Budapest (1993)

"One of the finest (and one of the very few) jazz harpists in the world, Deborah Henson-Conant combines storytelling and vocals in her entertaining show. She played piano from age ten, and started doubling on harp when she was 13. It became her main instrument while in college and, although classically trained, she also enjoyed improvising. In 1982, she began seriously playing jazz and the following year started amplifying her harp. In 1989, Henson-Conant was signed to GRP and she recorded three well-received recordings. "Budapest" is a mix of funky grooves, folk melodies, world music mood pieces and exuberant jams. Henson-Conant's harp (and occasional voice) shines through the ensembles. The backup crew includes Mark Johnson's tenor and soprano, the co-leaders of Special EFX (guitarist Chieli Minucci and percussionist George Jinda) and bassist Victor Bailey. This atmospheric music, which was actually recorded in Budapest, is one of Henson-Conant's stronger efforts." (Allmusic)