thompson, a menudo traía a casa a sus compañeros músicos de jazz. Ya de niña, Dorothy les daba apoyo y apoyo a su música tocando el piano. Mientras estaba en la escuela secundaria tocó varios instrumentos (incluyendo el saxofón y el bajo de cuerdas) antes de tocar el arpa.
en Detroit estudió piano y educación musical. Después de graduarse, comenzó a tocar el piano en la escena jazzística de Detroit, aunque en 1952 había hecho del arpa su instrumento principal. Percibida como un instrumento de música clásica y también algo etérea en el sonido, Ashby superó su resistencia inicial y construyó un apoyo para el arpa como instrumento de jazz organizando espectáculos libres y tocando en bailes y bodas con su trío. Grabó con Ed Thigpen, Richard Davis, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess y otros a finales de los años 50 y principios de los 60. Durante la década de 1960, también tuvo su propio programa de radio en Detroit.
El trío de Ashby, incluyendo a su esposo John Ashby en la batería, viajó regularmente por el país, grabando álbumes para varios sellos discográficos diferentes. . En las encuestas anuales de 1962, los mejores intérpretes de jazz incluían a Ashby. Extendiendo su gama de intereses y talentos, también trabajó con su esposo en una compañía de teatro, los Ashby Players, que su esposo fundó en Detroit, y para la cual Dorothy escribió las partituras con frecuencia.
Dorothy fue convocada para varias sesiones de estudio tocando para artistas tan populares como Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, y Barry Manilow. Su arpa aparece en la canción "Come Live With Me" que está en la banda sonora de la película de 1967, Valley of the Dolls, tocando el arpa en la canción "If It's Magic" del álbum de Stevie Wonder de 1976, Songs in the Key of Life.
Sus álbumes incluyen The Jazz Harpist, In a Minor Groove, Hip Harp, Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby with (Junior Mance), Django/Misty, Concerto De Aranjuez, Afro Harping, Dorothy's Harp, The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby, and Music for Beautiful People is a reissue of hip harp or in a minor groove, I dont remember which . Entre 1956-1970, grabó 10 álbumes para sellos como Savoy, Cadet, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland y Atlantic. En su álbum "Rubaiyat", Ashby tocó el instrumento musical japonés, el koto, demostrando sus talentos con éxito.
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