“A charismatic and technically gifted vocalist whose gorgeous timbre carries echoes of Peggy Lee, June Christy and Julie London” Chris May – All About Jazz (USA)
Born in England, and raised in Melbourne Australia, you’ll often find Hetty Kate compared to a young Peggy Lee or Doris Day and present day chanteuses such as Stacey Kent and Silje Nergaard. Her pure tone and sweet swinging style has led her to perform in many beautiful countries around the world with her own bands and also as a featured vocalist alongside established jazz groups.
Beginning her musical education in England with copious amounts of classical piano and less substantial amounts of violin, Hetty’s parents lit the embers of her imagination by taking her to see West End musicals, playing Doris Day records and Gene Kelly movies. After arriving in Australia, Hetty began classical singing lessons, and as music gathered her in it’s embrace, she became interested in contemporary music and the melodies of her childhood, The Great American Songbook. Formal studies continued with wonderful vocal coach Susie Ahern (John Farnham/Kylie Minogue/Renee Geyer) and celebrated Melbourne Jazz pianists Steve and Bob Sedergreen which, interspersed with frequent trips to New York, lead to Hetty’s performing debut in 2007.
Since spending four years travelling and performing across Asia, South America and Europe, Hetty has become a fixture of the Melbourne vocal jazz scene – performing with her own bands and as a guest of Gianni Marinucci (Swing Train / Nonet) and more recently Australia’s own jazz icon James Morrison. She also often performs as a front-woman for big bands in Melbourne, and can be seen on stage with The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra, The B# Big Band and Daryl McKenzie’s Jazz Orchestra, and when in Hong Kong she’s always thrilled to join ‘The Stray Katz’ Big Band.
Hetty has a masterful way with lyrics, bringing them to vibrant and exciting life as if each were an expression of her own private thoughts. Since her debut, she has released four albums and is thrilled to offer two new recordings in 2014, one of which she’ll launch at the Mornington Winter Jazz Festival in a very special event at The Rocks (at Mornington Pier) on Friday June 6. The evening will commence at 7pm with tickets to include a two-course set menu dinner and cocktail on arrival, before the show. They’re only available online, so make sure to grab yours now at www.morningtonjazz.com.au
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