Moraga

Carol Robbins

Jazzcats JCTS-108

“On Carol Robbins’ Moraga — her fourth album as a leader — she follows in [Dorothy] Ashby’s footsteps by bringing a unique voice not only to the harp but also to the music as a whole. This one of a kind record joins the handful of jazz-harp classics, like Ashby’s In a Minor Groove and Deborah Henson-Conant’s ‘Round the Corner in transcending both instrument and genre. It is simply delightful and a stimulating disc that should easily stand the test of time.”

– Hrayr Attarian, All About Jazz

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.55 x 4.97 x 0.54 inches; 2.24 ounces
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ CD Baby
Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 2012
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ May 24, 2012
Label ‏ : ‎ CD Baby
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0085OMBUA
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Tunes:

(30-second sample tracks)

Performers:

Carol Robbins – harp
Billy Childs - piano
Gary Mek - sax/clarinet
Larry Koonse - guitar
Darek Oles - bass
Gary Novak - drums

Reviews:

“On Carol Robbins’ Moraga — her fourth album as leader — she follows in [Dorothy] Ashby’s footsteps by bringing a unique voice not only to the harp but also to the music as a whole. This one of a kind record joins the handful of jazz-harp classics, like Ashby’s In a Minor Groove and Deborah Henson-Conant’s ‘Round the Corner in transcending both instrument and genre. It is simply delightful and a stimulating disc that should easily stand the test of time.”

– Hrayr Attarian, All About Jazz (full review)

“Robbins should be applauded for creating a meaningful program of music that showcases her work as a composer and performer, while also highlighting the ever-expanding role of the harp in jazz; Moraga is a real musical treat.”

– Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz (full review)

Well, fasten your seat belts: Carol Robbins is a harpist, composer and arranger, and Moraga, her newest album to date, is proof that this ethereal “horn‚” is, in her hands, fully capable of producing beautiful, swinging music . . . This album is gorgeous in every respect. That descriptor isn’t often used when referencing jazz, but it’s apt for this release and these artists.

– Ric Bang, Jazzscan (full review)

Top reviews from the United States

Eclectic Music Lover
***** 5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid artistry on a wondrous instrument
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2014
Carol Robbins is a consumate musician. The jazz chops she brings to the table provide a terrific musical journey for the listener. The harp is such a diverse instrument and in her hands one really experiences that palette of musical colors.

Michael H. Tidemann
***** 5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Heaven
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
Impeccable. Robbins’ virtuosity exceeds what anyone could possible expect in this world. Her music is pure heaven.

Wilbur Headen
*****5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2017
Satisfied

Rick
***** 5.0 out of 5 stars Great smooth jazz music
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2012
Best jazz with a Harp lead.The sound is so smooth.Jazz sound with more feeling.You must here.Good for the soul,relax body
can’t go wrong with this one.

twopointfive
***** 5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2015
GREAT PLAYING.

"Moraga," "The Sand Rover," "Three Rings," "Dolore" and "Straight Away" written by Carol Robbins (Carol Robbins Music, ASCAP).
"Every Time We Say Goodbye" written by Cole Porter (Chappell & Co., BMI/ASCAP?).
"Hope In The Face Of Despair" written by Billy Childs (Lunacy Music, BMI).
"Caminhos Cruzados" written by Antonio Carlos Jobim (Corcovado Music Corporation, BMI).
"Rotadendrun" music by Nino Rota, arranged by Carol Robbins (EMI Robbins Catalog, Inc. and Sugar Melodi, Inc. OBO C.A.M. S.R.L., ASCAP; and Carol Robbins Music, ASCAP).

Produced by Buddy Halligan
Recorded, mixed and mastered at SPS Studios in Los Angeles, California by Buddy Halligan
Recording assistants: Bill Rahko, Baihui Yang
CD package design and photography by James Frank Dean
Additional photography by Buddy Halligan