Jo Harrop (vocals) Paul Edis (piano) Ken Marley (bass)
We are delighted to collaborate with Hampstead Jazz Club to bring Jo Harrop, Paul Edis and Ken Marley to Leeds, following their 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Award for Jazz Album of the Year. The trio will perform a blend of originals and timeless perennials framed by Paul Edis’ elegant arrangements, with songs touching on nature and the trials and tribulations of the heart.
"a rare mix of delicacy and boldness" (The Guardian)
Born in Durham and raised on a potent musical diet of Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, Jo Harrop moved to London and quickly established herself as one of the most unmistakable voices to emerge from these shores in many years.
Having signed to London-based jazz label, Lateralize Records, she recorded her debut solo album, The Heart Wants, which received unanimous critical acclaim and climbed to the upper echelons of the US Jazz Albums Charts. With an achingly beautiful chocolate and cream voice, it’s no surprise that Jo Harrop has received a raft of rapturous reviews and attracted a host of influential fans since she first burst into the spotlight a few short years ago.
Described as ‘One of the leading lights in contemporary jazz’ Paul Edis is a natural melodist who finds the emotional resonance of every note. Rooted in the straight-ahead swinging tradition, his music has been played on the radio in the UK, US and Europe. He has released several critically acclaimed recordings of new music in recent years, regularly receives commissions from a wide variety of organisations, and is known for his communication skills and breadth of knowledge, working as an educator for organisations including Sage Gateshead, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and National Youth Jazz Collective.
Jo Harrop and Paul Edis will be joined by virtuoso double bassist Ken Marley, originally from the Northeast.
