Ashby appeared on the scene as if by magic when Jimmy Hamilton retired from the Ellington Orchestra in 1968 - he was in his 40s and had been around for years but much of his early discography was with rhythm-and-blues bands. He went on his own after Duke's death and made European tours with all-star packages. This was his first session as leader for a US-based label, and he takes good advantage of the opportunity.

Deluxe edition features eight bonus tracks - alternate takes from the surviving four-track session reels, including an explosive rendition of the single, "Soul Vibrations," extended versions of the title track and "Little Sunflower," plus two fantastic jazzy readings of "Theme from Valley of the Dolls." Afro-Harping is the first of a rarefied and outstanding trilogy of soul-jazz albums by Dorothy Ashby. Remastered from the original tapes, Afro-Harping is filled front-to-back with sumptuous and hypnotic grooves. It's African percussion, soulful orchestrations, in-the-pocket rhythms and Dorothy's virtuosity take it beyond jazzy mood music and made it a favorite of beat heads and producers.

The Rubaiyat Of Dorothy Ashby, released on Cadet Records in 1970, is a wonderous mix of spiritual and funky jazz with unique instrumentation that defies categorization. Harpist Ashby adds the koto, a 13-string Japanese instrument, to her arsenal and her longtime arranger Richard Evans blends flutes, vibraphone, oboe, kalimba and Ashby's own vocals into a singular, soul-affirming set. Verve By Request Series features transfers from the analog tapes remastered on 180-gram vinyl.

Double vinyl LP pressing. Deluxe edition features eight bonus tracks - alternate takes from the surviving four-track session reels, including an explosive rendition of the single, "Soul Vibrations," extended versions of the title track and "Little Sunflower," plus two fantastic jazzy readings of "Theme from Valley of the Dolls." Afro-Harping is the first of a rarefied and outstanding trilogy of soul-jazz albums by Dorothy Ashby. Remastered from the original tapes, Afro-Harping is filled front-to-back with sumptuous and hypnotic grooves. It's African percussion, soulful orchestrations, in-the-pocket rhythms and Dorothy's virtuosity take it beyond jazzy mood music and made it a favorite of beat heads and producers.