The Rubáiyát Of Dorothy Ashby (Verve By Request Series)

Released on the Cadet label in 1970, this album’s wondrous mix of spiritual and funky jazz and unique instrumentation defy categorization. Harpist Ashby adds the koto, a 13-stringed Japanese instrument to her arsenal, and her long-time arranger Richard Evans blends flutes, vibraphone, oboe, kalimba, and Ashby’s own vocals into a singular and soul-affirming set. Verve By Request Series features 180-gram vinyl, pressed at Third Man in Detroit.