Jo Harman has a very vocal and forthright inner circle of supporters and when we let the cat out of the bag that the whole of her gig at Acapela in Cardiff was professionally recorded (by the venue) they ganged up on us to put out the whole performance complete and unedited.

We thought that’s crazy – no one puts a complete, unedited performance out – but put it out we did. The complete concert, the whole darn shooting match; albeit nicely mixed, has been released as a limited edition double CD, with zero ‘fixes’ and totally organic in terms of performance.
What’s more the great Jon Astley, whose previous clients include the likes of The Who, Led Zeppelin, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and others, very generously offered to master it. And if that wasn’t enough, Mark Wilkinson (whose cover arts clients include the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Marillion) agreed to do the artwork which includes Mark’s wonderful illustration of Jo herself, front and centre!

The ‘3 Hearts’ reference? Well, Jo was pregnant with the twins at the time of the show. As such, she hadn’t gigged much over preceding months and consequently, was refreshed and in particularly fine form. Unaware the show was being recorded, Jo seemed very relaxed, breathing new life into some well trodden repertoire, joking with the audience throughout, and enjoying the natural reverb and ambience of the chapel venue, The Acapela in Cardiff. 

I’ve said it before and it remains true. Playing in Jo Harman’s band is one of the most demanding on the circuit. Her ‘sound’ is timeless and, without being in any way ‘retro’, very much rooted in the sensibilities of late 60’s/early 70’s ‘golden age’ and her musicians have to cover heavy rock, pop-rock, blues-rock, soul which sometimes verges on jazz, gospel, ‘singer-songwriter’ material, heartfelt ballads, and more, with total authenticity and conviction. Moreover, she doesn’t believe in rehearsals, instead believing in people knowing the shape of the song but, other than that, creating in the moment depending on her, and their, mood. If she goes left, they are expected to follow. No song is ever really played the same way twice. Quite deliberately. 

In these days where music can often sound mechanical, generic, predictable and samey, it’s refreshing to hear 5 particularly skilled humans perform organically, slight ‘missteps’ and all’, with commitment, sincerity and authenticity and with something to say. Long live that approach, regardless of what maybe – well, inevitably – is heading down the track. Humanity and authenticity is everything as this particular set demonstrates only so clearly.

Following their initial collaboration on the ‘A Case Of You’ single, Stefan Redtenbacher invited Jo Harman to record another Joni Mitchell tune; Jo chose ‘Blue’ by the way – for the Redtenbacher Funkestra album featuring a number of singers who have a deep love for Joni’s music. Appearing on the album alongside Jo are some great singers, many of whom are good friends, including the likes of Mike Mayfield, Mim Grey, Rumer, Hamish Stuart, Sarah Jane Morris and more.

Moreover Stef has asked Jo Harman, Mim and Mike to go on the road early next year to perform as guest singers (all 3 together) at the following venues, which we are delighted to do. As you might have already gathered, Jo likes variety and artistic challenge.Jo is one of those artists who struggles with the concept of playing the same show, night after night, note for note the same, so she jumped at the chance to be part of this set up as a sideline to her own touring. It should be great fun!

8th February The Apex, Suffolk

9th February Norden Farm Centre For The Arts, Maidenhead

10th March Wolf Ferrari Theatre, Munich

25th March St James, Guernsey

The nationwide tour with Mike Farris is nearly here!!

Now we’re in mid October it’s now only a couple of weeks before Jo joins US grammy Winner Mike Farris on the her first major tour for several years, visiting Exeter, Devon on 3rd November Haslemere, Surrey (4th Nov), London, Jazz Cafe (5th), a hop to TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands (7th), back to Liverpool (8th Nov), and then Apex, Bury St Edmunds (9th). A day off on the 10th (for Jo anyway), then the tour continues to 11th at The Platform in Morecambe, The Place, Telford (12th) before finishing off at The Civic Centre at Uckfield on Sunday 13th November. 
Mike and Jo will be sharing an all star band consisting of Stevie Watts on keys, Nat Martin guitar, the return (from Switzerland!) of Andy Tolman on bass and the powerhouse Magic Johnson on drums. Both artists will be performing full sets before joining together for the finale. 

We got the band back together! Full tour dates here.

After a period of relatively extreme, if understandable, artistic inactivity, Jo Harman is starting to become productive again. So much so that she has a number of different projects in the works, which might be summarised as follows:-

1) THE JO WE KNOW

After a period of enforced inactivity (resulting from both lockdown and new motherhood) Jo has started to accept, albeit selectively, invitations to perform live once again. These have (and will continue to) involve a number of prestigious European shows, a recent first time trip to Africa where she performed her own show to 3k people at Dima Jazz, as well as carefully curated bespoke UK Festival and venue appearances, before a significant ‘double header’ UK (and one Netherlands show) tour with Grammy Winner Mike Farris this coming November. Full details of all upcoming shows can be found at www.joharman.com/tourdates

2) REIMAGINING THE SONGS WE KNOW

Proud of her back catalogue but not wanting to stand still artistically, Jo has also commissioned a series of string arrangements in order to record and perform, at some stage, some dates with a Cello quartet, with a piano/stripped back band. Jo herself performed in classical orchestras as a bassoon player in her youth and her musical tastes and wants have always extended way beyond the rock. soul, blues and roots community in which she is most commonly characterised. She has no particular problem with that label per se (she loves rocking out, and has a deep love of soul and gospel music, of course) but she is actually, at heart, a genre-less singer and songwriter very much, to my ear at least, in the classic traditions of the golden age (late 60’s to early 70’s) of music. Hearing her most well known songs performed with little more than a piano and a string quartet demonstrates the depth, musicality and (sometimes broken) beauty of her songwriting. This gives a new and unique listening experience and resonance to these familiar songs. Some of these new recordings are being mixed as we speak, some of the commissions are still in the works so I can’t tell you when these recordings and performances will see the light of day, but I can confirm they are coming. Jo has been committed to this project for some time now and her passion shows no sign of lessening, so watch this space.

3) A THIRD ALBUM (OF BRAND NEW SONGS) ALSO NOW SEEMS A REALISTIC POSSIBILITY

With the odd exception, it’s been the best part of six years since Jo has written any new music; hence the protracted wait for any sign of a third album to follow up the ‘People We Become’ release. Going silent after dropping such a commercially and critically successful record seemed strange but, ever the artist, it seems Jo will only write when she has something to say…some emotion to express. Teaming up again in part with her musical songwriting partner Mike Davies (aka Mayfield), there are now at least 6 important, album worthy, songs in the works. Keen to avoid repeating herself and certainly eskewing generic sounding fare – however commercially appealing that can be – her musical landscape has progressed and developed yet further; I expect the next record to be more of an opus, an epic if unpretentious affair, with a lineage perhaps to the like of ‘Amnesty’ but developed even further, musically? I was scepitical of new material being able to live up to past standards but, having heard the sketches and rough demos, I’m genuinely excited by what I’ve heard. As ever, it will take as long as it will take, but the good news is that, after a significant void, new material – and great new material at that – is very definitely in the works. 

4) A BOX SET PACKAGE CELEBRATES JO’S DEBUT ALBUM ON IT’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

As previously announced, we are producing a ‘box set’ of Jo’s debut ‘Dirt On My Tongue’ release on its 10 year anniversary (due next year). The project has been overseen by noted rock artist/designer Mark Wilkinson who has worked with everyone – from Iron Maiden and Judas Priest to Kylie, Led Zep, Beatles and Leonard Cohen projects, to name but a few – so we knew the project would be in safe hands, not least it would be beautifully designed and artworked. The package contains a 52 page book about the making of the album, a special T shirt, some memorabilia and apart from the original recording, some additional CDs of demos, live versions and more, which really go well beneath the skin of how the record came to be made and how the songs evolved. The whole package is not cheap – ranging from around £70 to over £100 depending on edition/postage etc – but the ‘vinyl’ edition has already sold out. Some non vinyl editions are still available from Jo’s website. Although not officially out until 2023 we hope to have the pre-ordered sets to be available in time for Jo’s aforementioned November 2022 tour. 

5) JO PAYS TRIBUTE TO JONI AS PART OF A NEW MULTI ARTIST PROJECT BY REDTENBACHER’S FUNKESTRA

Some of you may remember, or even own!, a wonderful collaboration between (Stefan) Redtenbacher’s Funkestra and Jo of the Joni Mitchell classic ‘A Case Of You’. It inspired us (not least Stefan) to explore some further collaborations of Joni material with a number of other elite singers (watch this space!). An album – or even albums – may well emerge but either way a very special live event is planned at Masterlink Studios on Friday 28th October Performing with the Funkestra band that night will be 3 featured singers –  Jo, Mike Mayfield and Mim Grey (Mim has worked with Paul McCartney to Tom Jones, to name but two). The event will be professionally audio and video recorded for live stream but there is also an opportunity for a limited live audience to attend. Tickets for this exclusive event have yet to go on sale but if you are attracted enough to register an interest on a ‘first refusal basis. please contact me on [email protected] and we can send you further information nearer the time. I envisage tickets to be around £25 for this exclusive event at the Masterlink Studios in the beautiful Surrey countryside of Send, near the Woking/Guildford area. Apart from the full length concert itself – and witnessing the soundcheck and general ‘behind the scenes’ elements to these things – they’ll be a chance to meet, greet, hang and share a drink or two with the musicians and singers involved, no doubt! Anyway, as I say, if you are interested in being part of the night, hit me up at [email protected]. It should be a very unique and memorable evening. 

Talking of collaborations with Funkestra, we’ve just released a radio edit of ‘Lovin’ Arms’ – do check it out on Spotify or your other digital platforms and give it a like and a share, it all helps! Thank you!  

Jo Harman announces a rare show for 2021 with a live show at the Chelsea Blues Festival at Under the Bridge on Saturday 21st August 2021. Also on the bill are Malcolm Bruce, Southbound, Brave Rival and more acts to be announced.

Doors open at 3pm with Early Bird tickets onsale for £29 through Solid Entertainments.

Some Q&A’s on the queries regarding the 10th Anniversary Edition of ‘Live At Hideaway’, which is shipping on CD today.

Q – Does this release employ the original artwork?
A – Yes, we’ve used the original artwork (people seemed wedded to it) but have included a second CD and a explanatory insert in the open pocket of the digipack (more on this below) and on the front of the digipack we have a sticker identifying it as ’10th Anniversary 2-CD edition’.

Q – How much is the CD edition?
A – Standard cost for the 2-CD edition is £15 plus postage at cost (which varies from territory to territory of course). Track listings for the CD are as follows:-
CD1
Through The Night
Summer Breeze
Heartstring
Bless Ma Soul
Sideways
Move Over
Sweet Man Moses
Better Woman

CD2
Them Changes
Seasick Lover
Song
I Can’t Stand The Rain
A Little Help From My Friends
Underneath The River
Feelin’ Alright

Q – If we already own the original CD, is it possible to buy the second CD as a ‘stand alone’?
A – Not officially (ie not from Jo’s website store) but yes, unofficially, we are happy to sell the second disc for £6 inclusive of UK p&p (contact [email protected] for overseas prices). To do this simply send the money via paypal to [email protected] and we’ll do the rest (or contact [email protected] by email for other payment options). This item comes as an ‘onbody’ printed CD, in a clear plastic sleeve, with accompanying insert.

Q – Are there any original CDs from 2011 left to buy?
A – No, sorry, these were all sold out years ago. One’s appearing on the second hand market tend to retail at £30-£50 or more.

Q – Can we buy this re-issue without the 2nd CD and the sticker (ie mirroring the original release).
A – Yes, we can sell that at £10 plus postage at cost.

Q – Can I buy this as a vinyl LP?
A – Yes, for the first time, we are offering the original release (without the songs on the bonus CD) in vinyl format. All the original tracks are included, but the running order has been adjusted as follows to better suit the timings of each side of the record:-
Side A
Through The Night – Summer Breeze – Bless Ma Soul – Sideways
Side B
Move Over – Heartstring – Sweet Man Moses – Better Woman

Q – Where can I purchase this release in a format of my choice?
A – From Jo’s website shop https://joharman.com/product/live-at-hideaway/ is as good a place as any (look out for special deals on buying vinyl and cd together) but for non-standard versions, or for queries, please contact [email protected] by email and we’ll be happy to help.

Q – When can I expect delivery?
A – CDs should be ready for despatch before the end of May, vinyls will be issued later in the Summer due to production times.any other issues, hit me up here or by email to [email protected]

The backstory to “Live At Hideaway” is largely one of happy accident. Unlike most artists who have to work the ‘toilet tours’ and pubs before establishing themselves on the circuit, Jo had the good fortune to play the first-ever gig under her own name at London’s prestigious 606 Club. The owner of that venue happened to recommend Jo to the owner of newly opened Hideaway Jazz Club in Streatham. Consequently, Jo found herself fast-tracked onto the London scene and being offered regular shows at one of London’s more prestigious venues. Despite the fact that Jo Harman and Company had, by that time, only played a handful of shows in total, with an interchangeable line-up and without any attempt at the concept of rehearsal, a record was released (albeit in a low-key way) if only, as Jo remembers it, “as a showcase to get us more gigs and to have something to sell at the merch stand.” 

Because of the ad hoc nature of the performance, and (50%) cover material, Jo all but subsequently disowned “Live At Hideaway” being, as it was, something of a bridge between her role as lead singer with Soul Reality Collective and her forging a career as an original artist. As she explains: “I always had a very firm vision of who I wanted to be as an original artist, but I didn’t have too many songs of my own at that time – I was literally just starting out – and so I covered a lot of ‘classic material’, not least because we were required to do two hour sets at the various club dates that booked me. People have been very kind about it but the reality is that Hideaway is actually nothing but a jam and you can hear me, inexperienced as I was, calling off the cues throughout the songs.” 

Despite Jo’s personal reservations, it’s considered by many good judges to be one of the most exciting live blues-rock albums ever made in the UK. So much so that, on two separate occasions, two noted labels offered licensing deals for “Live At Hideaway” and twice, Jo turned them down (albeit she did licence ‘Better Woman’ to Warners, France but that’s another story).

Jo further explains ‘when I started to write for my debut album, which became ‘Dirt On My Tongue’, I decided not to manufacture ‘Live At Hideaway’ once the original few thousand copies had been sold, simply because I wanted to launch myself with a self written studio album. As a result ‘HIdeaway’ has, over the years, become something of a collectors item, sometimes attracting extraordinary prices on the internet. However, 10 years on, it seems only right to make it available again, this time with a bonus CD of other live performances from around that time, as well as offering the original version on vinyl for the very first time’.

A limited edition book of over 40 photographs has been produced in conjunction with noted photographer Alexis Maryon, to celebrate Jo’s 10 year anniversary as an originals touring and recording artist. All the portraits of Jo are taken from formal photoshoots with Alexis at the start of her career. This beautiful collection, of both colour and b/w portraits, chosen by Alexis, is contained in an limited edition hardback A4 book, numbered and signed by both photographer and sitter, and is available now from Jo’s shop.