Dorothy Ashby, the top jazz harpist during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, recorded just a few albums as a leader during her career. This CD reissue has the complete contents of her Prestige and New Jazz albums: Hip Harp and In a Minor Groove. In both cases, Ashby (who really could improvise) was joined by flutist Frank Wess, bassist Gene Wright, and either Art Taylor or Roy Haynes on drums. The bop-oriented program is naturally at a low volume, but Dorothy Ashby shows that she could swing hard too. Her definitive reissue. Scott Yanow - All Music Guide |