Dorothy Ashby’s Plays for Beautiful People (also issued as In a Minor Groove) captures the harpist at her most assured, leading a 1958 quartet session with Frank Wess, Herman Wright and Roy Haynes. Widely regarded as the leading modern jazz harpist, Ashby pushed the instrument beyond novelty status, establishing it as a compelling voice in small-group improvisation. These recordings highlight her lyrical phrasing and rhythmic precision within a relaxed yet swinging setting, underlining her role in expanding jazz’s sonic palette.