Clare Harris

“Sublime Vocals” A few recent testimonials: “You have a fantastic voice” – guest, New Year’s Eve 2019, 4* hotel, the Cotswolds ‘Sublime vocals….Whenever I thought there was a record on or a playlist on Spotify, I looked across at you by the window and it was your voice, such a purity of tone and perfect pitch as well.’ Ashley Casselle, music producer and DJ “Our customers loved her - some of them came back to see her several times. Clare was professional at all times, lovely to work with, totally reliable and really seemed to care about her audience. She sang a varied set of songs, with something for everyone included. The customers (and staff) enjoyed it immensely; we’ve invited her back!” – Gentz, Manager; London restaurant where I completed a two month residency in 2019. “Like a songbird” - guest at a private party, high end restaurant, London BIOGRAPHY Clare loved jazz from the first time she heard it, her early experience being the recordings of Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jnr, big band music and more, along with the edges of this from classic MGM films. As a teenager, she started exploring further, stumbling across acid jazz and funk music, as well as diving deeper into music from some of the jazz greats such as Nina Simone, Billie Holiday etc. She also explored other music from the 40s, 50s and beyond, alongside the jazz. By age 16, Clare was singing solo vocals with the acclaimed school big band, having performed an array of music genres in public performances from the age of 3. At age 12, she and her friends won Bedfordshire’s ‘A Song For Europe’ competition, and at age 17, she and her 5 piece cabaret group – Cabarazz – were ‘spotted’ in a school concert and invited first to sing at a regional Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme event in Cambridge, and then to sing at a private party hosted by HRH Prince Edward of Wessex at the Porchester Hall in Bayswater. NYJO visited her school that year, so she was able to also sing with them; and then at university, she swiftly joined the big band ‘Undergraduated’ as their sole vocalist, performing at a variety of gigs, including at Wembley Conference Centre (which seats 2000 people) as well as recording vocals on the band’s first album. During her time at university, Clare had a lead role in a month-long run of a new musical (awarded 4*) at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as a number of other musical productions; and she also took a summer job as an auditioned Redcoat Entertainer where she was one of only 8 chosen for the additional dance show of the season. On graduating from university, Clare auditioned for a singing role for another well-known entertainment company and was offered the job on the spot by the Manager, on the back of her renditions of ‘I’m Beginning To See The Light’ and ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’. The jazz pianist at this audition was so impressed, he offered to arrange her 4 part jazz pieces to accompany her gigs as she started out with her career, saying her voice reminded him of Stacey Kent. A year later Clare moved to London, starting in a non-jazz role to pay her way. An ‘open mic’ jazz singers night soon led to positive feedback, and an offer to perform as Judy Garland in an Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show swiftly followed. Unfortunately, her co-star and producer suffered an unexpected stroke around a month after the offer, so the production never went ahead. Clare’s career then ended up in a different area of the entertainment industry for some years, in an enjoyable role but with a great deal of evening (and some weekend) work making it difficult to pursue her jazz as well; so this was put down for some years. 3 years ago, however, Clare decided to pick it up again and entered an Advanced Jazz course for vocalists in London, followed by a Jazz Improvisation (Scat Singing) course. Jazz performance is now Clare’s main profession, and she is happy to at last be able to focus fully on her area of passion! Examples of recent gigs: • A two month jazz residency at a 20 year old London restaurant with a long history of live jazz performance • Jazz gig at a private party at a high end restaurant in London; followed by an offer of multiple jazz gigs for the venue’s normal restaurant nights • Jazz performance at a wedding in Provence, France • Vocal performance at a high end wedding in Naples, Italy • New Year’s Eve jazz gig at a 4* hotel in the Cotswolds, singing jazz tracks for dancing with a local jazz trio plus 3 sets of solo jazz with backing. • Invitations to record session music, to perform on jazz radio and to be part of a talent launching programme online. • Funk gigs at Cobham Golf Club, a small Surrey pub festival, and at a private party in Hampshire with an acclaimed funk band. Clare has performed variously with jazz trios & quartets, jazz pianists, big bands, backing tracks and more. Clare was also a violinist growing up (13 years), playing in orchestras, and in her string quartet doing public performances across the area during her 6th form years, as well as occasional solo performances; so her musical knowledge is broader than just jazz - Clare loves music from an array of genres. She also really enjoys putting together sets which will work well for the particular event / booking and audience, something she really values. Clare's list of available songs is varied and lengthy, giving you good choices from traditional jazz standards made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and others right through to the present day with jazz-style covers of contemporary songs in the style of Postmodern Jukebox, and much more. Clare can perform centre stage with pizazz, or as chilled background music, according to your preference. In addition to jazz, Clare can also sing a variety of related styles of music on request, particularly music from the eras of the 40s and 50s but also right up to the present day; and she can put together pure or hybrid sets of music to suit your requirements (provided there is enough notice). Clare loves to sing jazz (and more), and really enjoys performing for, and engaging with her guests. Sign off from Clare: I would be happy to answer questions or discuss your event with you in advance of booking if that would be helpful. Do get in touch today to explore what I can offer. I really look forward to connecting with you! Warm regards, Clare