The Path of a Tear (Lateralize Records)
Jo Harrop
Released June 2024
Jazziz Critics’ Picks 2024
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About:
Lateralize Records are immensely proud to announce the release of award-winning UK singer songwriter Jo Harrop’s superb new album, The Path Of A Tear.
Recorded at The Village Studios in Los Angeles in September 2023 and produced by Larry Klein (best-known for his groundbreaking work with a host of legendary artists including Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux and Herbie Hancock), The Path Of A Tear is an ear-watering slice of mid-70s soul with a sublime shot of jazz and a subtle twist of Americana.
Jo Harrop possesses one of the most unmistakable voices in contemporary jazz, yet she has soul running through her veins. The Path Of A Tear, Harrop’s fourth album on London-based jazz label, Lateralize Records, suggests an artist determined to keep moving forward as she dives into unchartered musical waters.
“Working with Larry Klein was something that had only been a dream for me for a long time,” Jo Harrop says. “With such a history of iconic albums under his belt, I was extremely excited but also slightly nervous to be collaborating with him. The first time we met, he immediately made everything seem easy and natural, and he was so complimentary about my voice and my songwriting.
“Larry trusted me and the musicians to bring our magic to the songs and allowed all this incredible creativity to unfold. It was a surreal but wonderful experience. When we met, Larry said: ‘We are going to make something very beautiful,’ and we did.”
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 a natural talent,” Larry Klein explains. “Her singing and songwriting come straight from her heart. This kind of honesty is what compels me most in art. I heard it in Jo’s singing the very first time that I listened to her. Kafka said that ‘art is the axe for the frozen sea within us.’ We all become numb to the elements in ourselves that make up the human condition, and honesty in art re-connects us with our heart. For The Path Of A Tear, the beacon that has guided us has been to stay connected to the honesty in the songs and in Jo’s voice – to work from an instinctual place.”
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.
Track Listing:
1. Beautiful Fools 04:25
2. Whiskey Or The Truth 05:42
3. A Love Like This 05:41
4. Traveling Light 04:38
5. The Path Of A Tear (Le Chemin D’Une Larme) 03:09
6. You’ll Never Be Lonely In Soho 04:53
7. If It Wasn’t For Bad 03:29
8. Too Close To The Sun 04:16
9. Hurt 03:44
10. Goodbye 05:46
11. Stay Here Tonight 03:36
Personnel:
Jo Harrop: vocals
Anthony Wilson: guitar
Jim Cox: piano, Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ
David Piltch: bass (2, 3, 5-10)
Larry Klein: bass (1, 4)
Victor Indrizzo: drums, percussion
Recorded September 2023, at The Village Studios, Los Angeles
Producer: Larry Klein
Tracking and Mixing Engineer: Adam “Atom” Greenspan
Mastering: Bernie Grundman
Album Photography: Eric Frideen
Album Graphics Design: Tom McCormick
Review:
On Jo Harrop’s previous albums, the major story was that of a onetime backup singer for Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart and Gloria Gaynor emerging as a Nina Simone- and Billie Holiday-influenced jazz singer. With The Path of a Tear, the sensual, dusky voiced British artist’s story morphs into her development as a singer-songwriter, with legendary producer Larry Klein guiding the way. While the originals tap into her authentic, straightforward storytelling, she also includes dynamic interpretations of lesser known tunes by Leonard Cohen, Elton John and Steve Earle.
Jonathan Widran (Jazziz)
