Emma Harris

The Emma Harris Quartet are gaining recognition as a dynamic, nu jazz outfit.The Quartet often features some of the Southwest's most talented jazz musicians and are noted for their fresh, soulful renditions of jazz standards. Their style is both funky and smooth and their sound is driven by the everpresent groove of Adrian Smith on double bass. Emma has also recently worked with The John Law Trio wih Drummer Asaf Sirkis and Sam Burgess on Bass

Emma is also fronting 'Skarper' a high energy 7 piece funk/soul/ska band. Skarper are the perfect band for a party, they always create an uplifting atmosphere and have a 100% success rate at getting the crowd dancing and having a great time. Please visit www.emmasings.com/skarper for more info or to book them for a party.

http://www.songs-of-the-spirit-and-the-senses.com

These are settings by Keith Harrison-Broninski ("a fine pianist", The Independent) of lyrical poetry by Ann Harrison-Broninski ("spellbinding", Venue Magazine). Performing with Ray Russell, Tony Orrel and Dave Griffiths.

"It was a fine vocal performance, matched by Ray Russell's dazzlingly imaginative guitar and his interplay with the understated and unpredictable percussion of Tony Orrell. There were many sparkling moments, particularly Russell's rocking in 'Shadow' and Dave Griffiths' mandolin on 'Downland', and Harris was excellent throughout." Venue Magazine

see Blog for full review

Emma comes from a musical family and was brought up on a combination of Reggae and Mowtown. She started singing at the tender age of five. By the time she was 17 she was singing in a reggae band with both of her parents.

At 18 Emma discovered and fell in love with Jazz and started a five year stint singing with Jazz outfit "Eyebrow Music", singing the songs of greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday.

Emma went on to explore The Blues spending 3 years gigging with 'Blues Express', where her warm husky voice was often compared to that of Bonnie Raitt. It was during this Blues phase that she developed the Bluesy Gospel style that she is well known for now.

In May 2001 Emma began singing at the a 'Nunney Jazz Cafe' starting with 'Ghost Dance' (an original composition by Keith Harrison-Broninski) performing alongside Brazilian Bluesman Alamo Leal and Kizzy Morrell.

Nov 2002 Emma performed with ex James Brown saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis for the 'Nunney Gospel Cafe' doing tracks from Pee Wee's Gospel album 'Ridin Mighty High'. Pee Wee's soulful tenor playing is featured on 'LoveLife', Emma's debut album.

Emma also sang for the 'Tango Cafe' with accordionist Karen Street and saxophonist Mike Mower and more recently appeared at the 'Paris Cafe' in July 2005 with bassist Dave Griffiths and trumpeter Pete Judge.

2003 - 2004 she sang with 'Naked Voices' a 17 piece Bristol based accapella group who are a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with sell out gigs every year for the last 3 years.

Emma was recently featured on the soundtrack of the film "Tempesta" composed by Richard Mitchell.

She also sang on Colin Harrison's 5 Rhythms dance album 'Feel It'.

Emma is available for session work and is especially interested in doing vocals for R'n'B, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Folk and Jazz Funk tracks.