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Guitarist Aaron Hopper & Vocalist Kacey Patrick

From early beginnings in 1996 performing largely a jazz repertoire, stringmansassy have become unique arrangers of every musical genre. As a performance duo they transcend the expected realm for guitar and voice, proving that it is possible to create an astonishing musical atmosphere with a small ensemble.

Lovers of music in all its forms, Kacey and Aaron’s performances retain elements of their influences: Bobby McFerrin, Maria Joao, Ralph Towner, Ella Fitzgerald, Sting, Tuck and Patti, Middle-Eastern & Celtic traditional music. And yet, they create a world of their own, in which ‘passion’ flows like an electric current and each nuance of music is played with conviction and belief (Andrew MacLean : music-culture.org.au 10/11/2003).

2003 was stringmansassy’s most exciting year to date. To support the Australian release of “Beautiful Day”, Aaron and Kacey completed numerous national tours including appearances at the National Folk, Apollo Bay and Queenscliff Music Festivals. In December, they returned to the Woodford Folk Festival for 6 major performances over the New Year period, where they received standing ovations from every audience and were regarded as one of the highlights of this remarkable festival, now the largest in the southern hemisphere.

On an international level, stringmansassy journeyed to New Caledonia to perform at the Festival Femme Funk (May) and in June, they returned to Germany, capitalising on their incredibly successful German Tours of 2000 and 2001. Once again they were invited to represent Australia at the World EXPO 2000 Revival Party in Hanover and spent the month of June touring venues throughout the country.

stringmansassy are fast gaining an international reputation for their fusion of jazz, folk and narrative. For those lucky enough to join them, the visit is wonderful….even the laws of physics are subject to subtle manipulation in stringmansassy’s world(Andrew MacLean 10/11/2003). Aaron and Kacey uplift, inspire and transport their audiences to a place of unparalleled beauty.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

MEDIA EXPOSURE

CD RELEASES

BEAUTIFUL DAY Release Information

Beautiful Day contains 10 inspiring works that move through a variety of moods and themes. The 8 original compositions were written whilst the duo traveled and performed overseas during 2000/01. These unique works are largely jazz influenced, fused with folk, groove and storytelling. They are augmented with 2 carefully arranged versions of songs by Brazilian master songwriter, Luiz Bonfa.

CD INFORMATION Catalogue No : SS2002CD Released : March 2003 Distribution : Australian Distribution through the MRA Entertainment Group

REVIEW

“One of Queensland’s best-kept secrets, jazz duo stringmansassy are such classy jazz artisans they deserve national recognition. The second album for vocalist Kacey Patrick and guitarist Aaron Hopper, Beautiful Day is world-class, mixing traditional jazz styles with enough of their own colour and verve to warrant broader appeal….There’s freedom in these songs, largely created by the space the pair breathe into the composition and delicate arrangements. Versions of ’Gentle Rain’ and ’A Day in the Life of a Fool’ by Brazilian jazz master Luis Bonfa are delivered with respect, but it’s their own compositions that tickle the tympanum. The sly, old school groove of ’Helicopter’, simple melody of ’Beautiful Day’, Continental gypsy of ’Berlin Café’ and subtle hook of ’Lucky Day’ are but a few highlights of an album that just keeps on giving.” Time Off Magazine May, 2003 Matt Connors **** (4 stars)

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