Like many instruments, the harp has existed within countless cultures and contexts, from its historical use in angelic imageries, to becoming a key part of the western symphonic orchestra around the mid 19th century. But did you know that the harp has long been a part of the American jazz tradition? I’m Loki Karuna, and on this edition of Noteworthy you and I are going to engage the jazzy side of this age old instrument, as realized by Brandee Younger.
Brandee hails from New York, and while music was indeed a part of her early life, she didn’t start playing the harp until she was a teenager. She eventually found herself artistically following the footsteps of harpists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, bringing to more contemporary audiences both the history and future of the instrument as one that fully engages jazz.
This tune, titled “Dust” is a great example of her work. This, alongside the other tracks on an album that she titled, “Brand New Life” won a 2024 NAACP Image Award. Brandee was also nominated for a Grammy in 2021, proving that she’s striking a chord with listeners from just about all walks of life. Huge congratulations and thanks to Brandee Younger: one of today’s most Noteworthy musicians.
Noteworthy is a production of WDAV, classical public radio.