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JO HARROP - Take Five No: 81
Can you tell us about your new single and album?
Just before the world was hit with a deadly virus, I signed to my wonderful management & label, Lateralize, who not only released my duets album, 'Weathering The Storm', with Jamie McCredie, but also agreed that I should finally create & release a brand-new album, with original songs, and all my own ideas.
In a time when there were no gigs (which was pretty much my entire existence), I began to focus on songwriting. I had wanted to write my own songs again for so long, but could never find the time or the right way. For some reason, the emotions brought up by lockdown, the stillness of the world, gave time for reflection, and lyrics that I had held locked inside of my head, heart and scribbled in old diaries, began to pour out onto the page, and I sent the first complete song lyric of 'If I Knew' to pianist/composer, Paul Edis, which were heart felt lyrics, about love, loss, and regretful missed opportunities.
Within 24 hours Paul had written the beautiful music to accompany the lyrics, and we recorded a little demo remotely. People seemed to like it.
That is where the journey for the new album 'The Heart Wants' began.
'If I Knew' unlocked a door into me writing more and more words, and melodies. Some wonderful collaborations began with Paul, and also with producers, Hannah V & Jamie McCredie.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
I would usually be performing live jazz shows with a few great bands & musicians, where we celebrate the great American songbook & jazz arrangements of other wonderful songs, but as the live scene is at a standstill for now, the album is my focus. It takes up a lot of energy!
I am hoping to eventually tour the duets album, 'Weathering The Storm', with Jamie McCredie once things open up.
And then of course, once we launch The Heart Wants, I would love to tour that too.
I've done some live streamed shows from The Hampstead Jazz Club & The 606 club during lockdown, as well as being a guest vocalist with Paul Moran (Van Morrison's MD) Smokin B£ Hammond organ band featuring Jim Mullen.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
I listen to such an eclectic selection of music. I'm obsessed with Tom Waits, I recently bought a John Mayer album, and also I just downloaded the original soundtrack to West Side Story, I have that on Vinyl but I wanted it digitally for my ipod.
I always play jazz albums of course, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horn being among my favourites. I adore Bonnie Raitt, and I listen to Prince when I work out.
The last physical CD I bought was a gorgeous early Aretha Franklin album with the Ray Bryant band.
Click on the cover to listen to 'If I Knew'
What is your all time favourite album and why?
Arrgggg - I absolutely cannot answer that because I listen to what I am in the mood for so it varies all the time. But if I am forced, then I am going to say, Aretha Franklin, 'Sweet & Bitter Love' – its bluesy, soulful, heartfelt & has a beautiful version of one of my favourite jazz standards by Lerner & Loewe, from Camelot, 'If Ever I Would Leave You'
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
So many great artists are coming through right now.
Georgia Cecile is fabulous.
I love China Moses album, Nightintales, she has a wonderful energy.
Heidi Vogel's voice is just breathtaking – I could listen all day.
Sara Dowling, an incredibly gifted and dedicated musician.
Georgia Mancio's latest album with Alan Broadbent, Quiet Is The Star is beautiful.
Jane Monheit in the USA interprets songs beautifully.
Andy Davies album 'Rise Of The Spider Monkey' is fabuolous & Nigel Prices new album is absolutely amazing too.
My North East crew keep producing such fine work too – Paul Edis, Zoe Gilby & Andy Champion.
I honestly could go on and on about all the great talent that is around these delays.