(Swing,Vocal Jazz) The Irwell Street String Band - 11:60 PM - 2011, MP3, 320

The sweetest string band in town.. Irwell Street features two guitars, occasionally some ukulele, and of course swinging double bass, led by the delightfully vintage voiced jazz vocalist Hetty Kate.
We play sparkling, sentimental and sassy songs plucked from the scrapbooks of Tinseltown, the well trodden paths of wartime Britain and the colourful beaches of South America – songs you’ll remember, and songs you may not have heard before. Showcasing a beautiful repertoire from the 1930′s to the 1950′s, curated and arranged to be fresh and original, yet staying true to the memory of those that went before.
Always weaving a special magic when they play together, founding members Hetty Kate and Sam Lemann tip their caps to the popular jazz duo’s of the past.. Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour, Julie London and Barney Kessell, Mary Ford and Les Paul. With two sell out albums under their belts and having performed all over the country, this band is worth a listen – guaranteed to have you smiling and tapping your feet!
“Hetty Kate’s voice overflows with a natural musicality.” Richard Fields, 3CR Radio Melbourne AU
“Pure of tone, sweet sounding and dangerously infectious..” jazz vocalist Hetty Kate has graced stages across Australia and internationally, as both a band leader and featured guest artist with big bands, small groups and combos. With her swinging phrasing and pure voice she is often called for session work and freelance vocals, and is regularly found performing for clubs and festivals around the country.
Sam Lemann has appeared on over 60 recordings, and is one of Melbourne’s musical gems. A regular at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Sam switches easily from guitar to ukulele (and mandolin) and travels to Hawaii each year to learn about secret ukulele strums from the masters. His beautiful guitar and ukulele “Winky” are hand crafted by Melbourne luthier Phil Crickmore, and you can enjoy learning more about Phil’s craft here: Carson Crickmore Guitars.
Hetty Kate and Sam share a love of old songs, long brunches, ukuleles and champagne. Their friendship blossomed beachside over five years ago and from that came this band, Irwell Street. They hope that you enjoy the music, and come along to a show. Aloha.

Sweet vintage vocals, and an infectiously tuneful string combo - This is their second album, featuring twelve songs made famous by Django Reinhardt, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee. Enjoy the swinging guitars, ukulele, mandolin and double bass
This Australian swinging combo features vintage vocals from Hetty Kate (Voice/Ukulele), the infectiously tuneful Sam Lemann (Guitar/Ukulele) and warm, shuffling rhythms from Andy Baylor (Guitar) and Leigh Barker (Double Bass). Be captivated by sweet sentimentality, Great American Standards and South-of-the-border melodies as they revisit a selection of favourites. Tipping their hats to jazz duos of the past, such as Barney Kessel and Julie London, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour – Sam and Hetty will take you for a joyful ride.
This is their second album, with their first "A Late Brunch On Irwell Street" being released back in 2009. Since that launch between them they have performed in Japan, the US, Europe, China and Vietnam and at countless festivals throughout Australia. Celebrated for an entertaining and light-hearted approach to their music, staying true to the story of the song the second album "11:60pm" is sure to enchant you!

Hetty Kate (Voice), Sam Lemann (Guitar/Ukulele), Andy Baylor (Guitar), Leigh Barker (Double Bass)