The Claire Harper Quartet is an established band covering a wide range of Jazz styles from the 1930s and ’40s swing to modern day soul and Jazz-Funk.

Catering for both large corporate functions and smaller private engagements, the Claire Harper Quartet is a professional and experienced ensemble, able to provide exactly what is required for any particular occasion. At every performance the quartet is a complete success, pleasing organizers and guests alike at dinner dances, corporate functions and audiences at Jazz clubs throughout the Essex and London area. Also available for solo / duo or quintet (with saxophone) work.

The quartet has recorded two albums, ‘The Claire Harper Quartet’ and ‘Cry Me A River’ (Recorded by Derek Nash at ‘Clowns Pocket Recording Studios’).

Claire Harper
Claire is a singer / pianist. Claire has worked throughout the UK and abroad with one particular highlight being very successful 5 months appearing at the World Trade Centre Hotel in Dubai (U.A.E.) as their resident piano vocalist. She is now continuing to work with the quartet and on her own solo project with many gigs in the Essex / London region including a weekly residency at ‘The Boat Yard’ restaurant in Old Leigh, as well as ‘Jazz at Pizza Express’ restaurants.

Zak Barrett – Saxes
Zak studied at the Royal Northern College of music in Manchester, graduating in 1999. He then moved to Essex where he has since been working as a professional saxophone & clarinet player. Zak really is one of the true young rising stars of Jazz music; he runs his own band, the incredible, ‘Zak’s Fellowship Of Funk’ and is always busy freelancing throughout the Essex & London region.

Andy Staples – Bass
Over the last 8 years Andy has amassed an impressive CV with appearances on Top of the Pops, Blue Peter and The James Whale Show. He has toured and recorded with many shows and artists including, ‘Summer Holiday’, ‘Mikey Graham’ (Boyzone), ‘Sean Maguire’ and ‘Slo-Mo’ amongst others. His freelance work has enabled him to show off his talents, being able to play in any musical style with the utmost respect and understanding of the music.

Pete Riley – Drums
Pete began playing drums at age 15 and studied with renowned teacher Bob Armstrong. He has recorded many CDs including work with Motorhead’s Eddie Clarke and virtuoso guitarist, Guthrie Govan amongst many others. In 1996 Pete began teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. He writes regular articles for Rhythm magazine as well as having work published in Modern Drummer. Pete is the author of three books; Double Trouble, 100 Tips For Drums and Crash Course-Drums.

Frank Walden – Saxes, Flute, Clarinet
A professional saxophone player since 1997, Frank’s career spans jazz, soul, and pop. A member of Amy Winehouse’s band since 2007, Frank also joined Mark Ronson’s band in early 2008. He has toured with the James Taylor Quartet, Keane, Russell Watson, Martha Reeves, and Edwin Starr amongst others.