Alanna and Old Hat

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 6PM FOR A 6.30PM SHOWTIME

(SHOW DURATION IS 6.30PM-8.10PM)

Paris Cat favourites Alanna & Old Hat launched their debut release, ‘The Mood That I’m In’ at the home of Melbourne’s finest jazz, The Paris Cat Jazz Club, in 2019. Alanna & Old Hat are a swing quintet that brings to life the golden era of classic jazz from the 1920’s – 40’s. Their rich repertoire features vintage dance music of the roaring twenties’ flappers; timeless, romantic jazz ballads; hot swing and sweet New Orleans’ blues. Lead vocalist Alanna Egan has a velvety tone influenced by classic jazz singers such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Julie London and more. Alanna & Old Hat showcases the world-renowned Steve Grant (cornet), vintage guitar stylist Jen Hawley, king of the old school, Ian Smith (drums) and master of the deep, Elise Winterflood (double bass). Alanna & Old Hat perform at leading Jazz clubs, festivals and events both locally and nationally.

Alanna & Old Hat’s album ‘The Mood That I’m in’ was selected to become a permanent part of The Australian Jazz Museum collection.

“I envy Alanna’s patter – never seen such a dry, incisive and self-deprecating wit wrapped around an incredible talent. There’s plastic jazz with the same rotation of divas and the odd exceptional soloist but she makes everything her own.”

~ Enda Kenny

“This is a beautifully recorded collection that breathes fresh life into some glorious jazz standards from the past. It gives them great presence, as well as the crystal clarity attainable with modern digital recording technology; whilst the performances preserve the original style of the music. You feel as if you are present at an intimate little jazz club of the 30‘s or 40‘s era.

I liked how the songs have been arranged to include instrumental interludes that show off the contribution by the band, as well giving some emphasis to the composition of the songs themselves. “Sugar Blues” is a great example.

“Stardust” was the piece that captured me completely, Alanna’s vocals are absolutely flawless on this, and the minimalist accompaniment highlights the precision of Alanna’s delivery. It is now my favourite version of a song that has been recorded by countless jazz greats. Alanna is ready to take a place amongst them all. In fact, I believe that she is a worthy successor to the crown laid down by Blossom Dearie when she left us.

“The Mood That I’m In” is set to become a landmark album for Jazz enthusiasts’.”

Alan Edwards (Musical Australiana) 98.3 OKR-FM

Buy your copy of Alanna & Old Hat’s debut release ‘The Mood That I’m In’ at the show or order digital and cd versions through Bandcamp.

Jen Hawley - guitar

Steve Grant - cornet

Ian Smith - drums

Charlie Winterfllod - double bass

Alanna Egan - vocals

Genre - Classic Jazz

Performance Room - Basement