Jo Harrop – ‘Love Now Pay Later’ album launch

Vocalist Jo Harrop marked a significant milestone in her career with the launch of her latest album, ‘Love Now Pay Later,’ recorded at the renowned Sunset Sounds studio in Los Angeles. This event took place at the iconic Pizza Express venue in Soho, London, where Harrop and her ensemble delivered an engaging performance that blended soul, funk, and heartfelt storytelling.

The launch gig offered attendees a comprehensive journey through the album’s tracks, starting with the emotionally charged and infectious title song. The live set was distinguished by the addition of two backing vocalists, which enriched the band’s sound and added depth to the performance.

Harrop's interaction with the audience was a highlight, as she provided context for each composition, acknowledging the original songwriters and sharing personal insights into the inspiration behind her interpretations and original works. Among the covers was the 1969 classic ‘Love Now Pay Later’ by Clydie King, which set a nostalgic tone for the evening.

The setlist featured a dynamic mix of material, including the groove-driven ‘Red Roses’ and Chris Seefried’s ‘I Wanna Love You,’ a tune that seemed tailor-made for Harrop’s vocal style and the London-based band’s synergy. A particularly memorable moment was the duet on ‘Love Is Like The Wind,’ where Jamie McCredie’s guitar work created an intimate dialogue with Harrop’s vocals.

The full band returned with ‘Smoke Inside a Jar,’ a track enhanced by the production talents of Aria and Gwyn Jay Allen, who also contributed backing vocals on the album alongside Lady Blackbird. Harrop’s songwriting collaborations brought a diverse range of influences to the project, evident in the varied soundscape of the songs.

She recounted the evolution of ‘Love Is Like The Wind,’ revealing how a voicenote from several years prior was rediscovered and developed into a fully realized piece with McCredie. The soulful textures were further emphasized by the contributions of Sam Watts on keyboards, complementing the band’s rich arrangements.

Additional tracks such as ‘I’m Not the One’ and ‘Find You Again’ continued the album’s exploration of deeply personal themes, resonating with both Harrop and her audience. The inclusion of Labi Siffre’s ‘My Song’ added to the evening’s reflective mood, reinforcing the autobiographical nature of many selections.

Concluding the main set with ‘Old Friend,’ Harrop then shifted to earlier works, delighting the crowd with fan favorites like ‘Beautiful Fools’ and ‘Everything’s Changing.’ Demonstrating her ongoing creativity, she premiered a new composition titled ‘Deal With The Devil,’ showcasing the vocal prowess of the three singers present.

The concert closed with an encore performance of ‘Traveling Light,’ a Leonard Cohen piece featured on Harrop’s earlier album, ‘The Path of a Tear.’ The enthusiastic response from the audience was evident as many queued to purchase copies of ‘Love Now Pay Later,’ underscoring the album’s immediate impact.

The lineup supporting Harrop included Jamie McCredie on guitar, Sam Watts on piano, Jihad Darwish on double bass, Peter Adam Hill on drums, and backing vocalists Aria and Gwyn Jay Allen. This ensemble brought a polished and emotive quality to both the live and recorded versions of the album, highlighting Harrop’s growth as a vocalist and artist.

While further details about the album’s broader reception and future tour plans remain limited, the launch event solidified Jo Harrop’s position within the contemporary soul and jazz scene, offering a compelling blend of original material and reinterpretations that reflect her evolving artistry.