“There’s a refreshing looseness to the way electric harpist Maria-Christina Harper’s slow humming drones and bittersweet melodies contrast with Josephine Davies’ understated Sonny-Rollins sax turns and Evan Jenkins’ creative drum beats on this Hastings Trio’s deep, contemplative debut. The longing vistas of Standing Alone and weaving waves of East Hill Mediation best capture their gentle, introspective chemistry on a yielding suite with lasting spiritual heft.” Mojo ****
Greek born with Egyptian roots, electric jazz harpist and composer Maria-Christina Harper is reinventing the sound of the harp in the jazz world. With her anarchic spirit and an interest in exploring what the harp can do, rather than exploring its traditional sounds, she presents her instrument in new and exciting ways. Combining her traditional music roots with free jazz she creates an irresistible, compelling sound cosmos. It’s where East meets West.
Based in the UK, Maria-Christina collaborates with two outstanding, highly acclaimed players to form the Harper Trio featuring drummer’s-drummer Evan Jenkins and the dynamic saxophonist Josephine Davies (Instrumentalist Of the Year, 2019 Parliamentary Jazz Awards).
Together they present Passing By, their powerful debut album to be released October 27th 2023.The album features 7 original tracks written specifically for the trio. Featuring graceful, meditative soundscapes, enticing melodies, electric harp-created bass loops, shimmering drums, discreet at times, wild at others and a warm, soulful yet probing saxophone. It’s a powerful listen.
MC has previously released her solo album Gluten free as MC & The 7 Pedals under Valentine Records (UK) and has now released her second album, Draft with cretan lute player | Hairetis Harper (Same Difference Music)
MC has performed on Later with Jools Holland on BBC2, BBC6, BBC1, KEXP, and at the Montreal Jazz Festival. In London she has also appeared at the Royal Festival Hall, 606 Jazz club, The Roundhouse, the National Portrait Gallery
Maria‐Christina has toured or collaborated with many artists including Katie Melua, Soft Cell, Anni Hogan, Alani, Jeremy Reed, Richard Strange,Psarantonis, rapper/activist Potent Whisper.
MC has an MA in Music Therapy and teaches at Roehampton University and has been working as a MT in health care settings and prisons.
MC is a PhD candidate in music at Surrey University, UK.
