What makes Concierto de Aranjuez by Dorothy Ashby notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious arrangements and fusion of styles, showcasing Ashby's virtuosity as a harpist. It received praise from critics for its melodic depth and is often regarded as a key work in the evolution of jazz harp music. In 1984, Dorothy Ashby was an established figure in the jazz world, known for her innovative use of the harp. 'Concierto de Aranjuez' marked her continued exploration of blending classical compositions with jazz improvisation, following her acclaimed albums from the 1970s which solidified her unique voice in the genre.

How many songs are on Concierto de Aranjuez?

Concierto de Aranjuez has 7 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Concierto de Aranjuez

Dorothy Ashby · 1984

32 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of jazz and classical elements, featuring harp-driven melodies that evoke both elegance and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Concierto de Aranjuez — The title track serves as a stunning centerpiece, seamlessly weaving together classical themes with jazz improvisation, highlighting Ashby's technical prowess on the harp.
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Gershwin Melody: Summer Time / Someone to Watch Over Me / Porgy — This medley showcases Ashby's ability to reinterpret popular standards through a jazz lens, infusing them with fresh emotional nuance and intricate harp accompaniment.
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Autumn Leaves — Her rendition transforms this classic into a hauntingly beautiful piece, allowing the harp's expressive capabilities to shine while maintaining the song's melancholic essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and cohesive arrangements, highlighting Ashby's unique harp style.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of the harp as the lead instrument, with intricate melodies that intertwine with orchestral backing.
Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for extended improvisation and exploration of themes.
The arrangements often include classical motifs, seamlessly blending jazz harmonies with traditional forms.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Concierto de Aranjuez 9:26
2 Gypsy Airs 3:51
3 Green Sleeves 1:30
4 Gershwin Melody: Summer Time / Somone to Watch Over Me / Porgy 7:49
5 Autumn Leaves 5:14
6 Dear Old Stockholm 1:14
7 Yesterday 2:57

What to play next

Listen next

Django/Misty

1984

Go back to

The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby

1970

Full Dorothy Ashby discography Artists like Dorothy Ashby

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata