Who's that whispering in the trees?
It's Brisbane jazz vocalist Melly Melody and she'll be bringing the big, bad, voodoo vibes with her show 'Something's Got A Hold On Me'.
A former high school drama teacher, Melly commands a vast catalogue of songs from the 1920s to the 1960s and takes particular joy in giving modern hits the vintage treatment.
Tell us a little bit about yourself as an artist and performer?
Well I just love to sing. I love music and I get a real kick out of connecting with people through music; it’s the universal language.
I’ve been involved with music and theatre for a good portion of my life, but it’s really only been in the last 18 months that I’ve started to get more serious about music and my desire to be making it. I’m 46, so you could say I was a late bloomer.
Music has always been in my heart, but as with many people in life you sometimes forgo that which you love in favour of that which you think you need: money, security, a steady job – the safe things. For me that was a job as a high school drama teacher. I loved the kids, but the system is broken and I didn’t want to be broken by it – teaching is a tough gig!
You specialise in music from the 1920s through to the 1960s, including jazz, swing, wartime, American song book and musical theatre; what attracts you to these styles?
The music is so beautiful. I adore the melodies, the arrangements, the lyrics – people don’t write like that anymore. I’m certainly not anti-contemporary music, I listen to a broad range of music, however I’m always drawn to the old stuff; it’s so romantic, has so much verve and colour.
I spent a lot of time with my Grandpa when I was growing up; he was a jazz musician, so there was always jazz and big band music being played. I guess it infiltrated my heart back then and has stayed with me.
You also perform vintage arrangements of modern pop artists like Michael Jackson, The White Stripes and Amy Winehouse; how do you approach re-imagining these songs with a touch of the classic?
To be honest, I’m a huge fan of Post Modern Jukebox so I use many of their arrangements. Scott Bradlee’s arrangements are fabulous… they make the vintage music so accessible and they are a real joy to sing. Amy has her own vintage sound, so I don’t really mess with that too much.
I’m lucky to be working with incredible musicians, so playing around to find a vintage sound is always part of the fun.
What have been some of your career highlights?
Well, not long after I walked away from teaching last year I secured a role in the nationally touring production of ‘Menopause The Musical – Women On Fire’ with Jally Entertainment. I’ve been touring with that since 2017 and it’s been a fabulous experience.
Playing with the Art Deco Dance Orchestra last year was a terrific experience; there’s nothing quite like singing with a big band.
I also staged my show 'An Excellent Vintage Selection' in 2017. I have the band and a few dancers, and we perform some fabulous vintage music with dancing and costumes – it’s a real show. That went down a treat and it’s been booked in to a couple of venues next year, which is exciting.
If there is one thing people should know about you as a performer, what is it?
I’m a vulnerable little human, and that’s the place I sing from.
You'll be performing your show 'Something's Got A Hold On Me' at The Lounge; what do you have planned for this show?
I’m super excited to be bringing this night of awesome music to The Lounge. It’s a night of music inspired by the great women of soul, blues, gospel, jazz and swing.
We’ll be exploring the rich and raw tapestry of love, longing, loss and liberation through iconic songs from Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Bessie Smith, alongside contemporary classics from Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Post Modern Jukebox. It’s going to be swell.
Who will be playing with you in the band that night?
Only the best. I’m super thrilled to have Joe Howman on trumpet, and he’ll be leading the band – thanks Joe. He’s an absolute darling to work with: super easy going, super talented and a bit cheeky to boot.
He’s bringing a couple of guys from his Art Deco Dance Orchestra with him: Sam Pace on keys and Benny Wood on guitar, together with Tom Henderson on drums. These guys are playing together all the time, so it’s a great vibe they have going.
On bass I have the wonderful Brendan Scully, heading down from the Sunshine Coast to join us for this gig, and one I have at The Retro Bar on the 1 September. It’s always a thrill to be working with such accomplished and talented musicians. I’m the least skilled of the bunch, but that’s a good thing for me. They elevate what I do, teach me, and help me grow as a musician.
Who's that whisperin' in the trees?
Ha! I think it’s two sailors and they’re on leave!
What is the strangest or most obscure song someone has ever requested you sing?
I sing at aged-care facilities sometimes, so I’ve had a few requests for old songs that I haven’t heard of. They don’t come to mind at the moment; that’s how obscure/ old they were.
I once turned up at an aged-care facility, started to set-up and one of the old guys asked if I was going to strip! I was decked out in my '50s-style vintage dress, shoes and gloves… hardly stripping attire. That was certainly the most unexpected request I’ve had.
What else is happening for you in 2018 and early 2019?
Well I’m back on the road for 'Menopause The Musical' from mid-September to late November. I’ve tried to squeeze in a couple of gigs before I head out for the Sep-Dec leg. I’ve got the one at The Lounge Jazz Bar (30 August) and then another at The Retro Bar (1 September).
I’m excited for 2019. I have a Doris Day show, which has been booked into several local venues in the first few months of the New Year, and my Vintage Selection show has also been booked. I’m working on a Louis and Ella show as well – celebrating the music of two jazz greats.
I’m also contemplating going back to school for a year to do some jazz music study – exciting.
