Brisbane's Art Deco Dance Orchestra have delighted audiences with their interpretations of old-time classics.
At the end of every month, the 17-piece big band have dedicated nights to the music of Louis Armstrong and Peggy Lee, with guests providing vocals.
This month the focus will be on singing and screen icon Doris Day, as interpreted by jazz singer Melly Melody. “There was always music around me and I sang all the time. I remember my siblings begging my mum to get me to stop singing because it can be a bit annoying for people,” she laughs.
Jazz music runs deep in Melly's veins, with her grandfather being an accomplished jazz musician. “My grandfather was actually a jazz musician; he played piano and piano accordion with a lot of big bands and jazz bands in Sydney,” she remembers.
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“There was always music at his place, predominantly swinging big band jazz. When I was there, that's what we sang, listened to and played.”
Along with singing, Melly has a passion for vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1950s, which is something she incorporates into her performances.
Melly's costumes will fit in with the vibe of the venue: The Lounge Jazz Club. “The vibe is just wonderful as well as the décor. You do feel like you've gone back to this speakeasy bar.
"And the band always look nice and dapper. These shows get quite a good crowd of people swing dancing. It's about the music predominantly, but it all brings a nice vibe.”
Doris Day has been a big part of Melly's life thanks to her grandparents, who would often listen to Doris' music and watch her films. But it was through Melly's day job that she gained a new appreciation for Doris Day. “As part of my day job I go to a lot of nursing homes and I do one-hour concerts in all my vintage gear.
“I sing a lot of Doris Day because most of the residents are female and they love it. I started to perform Doris Day there and now I love her. I really started to appreciate what a fabulous artist she is.
“Some people think she's just bubbly and sweet, but she has some amazing jazz tones in her voice and really is a great jazz vocalist. She's an underrated vocalist.”
The night will be filled with many songs from Doris Day's enormous back catalogue including her first hit 'Sentimental Journey'. Melly and the Art Deco Dance Orchestra will perform many of her early jazz songs as well and will also give the big band treatment to her most well-known tunes.
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Melly's personal favourite is one that's not quite as well known. “There's so many fabulous songs, but there's one in particular I love that she did with trumpet player Harry James called 'I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful)'.
"It's not one you hear that often, but it is a fabulous song. They all are.”
