Hetty Kate

”Charismatic and technically gifted” (All About Jazz, USA) jazz vocalist Hetty Kate has “a stage presence only matched by the clarity of her voice..” (James Morrison, AU). Raised in both England and Australia, and now living in France, Hetty has released nine albums and graced stages large and small from New Zealand to New York.

“Hetty's truly one of the best swing-style vocalists (I’m talking 1940, Benny Goodman style 4/4 swing) on the current scene..” Will Friedwald : Jazz Critic & Author (USA)

A genuine entertainer, Hetty really swings; and her natural musicality, pitch and vocal purity ensure her voice is instantly recognisable. Furthermore Hetty is often lauded by both musicians and audiences for what she ‘doesn’t do’ as a jazz singer. Originally trained in classical voice, Hetty’s approach honours the composer by keeping true to the melody and lyric, and uses improvisation in a way which never detracts from the story of the song.

It is this rare quality that draws invitations to work with renowned labels and artists in Australia and Europe, including a long standing working relationship with jazz luminary James Morrison (AU), performances with classical pianist Simon Tedeschi (AU), the Amazing Keystone Big Band (FR) as well as ABC Jazz / Universal Music.

“Hetty has an approach to the songs that feels just right. She sings with an easy confidence that is infectious.” Joseph Lang : Jersey Jazz Magazine (USA)Hetty has featured at premier jazz festivals internationally, including the New York Winter Jazz Festival (USA), Sapporo International Jazz Festival (Japan), Ascona Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Piacenza Jazz Festival (Italy), Jazz en Touraine (France), Sancy Jazz Festival (France), Prague Proms (Czech Republic) and the New Zealand Int. Jazz Festival; and is a frequent guest of festivals around Australia.

Many career highlights include touring with James Morrison’s bands for over four years. During this time, Hetty was the featured soloist in his symphonic concert ‘The A to Z of Jazz’ with the Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmanian and Western Australian Symphony Orchestras as well as Christchurch, Auckland and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestras, and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra at the Prague Proms in 2016. The concerts yielded a live recording, ‘A to Z of Jazz’ : James Morrison, Ben Northey, Hetty Kate and the MSO (ABC Jazz) which won a coveted ‘Bell Award’ in the Australian National Jazz Awards in 2015.

Broadening her performing horizons, Hetty won the lead role of Ava Gardner in Eric McCusker’s original musical ‘Ava at the End of the World’ in Melbourne; and recently joined The Amazing Keystone Big Band (France) to tour nationally with their West Side Story concert in the role of Maria. Raised on musicals in London's West End, singing Bernstein is a particular joy.

When in Australia Hetty is grateful to be a participant in the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Share the Music community program. A very special and giving initiative, this brings music to members of the community that may not be able to travel to enjoy a performance at the Recital Centre. Show less