Alex Burns and Jen Hawley

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Jen

To read the recent article featuring Jen in Rhythms Magazine Feb 2012, click this link to download: Jen Article

Music Demos -click on the play arrow to listen

Imagine the crossroads where rural blues meets early jazz, the rhythmic dexterity resonating with elements of blues, jazz, gypsy swing, calypso and sega, the result is intelligent fun. As for influences the whole gang is here, from Son House, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt to Fats Waller, everyone from New Orleans to Django and Oscar Aleman, throw in original compositions, a disarming talent for humour and rapport with their audience, casually sharing historical facts, we want to leave folks knowing more and wanting more.

Bio

After numerous exciting improvisations together, whether gigs around Melbourne or Sunday afternoons on the back porch, Alex Burns and Jen Hawley realised it was time. The chemistry was right. They had to commit to performing and recording as a duo. Constantly teaching and challenging each other, making for a dynamic musical partnership. One of Australia’s most respected acoustic musicians, Alex collaborated with guitarist Nick Charles for three albums, before making three solo albums, two of which featured Hawaiian steel guitar and were critically acclaimed worldwide. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, famous for its blues singers, Alex plays resophonic guitars and ukulele with a deceptive ease born from years playing festivals, pubs and clubs from Australia to Fiji to Edinburgh. Jen is a graduate of the late great jazz tutor Bruce Clarke, and has worked as a guitarist for the likes of Christophe Genoux, Great Chefs of Europe and Blue Drag. Originally from Sydney, Jen has been teaching and performing guitar for many years. She has diverse interests in jazz and world music. Jen is constantly in demand for sessions, live performance, teaching and recording projects.

Quotes

“He’s one out of the box”
Lee Howard, Sunday Herald Sun Melbourne.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a “National” guitar player with as much passion for the instrument and the music”
Kate Campbell, musician/songwriter

Jen has a background in both classical and jazz, but is one of those true troubadours, like Alex, who hear music for what it is, not by genre.

The connecting point for both is blues and early jazz, a purists nightmare, a listener’s dream.

Rooster McBlurter – MBAS Bluesletter

Alex Burns selected performances and recordings
Byron Bay blues festival, Noosa Heads jazz fest, Melbourne blues festival
Melbourne jazz festival, Port Fairy folk festival, Apollo Bay festival
Brunswick festival, Bridgetown blues festival, Brisbane steel guitar festival
Edinburgh festival, Wangaratta jazz festival, Fiji Islands various extravaganza’s
The Road More Travelled (Newmarket music new 1005.2)
Cordially Yours (Newmarket music new 1043.2)
Anywhere Anytime (Blackmarket music bmm 213.2)
Twilight Blues (Blackmarket music 237.2)
The Blues is here to stay (Newmarket music new 3164.2)
Adventures in Paradise (Newmarket music new 3256.2)

Jen Hawley selected performances and recordings
Glamour Bar Shanghai China, MCG Melbourne, Arts Centre Melbourne
Crown Casino, Regent Theatre, National Folk festival Canberra
Frankston guitar festival, Paco Festa, Bayside festival, Bendigo festival
Maroondah festival, Winter Arts festival
2002 Parisienne Swing by the Great Chefs of Europe
2003 Dr Knickerbocker by Mike Jackson
2003 Dark Water Tango by Phil Carroll and David Wayman
2004 Cumquat Guitars Anthology – Bruce Clarke
2005 She Fly Away by Skirl
2007 Adventures in Paradise – Alex Burns

At the Briars Blues Festival, Mornington, feb 2013

Prahran Market April 1st 2012 with Andy Ross on double bass.

Open Studio Northcote January 2012 with Les Oldman on drums.

Jen Hawley & the Cocktail Crew

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

Sultry Jazz and Latin at its best…

Click link to go to:
Jen’s bio
Performance history
Reviews
Upcoming Gigs
Songlists
Photo Gallery

Music Demos
Vocals – click on the arrow to listen
[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/swayquartetwithviolin-vocals.mp3]
Sway(quartet with violin)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/mybabyjustcaresformequa_pia_vocal.mp3]
My baby just cares for me (quartet with piano)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/fevertriowithdrums_vocal.mp3]
Fever (trio with drums)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/LaMer_vocal.mp3]
La Mer (trio with guitar)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/iloveparisslow_instr.mp3]
I love Paris (quartet with violin)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/flymetothemoontriodrums_vocal.mp3]
Fly me to the Moon (trio with drums)

Instrumentals
[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/iwishyoulove_inst.mp3]
I wish you love (duo with sax)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/swayquartewithviolin_inst.mp3]
Sway (trio with violin)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/auroratriowithguitar_inst.mp3]
Aurora (trio with guitar)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/spellquartetwithviolin_inst.mp3]
Spell (quartet with violin)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/girlfromipanematriowithflute_inst.mp3]
Girl from Ipanema (quartet with flute)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/flymetothemoon_instr.mp3]
Fly me to the Moon (quartet with piano/drums)

Jazz and Latin at its best……

Hello music lovers and lounge lizards. Join Jen and the Cocktail Crew for a serve of sumptuous music.

It’s Parisian chic rolled up with Latin love songs, a dash of gypsy swing and torch songs to die for.

How could you resist!

Let Jen draw on her years of experience to create the perfect atmosphere for your event. This group can play all of your favourite jazz artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Billy Holiday. Tantalising melodies and sophisticated ambient music are all part of this cocktail jazz ensemble.

Jen Hawley is a guitarist and vocalist. She can perform for you solo, in small groups and duos or up to 6 piece bands. Just add double bass, piano, violin, sax or drums… and stir!

This group can offer a vocal selection or instrumentals only.

Reviews

Wedding: Encore St Kilda. I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the fantastic job you and the guys did at our wedding on 17 November). It was the perfect mix of jazz, gypsy and French and we have had so many comments from guests about how awesome the band was. Even my mum, who is not really into that type of music, was raving about how much she loved every song and how she wants to download your playlist from the day onto her ipod! You really set the tone for our perfect day – it was exactly what we were aiming for and we were very impressed with the level of skill and professionalism demonstrated by all members of the band. I will definitely be recommending you! Amber and Mickey.

North Western Vascular Christmas Party – Essendon. Jen and Ernie were very well received and they were a joy to have. We thoroughly enjoyed their music and singing and would certainly have them again as well as recommend them to anyone having a party. Many of our guests commented on having enjoyed the entertainment. Anna – North Western Vascular Party

I was about to send you a couple of photos from our wedding (Nov 26), when it occured to me that I never actually thanked you after the wedding for what an amazing performance you guys put on. We loved every song and you added so a lively atmosphere to the wedding. Thank you so much, you were fantastic. Thanks again, The Cranstons, wedding @ Quat Quatta.

Just a quick note to say a HUGE thankyou for your performance at our wedding on the 28th March – the gorgeous music and atmosphere your group created was just perfect, and guest after guest commented on how fantastic they thought you were. Terry as MC worked a treat! He was hilarious and my Mum just wanted to hug him! We really appreciated the beautiful range of songs you played and the effort taken to play our bridal Tango (like something out of a dimly lit Buenos Aires bar – a CD just wouldn’t have cut it). Thanks again for contributing to our truly unforgettable day, and we’ll be in touch as my Mum wants to book you for her 60th! Kind regards, Anita and Brett Comber.

“The find of the festival!” Echuca Jazz Festival

“The entertainers went very well and the roving aspect turned out to be very good! can you please pass on my appreciation.” Rob Menzies 17 November.

“The night went well and the feedback re your music was fanastic. Hope you enjoyed it as well. Thanks very much”. Regards, John Kelly. General Manager. Benjamin King Money.

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks again for the beautiful music at our Jan 5th wedding. You were so professional and the sound was just lovely, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. I will always remember Ashokan Farewell as I came down the isle – just perfect. Emily and Shaun. Wedding

Thank you so much for performing at our wedding. We were very pleased with all aspects of the celebration and are grateful for the warmth and vibrancy you added to the day. We received lovely feedback from family and friends who truly enjoyed your music. Livia and Randolph, wedding

Hello to such wonderful people. We would like to thank you so much for such a fantastic day. You were brilliant and everybody loved you. It was fun having you involved in such an important day for us. Sorry to miss saying goodbye but love to hear from you as to how you thought it all went. Many, many thanks again. Maria and Christopher. wedding.

Once again, we would like to express our appreciation for your performance at our wedding last October. We have so many nice comments from our guests about your performance. Thanks for your beautiful music and I hope I will get to see al of you again once again in the future. Duc & Hien Ho.

Thankyou so much for last Sunday. As usual you were terrific and a real highlight of the party. We had a wonderful day and really appreciated you being there and celebrating with us. Mandy and Anthony.

Great Chefs of Europe (parisienne swing)

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

great chefs smiling white 400

Click link to go to:
Upcoming Gigs —- CD sales —- Bios —- Performance history
Reviews —- Photo Gallery —- Songlists

Music Demos
Vocals – click on the arrow to listen

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/itdon’tmeanathingmale_vocal.mp3]
It don’t mean a thing

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/iloveparisslow_instr.mp3]
I Love Paris

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/NoRegrets_vocalduo.mp3]
No Regrets

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/souslecieldeparis.mp3]
Sous le Ciel de Paris

Instrumentals

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/spellquartetwithviolin_inst.mp3]
Spell

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/themesfromcarmen_long.mp3]
Themes from Carmen

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/itdon’tmeanathing_inst.mp3]
It Don’t Mean a Thing

The Great Chefs of Europe (previously known as Parisienne Swing) is a highly professional and sophisticated gypsy jazz ensemble offering a stylish continental-infused repertoire to soothe or swing your venue.

“Playing jazz that makes you feel as though you’ve just entered a hip Parisian basement club”

A group who are easy on the eye, and even more pleasing to the ear, their sumptuous repertoire features an original mix of gypsy jazz, flamenco inspired originals and east European melodies. The Great Chefs of Europe are able to tone it down or spice it up, with a repertoire full of classic gems and contemporary Latin grooves.

Driven along by the rhythm section of Jen Hawley on guitar, and Rob Mahoney on double bass, the Great Chefs feature the brilliant guitar of Martin Elepans and the beautiful soaring violin of Mathew Arnold . Main features of every Great Chefs of Europe gigs are Jen and Martin’s fine singing of standards and original songs, hauntingly atmospheric mood pieces as well as fiery up-tempo instrumental passages. Performances without vocals are also an option.

The Great Chefs of Europe are cooking up a storm!

Bios
Jen Hawley is the gorgeous lead singer and guitarist and has been charming crowds for over a decade in Sydney and Melbourne. Jen has worked at a number of Australian festivals including St Kilda Festival, Inverloch and Echuca jazz festivals and plays regularly at venues around Melbourne in her own jazz ensemble.

Martin Elepans (Hot Cafe and Gypsy Fingers) is a guitar tour de force with an immense history in festivals both in Australia and overseas. Originally from New Zealand , Martin has been based in Melbourne for the last decade, focusing on performing an original mix of gypsy jazz, flamenco inspired originals and east European melodies. The melodic interplay between his guitar and Jen’s voice is a joy to the senses.

Mathew Arnold (Kavisha Mazzella, Brent Parlane and sessions for film and television) has been playing violin and touring both in Australia and around the world for many years, developing his talents in a diverse range of musical genres, such as swing and Latin jazz, Celtic, continental, classical Indian and eastern European styles.

Rob Mahoney is a versatile and dynamic bass player with over 20 years professional experience performing in live theatre, recording and touring. Rob played alongside Martin and Nigel in Hot Cafe for many years and now teaches and plays with Blue Drag, Combo Combo, the Roadhouse Romeos and the Fly Right Trio.

Reviews

Thanks for a great night of music. We had a great audience and their reaction to your playing was a delight to experience. It all helps us to maintain a of reputation of excellent live music. Jeffrey Woolhouse. Surrey Music Cafe presented by the Boite. Sept 07.

“The night went well and the feedback re your music was fanastic. Hope you enjoyed it as well. Thanks very much”. Regards, John Kelly. General Manager. Benjamin King Money. December 2003

Serge & Destroy – Gainsbourg tribute band

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

Click on band name above to enter page

Click link to go to:

Upcoming Gigs —- Performance history

Photo Gallery —- Songlists

Music Demos – click on the song title to listen
J’etaime

Shubadoobalooba

Bonnie & Clyde

Sea, Sex & Sun

Serge & Destroy re-create the sleazy sophistication of French singer/songwriter and provocateur Serge Gainsbourg – an incorrigible debaucher with a voracious appetite for alcohol, cigarettes and women.

The band plays French pop of the 60s and 70s and their repertoire includes Gainsbourg’s notoriously sexy “Je t’aime moi non plus” (written for Brigitte Bardot) as well as other classics of French chanson such as the duets ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ and ‘Ford Mustang’.

Fronted by Tim Best and the gorgeous Antoinette Dillon the other members of Serge & Destroy are:

Jen Hawley on guitar (Great Chefs of Europe and The Clares);

Paul Richards on drums (New World Soul, Bitchy Boy, Kelly Auty);

Steven J. Lindsay on keyboards (Barefoot, Club Tropical, Kalide Kaliba); and

David Krycer on bass guitar (Klezmania).

Serge & Destroy’s penchant for sartorial style and humour have earned them a unique place in Melbourne’s music scene and the band has a devoted following having performed monthly residencies at the Black Cat in Brunswick Street and the city’s Kitten Club. Although the songs are performed entirely in French there is no need for translation – just light up another Gitane and order a Pernod – c’est bon!

Performance History
Shanghai 2006 new year’s eve party
Pony
Kitten Club
Black Cat
Greyhound Hotel
& many more….

Ruby & Ginger – Cabaret Divas

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

ruby and ginger colour
Jazz, Lounge, Latin

Glamour, Charm, Kitsch

Presented by Sue Arnold and Jen Hawley, two of Melbourne’s best loved musical entertainers

Click link to go to:
Upcoming Gigs —- Bios —- Performance history
Photo Gallery —- Songlists

Music Demos
Vocals – click on the arrow to listen

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/it’snotunusual_demo.mp3]
It’s not Unusual

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/vivalasvegas_demo.mp3]
Viva Las Vegas

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/nightandday_demo.mp3]
Night & Day

Ruby and Ginger’s musical excellence and retro-kitsch-chic style are sure to be a big hit at your next event.

Ruby and Ginger are irresistibly exuberant and hopelessly nostalgic. Accompanied by their debonair pianist and charming double bassist, this is a cabaret show that gets the audience involved.

They dance, sing and tango with their guests & their castanets bring out the latin blood in us all.

With exquisite harmonies and gorgeous gowns Ruby and Ginger are an absolute delight!

Songs include classics from Gershwin, Cole Porter, a little bit of kitsch from Barry Manilow and ABBA and whole lotta big tunes from Dean Martin and Tom Jones done in a big big way!

Reviews

I thought I’d let you know that Ruby and Ginger were fantastic today we all enjoyed the performance and would love to have them back again for other events. I hope they enjoyed coming to Geelong. Thanks for making everything so easy.
Melissa, Customer Service Officer, Australian Hearing. 24 Sept 09

Performance History
Sue and Jen have performed at an impressive array of illustrious engagements!

Harrogate Festival of the Arts U.K.
London Mime Festival
Vancouver Comedy Festival
Hong Kong City Festival
Edinburgh Festival
Victorian Arts Centre
Melbourne Comedy Festival
Regent Theatre
Crown Casino
The Windsor
Parliament House
Mietta’s
Yering Station Winery
Heide Gallery
Adelaide Festival
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Myer Music Bowl
Melbourne Festival
Grand Prix

Flirting Mazurkas – European Cafe Band

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

Click link to go to:
Upcoming Gigs —- Bios —- Performance History
Reviews —- Photo Gallery —- Songlists

Music Demos -click on the play arrow to listen

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/swayquartetwithviolin-vocals.mp3]
Sway

[audio:http://www.erniegruner.com/gypsynights/sounds/GypsyNightsJealousy.mp3]
jealousy

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/girlfromipanematriowithflute_inst.mp3]
girl from ipanema

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/Dark-Eyes.mp3]
dark eyes

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/Freylach%235.mp3]
Freylach no 5

The Flirting Mazurkas play swinging jazz and latin songs, tantalising gypsy melodies and European cafe favourites from a blend of charming vocals, dancing tunes and infectious rhythms.

This is a versatile trio based on the skills and charms of four of Melbourne’s busiest musicians. They play their favorite and most requested songs and tunes, from years of experience playing at weddings, parties and restaurants.

The gorgeous Jen Hawley sings and plays guitar, the debonnaire Phil Carroll plays accordion, piano, flute and sings backing vocals, the passionate Ernie Gruner plaus fiddle and mandolin and the dashing David Krycer plays double bass and sings.

They feature favourites and oddities in the style of European cafe music including Jazz, Gypsy, Klezmer, French, Latin, Italian, Tango and more. If you ask for it nicely you can even have a Polish Mazurka. These songs and tunes are all cleverly arranged to produce an atmosphere for flirting and dancing, if it is legal. The band holds no responsibility for who flirts with who!

Here’s some feedback from recent gigs:

Wedding: Ripponlea. We were so very glad to have you and your colleagues for our wedding band – everyone commented on the extraordinary music and on how much enjoyment it added to the evening. We had a splendid day and we will treasure our memories of the day for always. Thankyou for adding to the perfections of our wedding.With very many thanks, Lucy and Michael

Wedding: Encore St Kilda. I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the fantastic job you and the guys did at our wedding on 17 November. It was the perfect mix of jazz, gypsy and French and we have had so many comments from guests about how awesome the band was. Even my mum, who is not really into that type of music, was raving about how much she loved every song and how she wants to download your playlist from the day onto her ipod! You really set the tone for our perfect day – it was exactly what we were aiming for and we were very impressed with the level of skill and professionalism demonstrated by all members of the band. I will definitely be recommending you! Amber and Mickey.

So where have these fabulous performers been all your life?

Corporate Clients include:

National Gallery of Victoria opening weekend

Melbourne Cricket Club – Grand Final lunch

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival opening event

Grand Prix CEO retirement dinner

Olympic Games Parade 2004

Australian Tennis Open Championships

Victorian Racing Club – Melbourne Cup

Victoria University – Dean’s dinner

IBM

Clayton Utz

TXU

Myer VIP Charity Ball

Delfin Lend Lease

ANZ Private Bank

Geelong Football Club

ETM

BT Financial Group

Australian Institute of Credit Management

Wilkhahn Asia Pacific

Institute of Transport Engineers

Fund Executives Association Ltd

AWM Electrical

And many more…..

Venues include:

Sofitel Hotel

Parliament House

Grand Hyatt Hotel

Regent Theatre

National Gallery of Victoria

Port Melbourne Yacht Club

MCG

Arts Centre

Southbank

Crown Casino

And many more…..

Festivals include:

Port Fairy Festival

St Kilda Festival,

Frankston International Guitar Festival

Moonee Valley Festival

Bayside Festival

Bendigo Festival

Maroondah Festival

Winter Arts Festival

And many more…..

Jen & Christophe-sax meets guitar

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Jen

Click link to go to:

Upcoming Gigs —- Performance history

Photo Gallery —- Songlists

Music Demos

Vocals – click on the arrow to listen
[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/swayduowithsax_inst.mp3]
Sway (Instrumental)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/iwishyouloveduowithsax_inst.mp3]
I wish you Love (Instrumental)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/sway.mp3]
Sway (Vocal)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/iwishyouloveduowithsax_vocal.mp3]
I wish you Love (Vocal)

[audio:http://sirenmusic.com.au/Audio/isyouisduowithsax_vocal.mp3]
Is you Is or Is you Ain’t my Baby? (Vocal)

Jen Hawley’s beautiful vocals and jazz guitar mixes together with the sultry sax of Christophe Genoux playing bass lines and solos.

Playing much-loved standards from the jazz and latin songbook, this classy duo also offers continental favourites. The perfect duo for your corporate function or event.

BIOS
Jen Hawley has been playing in bands around Australia for the past ten years and has established a fine reputation as a guitarist, singer and composer. She trained in classical guitar, studied jazz with Bruce Clarke and has been teaching for many years. During the last 5 years Jen has also made a name for herself as a guitar workshop tutor at community music events. Jen now has diverse interests in jazz and world music. She performs regularly at popular venues around Melbourne and is a member of many ensembles.

Christophe Genoux
French musician Christophe Genoux is a very versatile performer, well known on the Melbourne music scene. Performing as a part of a duo or trio right through to a full big band, he plays saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano and is a singer with an extensive French repertoire. He is also a composer of jazz music and has released four albums.

Christophe’s talent & Parisian chic is sure to contribute to the success of any function that requires Latin songs, up tempo swing tunes, fetching ballads, French love songs, catchy Parisian jazz…the works! The program can be tailor-made to accommodate whatever the occasion might be.

And if you haven’t heard Christophe perform, listen out, as you may also hear him on TV as he is the voice in the Yoplait ads!

Siren music

Jen Hawley, troubadour extraordinaire! Melbourne jazz guitarist/singer/bandleader and stiltwalker

Category Archives: MUSIC – ALL

Alex Burns and Jen Hawley

Jen Hawley & the Cocktail Crew

Great Chefs of Europe (parisienne swing)

Serge & Destroy – Gainsbourg tribute band

Ruby & Ginger – Cabaret Divas

Flirting Mazurkas – European Cafe Band

Jen & Christophe-sax meets guitar