Tara Minton Trio

Well, this is something we don't see at the Club too often, a full size harp and a terrific musician to go with it! Originating from Melbourne, Australia, jazz harpist and vocalist Tara Minton re-located to London in 2011, since when she has become one of the leading figures in UK contemporary harp circles. Tonight Tara is bringing to the Club her swinging trio, featuring bassist Ed Babar and drummer/percussionist Tom Early, along with her Special Guest, the Award winning pianist Phil Merriman. Her recently released album, "The Tides of Love", which she describes as "based on a motif of ocean tides, with themes of love, loneliness, strength and hope woven throughout” was released to no small acclaim with a high profile performance at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room in April and sparkling reviews. The musical thrust of this evening, however, will primarily be her take on some classic jazz standards which have been specifically arranged for the ensemble, plus some songs from one of her favourite composers, Joni Mitchell. Over to Tara: "I'm currently working with the concept of narrative in music - using jazz harmony to outline, deepen and develop the story - particularly in standards, where the lyrics often come second to the harmony and melody. Phil Merriman has done some lovely re-harmonies that explore these ideas. It would be a wonderful start to our year to present this work". The band itself performs regularly at festivals and clubs at home and abroad, from The Pizza Express, London to The Rockwood Music Hall, New York. Between the three musicians, they have amassed a huge number of festival appearances including The Camac Harp Festival (Switzerland), The Melbourne Cabaret Festival, The World Harp Congress (Sydney), Harpes au Max Festival (France) and the Squinterno Festival (Italy). Highly recommended.

“...one of the leading contemporary harpists in Europe" Artistic Director, Cambridge Jazz Festival; "I recommend her highly to everyone interested in an artist whose musical expression is equalled only by her warmth and integrity." Jakez François, Director of Camac Harpes; “We love her soulful mix of great covers and fantastic original songs, which tell stories, and that make you tearful and get you dancing by turns” Le Blog des Harpes Camac