Dorothy Ashby - The Rubaiyat of Dorothy AshbyReleased on the Cadet label in 1970, this albums wondrous mix of spiritual and funky jazz and unique instrumentation defy categorization. Harpist Ashby adds the koto, a 13 stringed Japanese instrument to her arsenal, and her long time arranger Richard Evans blends flutes, vibraphone, oboe, kalimba and Ashbys own vocals into a singular and soul affirming set. This Verve By Request title is pressed on 180 gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.

It was taken so seriously

which hones in on the importance of fighting back against the odds

Waves of guitars rage beneath the haunting melodies and near-hysterical fits of singer Thom Yorke

Produced by Lee Hazlewood and arranged by Billy Strange

The album also boasts a familiar collaborator in veteran producer and engineer Terry Date

grappling with the unease of the self at rest – without movement

Beyond Seattle

Although the sounds are largely electronic

You Cool Me Down all coalesce into a wizened

She Smiled Mandarine Like

Robert Wyatt's immediate post Soft Machine grouping featuring himself on drums and vocals and three of the most creative musicians from the legendary Canterbury scene

brilliantly balancing their very danceable