Deborah Henson-Conant

composer, electric harpist

Known as the wild woman of the harp, Deborah Henson-Conant is a Grammy-nominated composer/performer. When she found herself chafing under the confines of the classical music world, she developed her own style of swing and Latin jazz by emulating jazz pianists, guitarists and horn players. She explored her instrument's fascinating roots in other cultures, from Mexico to the Celtic Isles. She then incorporated these elements into her own compositions, landed a record contract with the pre-eminent contemporary jazz label at the time (GRP) and became known as the world's premiere jazz harpist.