A Deeper Groove. Perception and Perspective®™
The World On A String, Spinning Into Rainbows
On the exceptional harp mastery of Carol Robbins
by Michael F. Hopkins © All rights reserved
For many people, JAZZ PLAY will be their introduction to the finely attuned artistry of harpist Carol Robbins. For those familiar with this Music, the fact that Robbins was an acolyte of acclaimed harp pioneer Dorothy Ashby should be enough to make one highly interested. For anyone with a thirsty ear, this album from the Jazzcats label will be a very welcome addition to any library, regardless of individual preference.
JAZZ PLAY is a stunning collection of originals and standards treated with consummate taste and daring; handled with a poise which eases highly intricate harmonics into a listener’s soul with smiling warmth. With all the swing that one could want, the subtle dance of Robbins’ presentation makes the work of JAZZ PLAY all the more compelling.
That Robbins is a master of her instrument becomes very clear very quick. Her overall ability to highlight the group effort, then, is as exemplary as her frequent bravura outpourings throughout the album. With an instrumentation of brass, reed, guitar, bass and drums, Robbins’ harp provides the nexus point for a refreshingly fluid sound which reminds us that genuine Jazz – at its most mellow – is full of spirit and fire.
With an itinerary which runs from Bobby Troup and Antonio Carlos Jobim to John Lewis, Jerome Kern and more, JAZZ PLAY is a reflective, often haunting voyage of mystery and delight. Full of mastery and aesthetic pedigree, it is the set’s winning joie de vivre which makes JAZZ PLAY such an attractive presentation for all listeners.
Serious play, indeed.