The word jazz brings many instruments to mind - bold brass, smooth sax, powerful piano and the deep vibrations of the double bass. But what about the harp?

You probably think of it as the instrument of angels, usually found in orchestras as part of calm classical music or adding a heavenly shimmer to movie soundtracks.

In String Theory: An evening of jazz harp, Perth-based and US-trained harpist Michelle Smith shows that her instrument has a place across a wider range of genres than you might have imagined.

Smith is joined by Kate Pass on double bass and Talya Valenti on drums to form Turiya Trio. A product of COVID-time jam sessions, the new ensemble took to the stage for the first time last night in the intimate Studio Underground at the State Theatre Centre.

For me, the trio’s footwear - Pass in black heels, Valenti in sneakers and Smith in flats she slid off to play in stockinged feet - reflected the vibe of the show: classy but casual and down to earth. There was no pretence, just three good musicians bringing good sounds to the eager audience.

Despite Smith professing to being nervous, all three appeared at ease and their skills showed when each took the spotlight at times for grooving solos. The instruments melded together beautifully to create the kind of chilled jazz sounds perfect for a candlelit dinner or winding down with some wine.

Their set spanned originals, jazz standards, pieces by local and international composers (such as Mei Saraswati and Dorothy Ashby), and a smoothly flowing medley fusing contemporary RnB and pop hits. Ranging from soft atmospheric sounds to big beating crescendos, every piece had the audience enchanted.

String Theory: An evening of jazz harp is a grounded performance of beautiful music with a gritty edge. For fans of cross-genre music, Turiya Trio is a group to watch!