Harpist Jan Aldridge Clark is blazing her way into the world of contemporary, smooth jazz, weaving her remarkable style of rhythm and harmonies with an eclectic synthesis of bass, percussion, electric guitar, violin, saxophone, and cello.

Jan’s early experiences with the harp included extensive classical training with world-renowned harp virtuoso Susann McDonald and former NBC Radio Orchestra harpist Peter Eagle. She graduated with honors in Music Performance at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. Jan continued with the harp, doing graduate studies with Carrol McLaughlin at California State University Los Angeles. This time, however, she switched gears. Dr. McLaughlin is a jazz, pop harpist who was instrumental in lighting the jazz fire in Jan. For the next few years, Jan did intensive jazz studies.

Once out of school, Jan took to the road, playing in Las Vegas at some of the world’s most famous casino resorts. Her cruise ship engagements took her to dream venues in Africa, South America, and Europe. After traveling, she landed back in Los Angeles, performing at many celebrity functions and studio sessions.

Her move back home to the Midwest took her full circle. She married her high school sweetheart and has been raising two children while continuing to hone her writing skills. Anything But Ordinary is her first compilation of original and standard jazz tunes. Enjoy!