Live

Jo Harman: St. John's Church, Fancombe, Surrey 29/7/18

One of the best current British blues singers, Jo Harman has sung with Lamont Dozier and Michael McDonald guests on her latest album. It’s surprising she has not yet received the commercial success her talent deserves.

Playing a double set Harman and her band returned to Farncombe in Surrey for another quality show. She was backed by her band of drums, bass, guitar and keys and played several numbers with piano, bass and acoustic guitar.

Featuring eight of the ten tracks from her current album "People We Become", Harman kicked off with "Silhouettes Of You" and glided into a slow, classy cover of the Isley Brothers’ "Summer Breeze".

More from the new album followed, including a couple of heavier numbers "No One Left To Blame" and "Reformation". The tempo dropped for a stripped back "Changing Of The Guard", her next single, with beautiful accompaniment from keyboard player Emily Francis who was making her debut with the band, not that you’d have known it.

"That’s How I Got To Memphis" and a rocky "Bless Ma Soul" brought the first set to a close and Harman came back firing on all cylinders after a break with a funky cover of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone".

Four more tracks from the album followed, the pick of the bunch being "Sweet Man Moses" showing her gospel credentials with stunning vocals. "When We Were Young" afforded band members solo time.

Returning for the encore of "I Can Let Go Now" Harman wrapped up a fab show which only served to enhance her growing reputation.

PHOTO: CHAZ BROOKES
Words CHAZ BROOKS