Jonny Teupen - Play Harp (2016) [Hi-Res]

The harp may not be considered a major instrument in jazz, and Casper Reardon Dorthy Ashby may not be household names, yet the instrument has a long and continuing history in the music. Jonny Teupen belongs to the European part of that history. Much sought-after for his ability to fit in both classical and pop musical worlds, Teupen played with the Berlin City Opera, and performed in concert and on radio and TV throughout Europe. On Play Harp, Teupen intertwines baroque with mainstream jazz, and in so doing weaves a colorfully rich musical tapestry. An all-star rhythm section includes three Afro-American stalwarts, bebop drum legend Kenny Clarke, bassist Jimmy Woode, known for his work with Duke Ellington, and reed player Sahib Shihab. Harpsichord, vocals, and a string quartet thread their ways into the works as well. The music varies from intimate quartet to full-blown chamber orchestra, but the intent is the same: to demonstrate that baroque swings. Minuett Nr. 1 with its cordial flute-harp embrace and solid walking bass, the string-backed swing of Barockin’ The Blues with it’s filigree harp and breathy flute solos, the exquisite counterpoint of the vocal-harp duet on the first part of Handel’s Concert for Harp and Orchestra, and the harp’s beautiful courtly dance with the bass on Pavane express the universality of music; it’s a mix that makes for laid-back listening pleasure.

Jonny Teupen, harp
Blanche Birdsong, vocals
Sahib Shihab, flute
Francis Coppieters, harpsichord
Jimmy Woode Jr., bass
John Fischer, bass
Kenny Clarke, drums
Stuff Combe, drums

Recorded at SABA-Studio Villingen Im Schwarzwald
Engineered by Gert Lemnitz, Rolf Donner
Produced by Friedel Berlipp

Digitally remastered