…Harrop’s understated exuberance puts a smile on the face.

Lateralize Records LR015CD

All Tracks:
Jo Harrop (Vocals) – except In the Bleak Midwinter; Paul Edis (Piano); Short Story
Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums), Emma Rawicz (Soprano Saxophone), Jamie McCredie (Guitar)

Umbrellas In The Rain: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums)

Winter Love Affair (One Day Soon): Debs White (Violin & Fixer), Reiad Chibah (Viola), Will Hillman (Viola), Julia Graham (Cello)

A Perfect Winter’s Day: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums), Freddie Gavita (Flugel Horn), Emma Rawicz (Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet), Rory Ingham (Trombone), Debs White (Violin & Fixer), Reiad Chibah (Viola), Will Hillman (Viola), Bryony James (Cello)

New Year, New You: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums)

Breathing: Debs White (Violin & Fixer), Reiad Chibah (Viola), Will Hillman (Viola), Bryony James (Cello)

In the Bleak Midwinter: Jamie McCredie (Guitar)

Only Spring Will Decide: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums), Freddie Gavita (Flugel Horn), Emma Rawicz (Flute, Clarinet)

When Winter Turns To Spring: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums), Freddie Gavita (Trumpet), Emma Rawicz (Tenor Saxophone), Debs White (Violin & Fixer), Reiad Chibah (Viola), Will Hillman (Viola), Julia Graham (Cello)

Spring Put The Swing In My Step: Adam King (Bass), Peter Adam Hill (Drums), Jamie McCredie (Guitar), Freddie Gavita (Trumpet), Emma Rawicz (Tenor Saxophone), Rory Ingam (Trombone)

I think it is fair to say that singer/songwriter Jo Harrop has entered a purple phase in her career, and this beautiful new album does nothing to dispel the notion. In fact, at the moment she appears to be unstoppable with each new release showing a new dimension of Jo’s considerable talents.

That she was a gifted songstress and interpreter of the lyrics of others was immediately apparent on the exquisite Weathering The Storm released in 2020 in partnership with guitarist Jamie McCredie. In 2021, Harrop took things to the next level with The Heart Wants presenting an album of predominantly self penned songs that plumbed the depths of the emotions.

Now with When Winter Turns To Spring Harrop has done it again with a set of songs that tug at the heartstrings and uplift the spirit. A partnership with pianist and arranger Paul Edis that began to blossom on The Heart Wants is carried forward with a new set of songs that Edis says “are songs about love and loss as well as new life and new hope”. The songs are linked to the feelings often evoked by the changing seasons as the bleakness of winter releases its grip and the new season of spring bursts forth with new life and colour after the darker days that preceded it.

In a set that encompasses a gamut of human emotions, Harrop and Edis leave the overall impression of optimism and love with eleven beautifully arranged songs that are totally arresting. The opening ‘Short Story’ features some lovely soprano saxophone from the talented Emma Rawicz who also shares soloist honours, this time on tenor saxophone, along with trumpeter Freddie Gavita on ‘When Winter Turns To Spring’.

However, it is the silky voice of Jo Harrop that steals the show, and Edis has shown no fear in placing the vocalist in a different context with a couple of songs that feature Jo with a string quartet. The luxurious sound of the string ensemble envelops Harrop’s tender delivery on the lovely ‘Winter Love Affair (One Day Soon)’ and the exquisitely tender ‘Breathing’. Edis’s contribution on piano also deserves a mention on these songs too, as his touch at the keyboard blends with voice and strings to spectacular effect.

The more optimistic nature of the music is prevalent in a couple of swinging numbers ‘New Year, New You’ and the closing ‘Spring Put The Swing In My Step’, and Harrop’s understated exuberance puts a smile on the face.

The is much hype at the moment that Jo Harrop is at the peak of her powers. I beg to differ, as every new release reveals a new confidence and assurance, and I am positive that there is much more to come from Ms Harrop in the years ahead.

Reviewed by Nick Lea