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| Jo Harrop singing "The Path Of A Tear" |
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After reviewing vocalist Jo Harrop’s
The Path Of A Tear, I was told I should make it a point to see her
perform in concert. What good fortune then that she should have her album
release party here in Los Angeles where her new CD was recorded. The party was
held last night at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, a place with an
incredible history. It is where Supertramp recorded that phenomenal 1979 record
Breakfast In America, and where Neil
Young recorded several albums. And it is where Fleetwood Mac recorded the
double album
Tusk. A new studio –
Studio D – was specially built for Fleetwood Mac for the recording of that
album. Well, it turns that it is that studio where Jo Harrop recorded her new
album. Studio D. How cool is that?
The album release party wasn’t held in that studio, but
in another room just up the hall from Studio D. It was an intimate and warm
space, a place with good vibes, to be sure, and plenty of alcohol for those of
who wished to imbibe. Jo Harrop’s manager introduced her and then Larry Klein,
who produced the album and played bass, spoke about what drew him to Jo Harrop,
that being her honest voice, something everyone in the room understood. That
led Jo Harrop, who was clearly moved by what both said, to say, “Thank you for making me a bit of an
emotional wreck.” And the band went right into “Beautiful Fool,” the lead
track from the new album. The band, in addition to Klein on electric bass,
included Anthony Wilson on guitar, Jeff Babko on piano, and Denny Weston on
drums. After the song, Larry Klein then stepped out, and David Piltch took over
on bass. David Piltch also plays on the new album. Jo Harrop introduced the
album’s title track, “The Path Of A Tear,” describing it as being about “a journey through love and loss, and how
loss can sometimes lead to better things.” And what a beautiful performance
she gave of that song. They followed that with “Whiskey Or The Truth,” the
first song she recorded in Studio D. Anthony Wilson delivered a nice lead on
guitar, getting appreciative applause from the crowd. Larry Klein then returned
on bass for a beautiful rendition of Steve Earle’s “Goodbye” that had me in
tears.
Interestingly, after “Goodbye,” Jo Harrop gave us a
different look at “The Path Of A Tear,” this time her voice backed only by
Anthony Wilson on guitar, giving us a sense of how the song began. This show
was being filmed, and there hadn’t been enough time to readjust the cameras for
this song, so they played this acoustic version a second time. Larry Klein then
wanted a second pass at “Goodbye,” first giving a note to pianist Jeff Babko. However,
toward the end of the song, Larry’s phone went off. “One more time,” Larry said, “I’m
so sorry.” I wasn’t sorry to hear it again. I love that song, and thought
that maybe this third time through I wouldn’t tear up. Well, I was wrong about
that. And this time, what Jo Harrop did at the end was particularly striking
and beautiful. This absolutely wonderful set ended at 9:38 p.m.
Set List
- Beautiful Fools
- The Path Of A Tear
- Whiskey Or The Truth
- Goodbye
- The Path Of A Tear
- The Path Of A Tear
- Goodbye
- Goodbye
Here are a few photos from the show, and also of the
halls of the studio.
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| "Beautiful Fools" |
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| "Beautiful Fools" |
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| "The Path Of A Tear" |
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| "The Path Of A Tear" |
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| "Whiskey Or The Truth" |
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| "Whiskey Or The Truth" |
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| "Whiskey Or The Truth" |
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| "Goodbye" | |
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| "The Path Of A Tear" |
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| Fleetwood Mac record in hallway |
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| Wall in the lobby |
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| Supertramp record in lobby |
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