The Jo Harrop Quartet (vocals)

About

Accomplished jazz singer returns to Norden Farm

Award-winning artist makes big waves on the UK jazz scene. The Jo Harrop Quartet (vocals) is at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Friday 10 January at 8pm. Tickets are £16.

The quartet will swing through some colourful new arrangements and medleys using the back catalogue of Ella Fitzgerald, Sara Vaughan, Anita O’Day, Oscar Peterson as a point of reference.

The programme allows for Jo Harrop’s award winning song-writing. It will showcase material from her latest album Path Of A Tear, recorded in Los Angeles.

Jo Harrop possesses one of the most unmistakable voices in contemporary jazz, yet she has soul running through her veins. Her fourth album is The Path of a Tear. It suggests an artist determined to keep moving forward as she dives into unchartered musical waters. Having won widespread critical acclaim for her last two albums, The Heart Wants and When Winter Turns to Spring, The Path of a Tear sees Harrop finding her voice as a writer with elegant, confessional songs of unflinching honesty.

Jo is joined by Alex Hutton on piano and Ben Hazelton on bass.

Alex Hutton is one of the UK Jazz’s hidden treasures. Born in Sheffield and based in London, Alex is a fine composer, with an ear for folk and classical influences. He is a mainstream on the London jazz scene and has worked with leading figures from Jim Mullen and Pete King to Pete Wareham.

Ben Hazelton grew up in the borderlands of Herefordshire. His study of music began at the age of 11, and started consistent professional work from 15 onwards with gigs and shows of all sorts. He won a scholarship to study on the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program in Washington D.C in 2002 and 2003 and was Young Musician of the Year 2003. He plays on the London jazz scene and has an interest in Indian classical music.

Few artists can convey the depth of emotion Harrop evokes every time she opens her heart to sing. Anyone who hears her music knows exactly how she feels; the smouldering sadness flowing through her voice speaks for itself. Her songs are where she lives. Music is a form of catharsis for Jo Harrop, an award-winning artist who would rather show you her battle scars than her trophies.