MOST artists would leap at the chance of a production deal with a top producer, but rising blues and soul star Jo Harman ditched the deal and vowed to make it on her own.

The young singer is making waves on the blues and jazz scene, and can be seen at Jazz Mix, at the Cliffs Pavilion where she’ll close the season for the regular jazz night. Since going it alone, she has attracted international press acclaim, made numerous festival appearances, recorded three BBC sessions, and opened big names including with Average White Band.

She’ll be joined on stage at the Cliffs by Dave Ital on guitar, John Mckenzie on bass, Stevie Watts on keyboards and Martin Magic Johnson on drums.

Jo Harman and Company are at the Jazz Mix, Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff, on May 31 at 8pm. Admission is £10 (£5, concs).