Rebecca Barnard returns to her jazz roots for two Kew Court House performances, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September. Performing alongside her is the exceptional, Rebecca Barnard Quartet, comprised of Barnard’s son Harry O’Mara on drums, Paul Williamson on Saxophone and the extraordinarily talented Monique Dimattina on Piano.
These captivating performances will feature original compositions from Barnard’s first solo jazz album, Music for Listening and Relaxation, and beloved jazz classic covers, ranging from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong and many more.
Barnard made her debut on stage at the age of 13, performing with her father, the acclaimed jazz drummer, Len Barnard.
Her rich musical lineage can be traced to the 1920s with her grandparents, Jim and Kath Barnard, who ran The Kath Barnard Jazz Band. Her uncle, Bob Barnard, is also a celebrated jazz trumpeter.
After spending many years refining her musical abilities in Melbourne, Barnard became an in-demand session singer. This led to her joining Stephen Cummings as a backing singer on his recordings and tours over the following ten years.
Meanwhile, Barnard started focusing on her solo career and Rebecca’s Empire was born. Having toured Australia extensively, supporting acts such as, Billy Bragg and Paul Kelly, and appearing on the Triple J Hottest 100 albums three years in a row, the band ultimately disbanded in 2000.
Barnard continued to provide session vocals on the recordings of revered Australian artists, including Paul Kelly, Tim Rogers, The Meanies, You Am I and many more, whilst also making appearances on Spicks and Specks, Rockwiz, 3RRR, Triple J and ABC.
Rebecca Barnard is thrilled to be appearing at the historic Kew Court House this September continuing her family tradition of a long line of great jazz performers. These shows are a chance to enjoy a stunning evening of extraordinary music, echoing the vibrant and treasured talents of the jazz era.
Once a police station and court house, Kew Court House is a charming heritage building that has been redeveloped into a thriving contemporary cultural centre. The venue now provides a unique, intimate performance space with extraordinary ambience, where some of Australia’s most exciting artists perform.
