Asheville’s Own Mary Lattimore Brings Harp Magic Back Home
Asheville, a city known for its vibrant culture and enchanting landscapes, is set to host a remarkable homecoming performance by local talent Mary Lattimore. This talented harpist will grace the stage at the AyurPrana Listening Room on Friday, December 27, inviting fans to experience her unique approach to music that transcends conventional boundaries.
A Family Tradition
Mary’s journey with the harp began at a young age, deeply rooted in her family. Her mother, Lelia Lattimore, not only played the harp for decades with the Asheville Symphony but also founded the well-respected Blue Ridge Harp Ensemble. Reflecting on her childhood, Mary shares, “I grew up playing with my mom at the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn.” This upbringing laid the foundation for her musical education, which included studying under Elizabeth Ross, a harpist from the Charlotte Symphony, and receiving conservatory training at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Blending Genres
While Mary Lattimore initially immersed herself in the classical realm, her aspirations soon pushed her toward more eclectic sounds. In 2005, a move to Philadelphia opened new doors, and Mary began collaborating with a variety of musicians in the indie and underground rock scenes. “I got to know a lot of people in bands,” she explains, mentioning notable names like Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel from The War on Drugs. “They encouraged me to write for bands and include the harp into the psych-folk music.” This new direction ultimately led to her collaboration with Thurston Moore on his acclaimed album Demolished Thoughts, where she was inspired to explore more improvisational techniques.
A Descriptive and Personal Approach
Mary’s artistic process is anything but traditional. Her solo debut, The Withdrawing Room, arrived in 2013, followed by several more albums that attracted critical acclaim. Despite being tagged as an “experimental musician,” Mary feels this label doesn’t quite capture her essence. “I don’t know if it’s experimental as much as it’s ‘doing whatever I want,’” she states with a smile. This freedom of expression has led her to incorporate unconventional instruments, such as the Theremin, in her albums Hundreds of Days and New Rain Duets.
Influences from Asheville
Even though Mary has made waves in cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles, she credits her Asheville roots for shaping her artistic identity. The natural beauty and creative vibes of her hometown have continually inspired her, making a lasting impact on her music. “Going to hear the orchestra and having students in our house all the time, the harp felt like a normal part of my childhood,” she recalls, illustrating the importance of being surrounded by music from a young age.
Soundscapes for Film
In addition to her concert performances, Lattimore’s evocative instrumentals lend themselves beautifully to film and media. Her participation in The Valerie Project, which provided an alternate soundtrack to a 1970 Czech surreal horror film, was one of her early forays into this field. More recently, she scored music for an episode of the Atlas Obscura podcast. “It’s good for my brain to have someone else’s vision,” she states, finding the collaborative process both fulfilling and entertaining.
Upcoming Performance Details
As Mary Lattimore prepares for her performance in Asheville, she hints at a dynamic show filled with storytelling. “I haven’t even decided what I’ll play yet,” she admits, eager to create an engaging atmosphere. Her energy promises to lift the night beyond mere “spa music,” as she connects with the audience through her pieces.
Fans will want to catch this unique blend of sounds and stories at the AyurPrana Listening Room on December 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $29.21. Joining her are fellow musicians Tashi Dorji and Min Xiao-Fen, adding their flavors to this rich musical tapestry.
In a world of endless streaming and digital noise, it’s thrilling to see an artist like Mary Lattimore return to her roots, ready to share her magical harp music with the Asheville community once again.
