Wrapped In My Heart

Susan Harris

Imagine yourself in a small corner bar. Tightly packed tables, a room all about the downlighting. Couples are dotted around in the shadows, small candles flicker in foe crystal glasses, their red tint adding to the noir nature of it all. Then, as you ponder to move on that small platform you took no notice of in the corner is hit with a spotlight. Then without introduction or preamble the band strike up and fresh life is breathed into the room. Smooth Jazz infects your feet and causes the couples to move that little bit closer. Hold that feeling, hold that image, and you’ll have some idea of what to expect from Manchester Jazz weaver Susan Harris.

‘Wrapped  In My Heart’ is an all out Jazz infused easy listen that captures a contemporary Soul vibe with something straight out of a film noir movie. Its light touch guitar and almost tropical rhythm create a dreamy haze over which Susan delivers a truly Jazz inspired vocal performance. From its purposeful tempo alterations to various tongue in cheek delivery on certain lines, the character of both her voice and the overall song speak loud an clear from her first few words. Add to this a collection of warm, yet understated compositions and the whole song takes on a life of its own. Even as you listen, again, and again, you almost get the feeling that the song is growing each time. Weird I know but there is just something so, alive, about this song. 

Throw into this mix of finger picked guitars, light percussion, and atmospheric synths the use of a flu gel horn solo and the unique nature of this song comes to its highest point. As I said the Jazz elements of this song are firmly rooted at its core, however there is a contemporary edge that speaks to an artist like Lily Allen, that blend of Jazz/Soul and new Pop/R’n’B just creates something down to earth and real. I know I’m probably not making much sense but even that speaks to this songs nature of feeling alive.

Overall Susan Harris has pulled together a song that embodies all that makes Jazz, Jazz, while at the same time making it accessible to a wide ranging audience. All I can say is that like most Jazz, it needs to be heard, not described. So while I’ve done my best to intrigue you into listening, I urge you to kick back, sit in the sun (when we have some), and let this song come to life in your own ears.

Listen                                                                                                                                                                          Follow Susan Harris