Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption
Red hot jazz, swing and blues.
About Me.
From the roots of jazz to the heart of blues
Since forming in 2018, Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption are renowned for their energetic live shows and soulful performances serving up their own style of hot jazz, swing and prohibition blues.
With a love for music steeped in the archives of juke joints, dance halls and old New Orleans, the band is headed up by vocalist and washboard player Paula Hackney (a.k.a. Melody Graves).
The bonus of Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption is you get not one, but two lead vocalists with Paula joined by the warm velvety tones of fellow singer Dennis Duigan.
This six-piece Brisbane based ensemble also features some of Brisbane’s favourite jazz musicians including Richard Ferrari on trombone, James Visentin on double bass, Jordy Stitt on piano, and the talented Evan J Evans on drums, with Dennis Duigan also on guitar and mandolin.
The band has held a long-standing residency at West End’s favourite music venue – The Bearded Lady, and played many festivals, venues, special events and jazz clubs across SEQ.
You'll also find the band's little sister group – Melody Graves Combo performing a mix of MGHR songs, and other early jazz and swing standards.
Band members also head-up or feature in other music projects including The Jazz Hive, Dennis Duigan Music, Meva’s Journal, Evan Trio, Brunswick Street Parade and Rag Wizard.
Upcoming shows
The Burrow
The Bearded Lady
THE BIG JAZZ PARTY
Sun 15 Dec
5pm - 10pm, $15. Four bands.
The Brisbane Jazz Club
MGHR - Seven piece band
Thurs 16 Jan
Evening show - details coming soon.
Show highlights
The band has played many festivals, venues, special events and jazz clubs across SEQ.
Brisbane Festival 2024
Jumpers & Jazz in July Festival 2022 and 2024
The GAS vintage music festival 2022 and 2024
JMI Live (Jazz Music Institute) 2024
Maleny Music Festival 2023
Triffid Roots Festival 2023
Newstead Festival 2023
Cooly Rocks Festival 2023
Sunshine Coast Jazz Club 2023
The Triffid (Garden Sunday sessions), 2019 - 2023
Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Club 2022
Brisbane Jazz Club 2021
Lord Mayor's Concerts, Brisbane City Hall 2021
Doo-Bop Bar 2019 to present
Sunday Social, Roma St Parklands 2021
City Sounds, Queen Street Mall 2019, 202, 2024
Lefty's Old Time Music Hall 2019