Melody Graves Music

Blending early swing, hot jazz, and prohibition blues, Melody Graves (Paula Hackney) stands out in Meanjin’s scene, offering a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic – close your eyes and you could easily be listening to an old gramophone record.

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Drawing on the early jazz and blues of New Orleans, small combos, and big band swing, Melody Graves is inspired by the timeless artistry of great vocalists like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. 

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Supported by some of Brisbane's finest jazz musicians, performances range from an intimate Meldoy Graves Quartet to the larger eight-piece ensemble, Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption, who recently captivated audiences at the Woodford Folk Festival with their high-energy shows.

Other recent highlights include appearances at the Blues on Broadbeach Festival, Fever’s The Jazz Room: A Journey to New Orleans, Maleny Music Festival, Jumpers and Jazz in July, and Brisbane International Jazz Festival.

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You can book Melody Graves for festivals, venues, events, as well as corporate and private functions, featuring either the Melody Graves Quartet or Quintet, or the six to eight-piece Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption.​​

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Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption

With Melody Graves on vocals and washboard, this high-energy band features some of Brisbane's favourite musicians including Dennis Duigan on vocals, guitar and mandolin, Richard Ferrari on trombone, Jordy Stitt on piano, Benja King on double bass, and the talented Evan J Evans on drums, with extra horn players for special shows.