The Path Of A Tear
Lateralize, 2024
9/10
The English vocalist Jo Harrop is surrounded by Jim Cox, Anthony Wilson, Victor Indrizzo, David Piltch and Larry Klein for these 8 originals and 3 covers that emit a bluesy, soulful spirit.
The cozy and stylish “Beautiful Fools” starts the listen with Wilson’s warm guitar that complements Harrop’s smooth and expressive pipes, and “Whiskey Or The Truth” follows with Cox’s mature keys, powerful singing and Piltch’s strategic bass emitting much soul.
Closer to the middle, “Traveling Light” benefits much from Klein’s skilled bass amid emotive singing in a mysterious climate, while “You’ll Never Be Lonely In Soho” makes great use of Indrizzo’s subdued drumming and the meticulous keys, not to mention Harrop’s vocal acrobatics.
Deeper yet, “Hurt” emits a distinct intimacy that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Stay Here Tonight” exits with a soft and sublime finish of smoky singing and personal storytelling that’s universally relatable.
A record with a lot of heart and soul, Harrop’s already made a name for herself in the area of British jazz, and this often romantic body of work will certainly bring plenty of much deserved attention, too.
Travels well with: Veronica Thomas- They Say It’s Wonderful; Tania Grubbs Quintet- The Sound Of Love