A little while ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Zeena Parkins, an avant-garde harpist with a custom-made instrument and an impressive list of collaborators. In our discussion, it became clear that the harp was not so much niche as it was unique. Of course, modern music abounds with thousands of guitarists or drummers. Even horn or reed players are much more common than harpists.
Discussing her influences, Parkins mentioned harpist Mary Lattimore. I realized then that I couldn’t name a single other harpist. Can you? So consider this news blast to be a two-fer-one. Impress your friends at parties. Knowledge is power.
Lattimore’s sound edges more toward the traditional compared to Parkins, but that in no way means the music is just glissando soundtracks to the pearly gates. Incorporating various effects and some sparse synth flourishes, Lattimore mainly keeps to a sparse sound accentuating the harp’s innate beauty.
Hear a transcendent example today with “Hello From the Edge of the Earth,” from her upcoming album Hundreds of Days. The album is out May 18 on Ghostly International, and it’s already her second go-round with the label. Pre-order it here; then, kick your feet up and gently pluck the “play” button below. You can already feel yourself floating away on the clouds…
Hundreds of Days tracklisting:
01. It Feels Like Floating
02. Never Saw Him Again
03. Hello From the Edge of the Earth
04. Baltic Birch
05. Their Faces Streaked With Light and Filled With Pity
06. On the Day You Saw the Dead Whale
07. Wind Carries Seed (Bonus Track)
More about: Mary Lattimore
