Blessed with a vintage and sweetly swinging sound, clear diction, and pure
feminine tone, Hetty Kate has performed internationally in four continents with a selection
of stellar combo's and big bands.
Born in England, and raised in Australia - Hetty has always had a strong affinity with music,
from early classical piano lessons - which turned into a lifelong love of the instrument, and
whirlwind affairs with the alto saxophone and the violin.. and lately the ukulele! Since
beginning her studies with the Bel Canto classical singing method, Hetty sang with popular
Melbourne acappella choral group "Mood Swing" and continued to pursue further studies in
contemporary music and jazz in Australia and internationally. Hetty's heart has certainly
found its calling in the love of jazz.. from Dixieland through to Jump Swing, Big Band and
mainstream arrangements of the Great American Songbook.
When in Melbourne, Hetty can be found performing as a special guest with bands The Pearly
Shells Swing Orchestra and Joe Stephenson's Rockets, as well as performing with her own combos at many venues, including; The Paris Cat Jazz Club, Dizzy's Jazz Club, Ormond Hall,
Crown Casino, RACV Club, The Jazz Basement and Melbourne Town Hall. Internationally she has
been honoured to sing with The Stray Katz Big Band in Hong Kong.
DISCOGRAPHY
"A Late Brunch On Irwell Street" - Hetty Kate & Sam Lemann (2008)
ACCLAIM
"Hetty has the freshest, swingy-est voice - a treat to play with!" Sam Lemann
"This is easy going jazz, as bright and sparkling as a Summer's day.
Hetty Kate's voice overflows with a natural musicality. Hetty can do no wrong, whether she is singing a familiar standard, infused with relaxed charm and style, or trying her hand at something new and filled with innocent bravado.
Sam Lemann's accomplished guitar joins in the exploration of this fresh and engaging musical terrain, ensuring that we never lose track of our musical bearings. The rhythm section of Leigh Barker's bass and Andy Baylor's guitar provides a firm footing all the way. The journey is always fun, always light and graceful and always easy on the ear. The music is full of invention but always comfortably familar." Richard Fields - Local & Live, 3CR, Melbourne www.3CR.org.au
"Hetty is English but based in Australia which is their massive good
fortune and Britains loss. She has the most gently seductive "little girl" voice I've heard
since first encountering the (then!) young Ella and June Christy. And she has a masterful way
with lyrics, bringing them to vibrant and exciting life as if each were an expression of her
own private thoughts. Hearing on this session, you feel privileged to be at a private
performance, its intimate and hypnotic. A major part of the success of these super tracks is
guitarist Sam Lemann's work - it too is subtle but oh so effective. And we mustn't forget the
support crew of bassist Leigh Barker and guitarist Andy Baylor. A brilliant album that will
stand the test of time - we'll hear a lot more of Hetty Kate in the future." Brian
Harvey - www.radiojazz.co.uk
"Hetty's got a lovely relaxed way of singing that puts listeners at
ease (rather like the wonderful Susannah McCorkle, now sadly dead). Some singers are so keen
to show off their technique that one as a listner gets nervous. Hetty just swings along and
takes us for a joyful ride, as Susannah did.. and she made 14 CDs for Concord in the '90s."
Steve Robertson "The Swinging Years", 3RPC in Portland. 2-4 Thurs
"Hetty Kate! What a fabulous performer! I was privileged to receive an early copy of Hetty's
and Sam Lemann's CD "A Late Brunch on Irwin Street" and immediately fell in love with these
performers and their music. All the old favourites were there, but with such an individual
twist that suddenly 'everything old was new again"..." Ann Creber "The Good Life",
Spectrum Radio. 91.7fm
"I enjoyed 'A Late Brunch On Irwell Street' for several reasons. Firstly, it steers away from
the usual "war horses" a female singer is destined to approach, "Sumertime" etc, and
encompases some repertoire from the 1920's, a time of great musical creativity but over-
looked by most of today's singers. Secondly, the acccompanying guitar work was clean and
tasteful - as was Hetty's singing."
Sean Moyses, Trad. Jazz Radio, www.seanmoyses.com
|
Performed in:
- Bali, Indonesia
- New York, USA
- Chicago, USA
- Santiago, Chile
- Hong Kong, China
- Arosa, Switzerland
- Cork, Ireland
Jazz Festivals
- Stonnington Jazz Festival 2007
Television Appearances
- Telstra TVC 2008
- Toyota TVC (Japan) 2008
- Wheel Of Fortune TVC 2008
- St Kilda Film Festival TVC 2004
Print Advertising
- Peters Icecream 2008
- Drummond Golf Catalogue 2008
|
