Jazz lovers, don’t miss this! For our penultimate Count’s show of 2025, the inimitable Paris-based vocalist and Melbourne jazz alum Hetty Kate returns with her Bass² Quintet — a joyful and swinging double-bass double-guitar lineup. Expect classics, curios and plenty of charm from this internationally renowned artist, praised by JazzFM, Couleurs Jazz, and Australia’s own James Morrison OAM.

For our penultimate Count’s show of 2025, the inimitable Paris-based vocalist and Count’s favourite Hetty Kate returns with her Bass² Quintet.
British/Australian vocalist Hetty Kate came up in the vibrant Melbourne jazz scene, mentored by some of Australia’s most treasured jazz musicians. Alongside her ‘natural musicality’, clear tone and impeccable timing, you’ll find it’s Hetty’s warmth and razor-sharp wit that truly sets her apart, artfully blending poise and humour with a great love for the music, the musicians, and the audience.

Hetty has been touring internationally for almost two decades, gracing stages large and small from New Zealand to New York and Brussels to Bergen. She has toured and recorded with Australian jazz luminary James Morrison, performed with Rick Margitza and Peter Bernstein, as well as classical pianists Simon Tedeschi (AU) and Charl de Plessis (SA). She performed as Ava Gardner for an original musical written by Eric McCusker (Mondo Rock), was the featured vocalist in James Morrison’s award-winning symphonic concert The A to Z of Jazz, and even played herself in Herve Hadmar’s tele-series Romance for France2.

For Hetty’s concert at The Count’s she is delighted to present her Quintet, Bass² — a distinctive jazz ensemble featuring two guitars and two double basses. The combination of more than one double bass in a jazz setting is unusual, yet echoes the spirit of classic albums such as Super Bass, Two Bass Hit, and We Three. Similarly to the guitar, the double bass’s beautiful timbre occupies a distinct sonic space, offering a beautiful counterpoint to the human voice. And indeed, what could be better than one bass? Undoubtedly for Hetty, the answer is two!

Traversing a sparkling repertoire of classics, curios and surprises, you’ll find this quintet is infused with delight as joy, playfulness — and most of all — friendship shines through. With celebrated Melbourne musicians Sam Lemann and Craig Fermanis (guitars), and Ben Hanlon and Ben Robertson (double basses), this is a concert not to be missed.

Band Members:
Hetty Kate – Voice
Sam Lemann – Guitar
Craig Fermanis – Guitar
Ben Robertson – Double Bass
Ben Hanlon – Double Bass