Deborah Henson-Conant

Deborah Henson-Conant (born November 11, 1953 in Stockton, California) is an American harpist and composer. Nicknamed "the Hip Harpist", she is known for her flamboyant stage presence and her innovation with electric harps.[1]

Deborah Henson-Conant
Born (1953-11-11) November 11, 1953
Stockton, California
GenresJazz, blues
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsHarp, electric harp, voice
Years active1985–present
Associated actsStory of Light Band
WebsiteOfficial website

Career

Deborah Henson-Conant describes her music as "cross-genre: jazz-pop-comedy-folk-blues-flamenco-celtic". Deborah performs one-person shows in theaters, concert halls and festivals; and she does original music and theatre shows with symphony orchestras. Her performances mix music with theatrical and story elements. She orchestrates all her own music when she plays with symphony and often engages symphonic musicians in unexpected ways.[2] She states that her career objectives include a desire to reevaluate misconceptions and underestimations of the harp instrument, of the stage medium, and of the self.[3]

The soundtrack of her 2006 DVD Invention & Alchemy, received a Grammy nomination, and the video version began broadcast on American public television in 2007.[4] Her performance series Inviting Invention (2006) presents a series of "performance explorations" that includes both musical and non-musical guests collaborating onstage with Henson-Conant.

In 2012, she joined Steve Vai's band for his 2012 tour and album, The Story of Light.[5][6][7] In October 2013, Henson-Conant performed and represented the United States at the 7th annual World Harp Festival, in Asunción, Paraguay.

As you know, a lot of my music is compositional, and there's a lot of arpeggiated guitar parts. They work really well on the harp, especially since it's an electric harp and you can process it. Deborah does a really great job with that, adding those textures. ... I've studied it very precisely. I can't play it, but I understand it. What Deborah has is a little different because she has a strap-on harp with a particular range. ... There's a new kind of challenge.

— Steve Vai[6]

Discography

Albums
  • The Story of Light (2012)
  • Invention and Alchemy (2006)
  • Artists Proof Ltd Edition Version 2.1 (2004)
  • The Frog Princess (2000)
  • Live Wires (with Livingston Taylor) (2000)
  • The Celtic Album (1998)
  • Altered Ego (1998)
  • Just for You (1995)
  • The Gift (1995)
  • 'Round the Corner (1993)
  • Naked Music (1994)
  • Budapest (1992)
  • Talking Hands (1991)
  • Caught in the Act (1990)
  • On the Rise (1989)
  • Songs My Mother Sang (1985)

Compilation appearances
  • New Age Music & New Sounds Vol. 67 - "Liberty"

Videography
  • Invention and Alchemy (2006)

Reception

The soundtrack of her 2006 DVD Invention & Alchemy, received a Grammy nomination.[4] The Daily News Online said that she has a "harp show like none other", featuring her "big, brassy voice".[8]

Instruments

Henson-Conant plays electric harps of various kinds, but primarily plays Camac Harps.[9] The Camac DHC Light Blue electric harp was named after her.[1]

References
  1. "DHC Bluelight". Camac. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  2. Henson-Conant, Deborah (May 3, 2007). "Hip Harpist Deborah Henson-Conant Defies Categorization and Transforms Ancient Instrument" (Press release). Boston: PR Newswire. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  3. Henson-Conant, Deborah (December 14, 2012). "Q&A with Legendary Electric-Rock Harpist: Deborah Henson-Conant" (Interview). Interviewed by Caleb Hsu. The Berklee Groove. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  4. "Hip harpist returns to Maine roots". Lewiston/Auburn, Maine: Sun Journal. June 23, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  5. "Review: Steve Vai – The Story Of Light". Guitarnoize.com. July 5, 2012. The harpist is Deborah Henson-Conant and will be touring as part of Vai’s band supporting the release of this album later this year. Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. Vai, Steve (October 1, 2012). "Interview: Steve Vai talks about The Story Of Light live show". Interviewed by Joe Bosso. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  7. Henson-Conant, Deborah (May 3, 2012). "I'm Gonna be in a Rock Band!". Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  8. "Deborah Henson-Conant brings harp show like none other to Longview". February 15, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  9. Henson-Conant, Deborah. "Deborah Henson-Conant Interview". Jazz Monthly Feature Interview (Interview). Interviewed by Smitty. Jazz Monthly. Archived from the original on February 19, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
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