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The Rubáiyát of Dorothy Ashby (subtitled Original compositions inspired by the words of Omar Khayyam, arranged and conducted by Richard Evans) is an album by jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby recorded in late 1969 and early 1970 and released on the Cadet label. On this album, Ashby plays the Japanese musical instrument, the koto, demonstrating her abilities to successfully integrate another instrument into jazz.

Reception.

The AllMusic review by Thom Jurek awarded the album 4½ stars and stated:”This is a head record. Time and space are suspended and new dimensions open up for anyone willing to take this killer little set on and let it spill its magic into the mind canal through the ears. Depending on how much of a jazz purist you are will give you a side to debate the place of this set in Ashby’s catalogue. For those who remain open, this may be her greatest moment on record …”.

A reviewer of Dusty Groove stated: “Incredible work from the amazing Dorothy Ashby – a brilliant set of funky and spiritual tunes, set to full backings from Chicago soul arranger Richard Evans! This album is easily one of Ashby’s greatest…”.

Track listing:
All compositions by Dorothy Ashby.

1. “Myself When Young” 5:16
2. “For Some We Loved” 4:02
3. “Wax and Wane” 4:25
4. “Drink” 2:30
5. “Wine” 3:56
6. “Dust” 2:51
7. “Joyful Grass and Grape” 3:38
8. “Shadow Shapes” 3:32
9. “Heaven and Hell” 3:10
10. “The Moving Finger” 5:39

Personnel:
Dorothy Ashby – harp, koto, vocals
Lenny Druss – flute, oboe, piccolo flute (tracks 1–5 & 10)
Cliff Davis – alto saxophone (track 10)
Stu Katz – vibraphone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6 & 8–10)
Cash McCall – guitar (track 10)
Fred Katz – kalimba (tracks 2, 3 & 10)
Ed Green – violin (track 2)
Unidentified orchestra arranged and conducted by Richard Evans

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Released: 1970, 2007 (reissue)
Recorded: November 1969 – January 1970
Studio: Ter Mar Studios, Chicago
Length: 39:17
Label: Cadet
LPS-841 Dusty Groove (reissue)
DGA 3002
Producer: Richard Evans