I really took this as an opportunity to explore the many sounds of the harp. That might seem predictable coming from me, but I rarely get the chance to simply sit and enjoy the instrument in all its forms, especially those that laid the groundwork for the concert harp that I play today. People often associate the harp with Celtic or Western European classical music, but it’s one of the world’s oldest instruments, and its presence spans the globe. I’m fascinated by its breadth and the diversity of its voices. There’s even an mbira track here, “Thumb (Played) Metal Instrument (2),” which resonated with me a great deal because I aimed to mimic the mbira’s sound on my most recent album, Gadabout Season. While it’s not a stringed instrument, its tonal quality is something the harp can absolutely echo. I hope this playlist offers a glimpse into the wide-reaching beauty and versatility of the harp—from Cameroon to Scotland to the United States, its voice is as varied as it is powerful.