From an early age Jenny Harris was surrounded by music. Her mother was an accomplished pianist and church organist which meant hymn singing was part of Jenny’s every Sunday at the chapel from the age of 10, which gave her a good basis for holding a tune.
She had her first taste of playing guitar at 15 but didn’t progress at that age. In her late thirties she took some lessons, the teaching being exclusively folk music-based. Later she had a few classical lessons.
It was not until 2011, at the age of 63, that Jenny gave her first public performance as a singer, accompanying herself on guitar at a folk evening. She and her husband Norman were living in Cyprus at the time. Jenny now presents her solo work under the name of Jenny Harris White ‘La Femme Guitare’.
Within three years of that first performance, Norman, who previously had no musical experience but had always enjoyed listening to music and especially to live music, joined Jenny in forming their duo act ‘The Odd Bods’. Norman initially played cajon and then progressed to include bass guitar, drums and percussion as well as singing second vocals.
During 2012, Jenny and Norman started the first Open Mic Night in Chlorakas, Cyprus. It ran every two weeks until 2015. This gave them valuable performance and technical knowledge. They also organised a variety of music charity events between 2012 and 2016, helping to raise several thousands euros for The ‘Paphos Anti-Cancer Society’ and the ‘Kidney Dialysis Association’ based in Paphos General Hospital.
Moving back to the UK in February 2017, to Llanymynech in Shropshire, they instantly started volunteering for the ‘Llanymynech Wharf Visitor’s Centre’ where Jenny serenaded visitors on Sunday afternoons during the summer. The Odd Bods Musical Duo also organised some Canalside Music Events, which we very well appreciated.
In 2018 They organised ‘The Music for the Monty’ event that was part of the Welshpool Transport Festival, placing around 20 different buskers in locations throughout Welshpool over the 2 days and raising over £2,000 for the ‘Restoration of the Montgomery Canal Appeal’.
As a result of this The Odd Bods were invited to get involved with the Heulwlen Trust, in a music capacity. (www.heulwentrust.co.uk) are a Charitable Trust, offering free boat trips to less-able people along the Montgomery Canal 5 days a week through out the year.
The highlight for them was being invited by the Heulwen Trust Committee to play a set on the UKCountry Radio.com stage in July 2019. It was part of the ‘Welshpool Country & Western Music Festival’ , which is the Trust’s main fundraising event. Preparing their set for this event led to The Odd Bods becoming huge fans of Country Music. Meeting Allan Watkiss and his team was such a privilege and the highlight of their music journey to that point.
In 2020 , this led directly to them bringing out their first 4-track EP ‘ Country Covers’. Artists who have inspired Norman and Jenny are mixed and varied, but include Dolly Parton, Charlie Landsborough, Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogarty, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Faith Hill, Celtic Woman, Tanya Tucker, Mary Hopkins, The Traveling Wilburys, Phil Collins. Billy Swan, Chris Norman and Florida Georgia Line to mention a few.
Stephen M Draycott is pictured during the recording of ‘Country Covers’ at ‘The Bronwyfla Music Box Gallery’. Stephen is not only a professional session guitarist, but also a guitar tutor, recordist and producer.
He met The Odd Bods’ in 2017 at a live gig and in 2018 as well. Subsequently he offered them support and tuition in developing their music career. The ‘Country Covers’ EP is their first joint production.
Stephen has also been nurturing The Odd Bods towards producing original works, with Jenny being the songwriter. The First original single, is being released in November 2020.
The Odd Bods would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication and for helping them to get to this point in their journey. “For sure we would not have achieved this standard had it not been for him. Thanks Stephen.”
For Christmas 2020, The Odd Bods released their first self-penned single “Murder In The Veg Patch”. The song was inspired by the quirky thought of whether vegetables have feelings – especially when they are in demand for the Christmas dinner table. The video features items from The Odd Bods’ home, including Spike the cat. Through the song, The Odd Bods are raising money for the Shropshire-based Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.
In early 2021, Jenny started releasing her own solo material under the name of Jenny Harris White : La ‘Femme Guitare’.
‘Through my Window’ is her first recorded solo work. Jenny says most, if not all, hearing this song will be able to identify with its sentiment.
Jenny says, “I have dedicated it to, and in honour of, all those we have lost and loved. Although written in February 2020, during a time of great sadness at the passing of a young friend to cancer, it also speaks to me of all those loved ones who are no longer with us. In particular my parents, who I will never stop loving or missing. Kind thanks to Stephen M Draycott, for the excellent production and for mentoring me throughout, and to my ever loving and tolerant hubby Norman Harris for his continued support and encouragement of my learning and growth as a Guitarist Singer Songwriter’’.
At the end of 2021, Jenny released her second solo original song “Winter’s Chilly Sound”. The song was produced in a totally acoustic format, with Jenny playing guitar and singing the vocal.
It is a mellow and, some would say, sad song. The lyrics were inspired by the natural flow
of the pattern of the weather seasons. The wording describes and reflects the progress of a promising love relationship which does not last.
