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.

Photos/Video

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.

Audio Samples

SELECT A TRACK

Performance options

2pc

Claire plus Pianist – For background music mainly.

3pc

Claire plus Pianist and Bass. Excellent line up for small events/venues – wine bars etc.

5pc

Quartet plus Sax

Set list / Repertoire

Ain’t Misbehavin’
Ain’t No Sunshine
All Of Me
All Woman
Almost Like Being In Love
And The Beat Goes On
Angel Eyes
April In Paris
As Time Goes By
Autumn Leaves
Baby Won’t You Please Come Home?
Beginning to See the Light
Bewitched
Big Yellow Taxi
Black Coffee
But Not For Me
C Jam Blues
Can’t We Be Friends?
Cant Help Lovin’ Dat Man
Charade
Close Your Eyes
Come Away With Me
Come Fly With Me
Cry Me A River
Do Nothing ‘Til You Hear From Me
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Don’t Know Why
East of the Sun
Eleanor Rigby
Embraceable You
Every Time We Say Goodbye
Everything Happens To Me
Everything I’ve Got
Exactly Like You
Feel Like Making Love
Fly Me to the Moon
Foggy Day, A
For All We Know
Georgia On My Mind
Get Happy
Get Here
Get Out Of Town
Glory Of Love, The
Good Morning Heartache
Have You Met Sir Jones?
Here’s That Rainy Day
How Deep Is the Ocean?
How Long Has This Been Going On?
I Can See Cleary Now
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
I Cant’ Get Started
I Get A Kick Out Of You
I Love Paris
I Only Have Eyes For You
I Say a Little Prayer
I Thought About You
I’m Confessing that I Love You
I’m In Chains
I’m Laughing (Cle Argo)
I’m Old Fashioned
I’ve Got A Crush On You
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
It Had To Be You
It’s Alright With Me
It’s Been A Long Time
It’s De-Lovely
Just Friends
Just One Of Those Things
Killing Me Softly
Kissing a Fool
Lady Be Good
Lady is a Tramp, The
Lets face the music & Dance
Love and Affection
Love For Sale
Love Me Or Leave Me
Lullaby Of Birdland
Making Whoopee
Manhattan
Misty
Moon River
Moondance
Moonlight In Vermont
More Than You Know
My Favourite Things
My Funny Valentine
My Romance
My Shining Hour
Natural Woman
Nearness of You,The
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Night & Day
Night In Tunisia, A
Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, A
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
One For My Baby
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Over The Rainbow
Pennies From Heaven
Roxanne
‘S Wonderful
Satin Doll
September In The Rain
Since I Fell For You
Someone To Watch Over Me
Stardust
Stomping At The Savoy
Stormy Weather
Street Life
Summertime
Sun Comes Shining Through, The
Take 5
That’s All
These Foolish Things
They Didn’t Believe Me
This Masquerade
Time After Time
Too Close For Comfort
Unforgettable
Very Thought Of You, The
Walk On By
What A Difference A Day Makes
What Is This Thing Called Love?
When I Fall In Love
Why Don’t You Do Right
Wouldn’t It Be Lovely
You Do Something To Me
You Go To My Head
You Make Me Feel So Young
You Send Me
You Took Advantage Of Me
You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me