Dorothy Ashby Afro-Harping
Published Jul 01, 2003
Cadet and its sister label Argo were jazz subsidiaries of renowned blues and soul label Chess during the 60s and 70s. These labels frequently produced high-concept, soul-driven fusion that was distinct both from Jimmy Smith-derived soul jazz, and the rock-based fusion of Miles and descendants. Most titles remain hard to find today. Richard Evans was a frequent producer for this label, creating such confections as the Soulful Strings a group whose very name explains their modus operandi. While Afro-Harping is credited to harpist Dorothy Ashby, its very much Evans fancy. The killer opening cut "Soul Vibrations would still rock any (down-tempo) dance floor, and seems to take a tip from Evans brief stint in Sun Ras Arkestra. Other tracks deploy Evans heady formula of rich orchestration, ersatz Afro/Latin percussion and Ashbys heavenly leads throughout. Ashby gives it her all, transforming even "Theme From Valley of the Dolls into easy-grooving classics. Albums like this paved the way for Earth Wind and Fire, with whom many of the musicians on this album, Ashby included, later collaborated.
(Verve)