by Scott Yanow
From the jazz standpoint, this is harpist Deborah Henson-Conant's strongest CD to date. Released by her private label, the program features Henson-Conant (who is accompanied by bassist John Lockwood and drummer Bob Gullotti) playing melodic versions of six jazz standards (including "Georgia on My Mind," "Take Five," and "Summertime"), plus her own "'Round the Corner." Actually the high point is a delightful "Over the Rainbow," which starts out as an extensive medley of songs from The Wizard of Oz. Deborah Henson-Conant is one of the very few harpists who can improvise jazz, and this fine set is superior to her better-known (and slightly later) GRP releases. Worth searching for.