Melissa Western is a Brisbane-based performing artist whose corporate clients include the Office of the Prime Minister and the Queensland’s Premier’s Department.
As a singer-actor she has performed in festivals and venues around the world, received countless 5-star reviews for her original shows.
Hot on the heels of an extensive Queensland tour, Melissa (playing 1920s party-girl VooVoo) and her spectacular band are ready to celebrate the jazz age of the 1920s with a Queensland twist. Enjoy a cheeky wink to the great icons and composers of the era: Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, Cole Porter and more. Dressing with a '20s twist and brushing up your Charleston is definitely encouraged.
Ahead of the Brisbane Jazz Club performance with the Melissa Western Quintet, Melissa shares five phrases from 1920s Queensland. Because… why not?
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1. Gimme some giggle water (I want an alcoholic drink).
Plonk might be the better Australian equivalent, probably bastardised by soldiers referring to French white wine (vin blank), but with an Aussie lilt - plonk!2. Like trying to muster mercury (hard to organise).
Use this term when trying to find a date for a group of people to go out, or arrange a band rehearsal. Satisfying to say with a broad, outback Queensland accent.3. I'm spifflicated (drunk).
The same as canned, corked, tanked, primed, scrooched, jazzed, zozzled, plastered, owled, embalmed, lit, potted, ossified or fried to the hat.{youtube}fqk8S5ruPr4{/youtube}
4. The cat's pyjamas (I think you are really, really cool).
Use 'the cat's meow' for complimenting a particularly splendid or stylish 'doll'.5. I don't have a brass razoo (I'm broke).
Comes from Aussie WWI jargon referring to a non-existent coin of trivial value.Melissa Western Quintet plays the Brisbane Jazz Club 18 November.
