Harpist Brandee Younger is set to release her second album for Impulse Records, titled Brand New Life, on April 7. The album is available for pre-order on major streaming platforms.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Younger says the album’s title alludes to several ways of bringing new life to pioneering Black harpist Dorothy Ashby’s legacy. Brand New Life features some of Ashby’s music that has never been recorded before, while giving a fresh interpretation to music from Ashby’s records. The album also includes new music that builds on the stylistic fusion that Ashby created. Younger says she was inspired by Ashby’s artistry as a Black woman in a time when Black musicians faced cultural barriers.
The album features collaborations with vocalist Mumu Fresh, hip-hop artist and producer Pete Rock, rapper and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, and hip-hop record producer 9th Wonder.
Check out our cover interview with Younger in the January/February 2021 issue of Harp Column.
