The 1968 spiritual soulful jazz classic Afro-Harping by pioneer jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby has recently been reissued, featuring 8 previously unreleased takes from the original recording sessions.

Originally released on Cadet Records, this new deluxe reissue includes a total of 18 tracks has been remastered from the original 1/4 inch tapes, including alternative takes on standout tracks like “Soul Vibrations”, “Afro-Harping”, “Little Sunflower” and “Theme From Valley Of The Dolls”. The extremely well-crafted reissue also includes an 8-page booklet with insights on this album, Dorothy Ashby, and some of her other notable recordings.

Even though you can make the argument that some of Ashby’s other recordings around this time, such as The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby, Dorothy’s Harp, and The Rubáiyát Of Dorothy Ashby are equally on the same level, Afro-Harping was definitely the harpist’s breakthrough album and the most sampled and sought-after. It’s great to see that, not only this classic recording receive a proper reissue, but for additional material from this groundbreaking session come to light. Even if you have an original copy, this version is also very much worth picking up.

Without a doubt, one of the best reissue releases of 2024!

Dorothy Ashby — ‘Afro-Harping’ Deluxe Edition
(Originally released: 1968 / Cadet)
(Reissued: 2024 / Verve Records)

1. Soul Vibrations
2. Games
3. Action Line
4. Lonely Girl
5. Life Has It’s Trials
6. Afro-Harping
7. Little Sunflower
8. Theme From ‘Valley Of The Dolls’
9. Come Live With Me
10. The Look Of Love
11. Action Line Master A, Take 2
12. Afro-Harping, Alt Take
13. Theme From Valley Of The Dolls Master B, Take 2
14. Lonely Girl Master G, Take 1
15. Soul Vibrations Alt. Take
16. Life Has Its Trials Master C, Take 2
17. Little Sunflower Master F, Take 3
18. Theme From Valley Of The Dolls Master B, Take 6

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Reissue
• Spiritual Jazz