In 1992, Libby Hammer was soloist in a WASO concert with Tommy Tycho and James Flynn and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with performances in Perth and Esperance produced by Jody Harrison.
As Director of Solo to Symphony, Jody Harrison managed Libby Hammer and Hip Mo’ Toast from 2005 until 2013.
Amongst the highlights of their many gigs together were the Australia Day concerts at the Quarry amphitheatre.
Libby started working as a professional jazz singer in 1996, a year before her graduation from Western Australia’s Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University. Since then has enjoyed a solid schedule of performances in a variety of settings.
Libby is quite partial to the French language and brings to music lovers an impressive repertoire inspired by all things Français. From the cutesy stylings of Blossom Dearie to the raw power of Piaf, this collection of songs takes in the classics right down to a pop number or two (rrra da-da da-da). Crooning in French and English, Libby explores continental repertoire such as the jazzy “C’est Si Bon”, the incomparably famous “La Vie En Rose” and the hopelessly romantic “Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup” (in Franglais). And all with lashings of “je ne sais quoi”.
Libby was a key member of the Perth Jazz Society committee from 1992 until 2006 and in 2005 won the PJS Award for Most Outstanding Individual Contribution To Jazz. In 2007 she won another PJS award – Life Membership for Outstanding Long-Term Contribution to Jazz. She is proud to be Patron of Jazz Fremantle. Libby regularly adjudicates eisteddfods and singing competitions and is sought after for her professional development workshops. She has taught jazz at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and currently teaches singing at two of Perth’s leading private schools.
Libby Hammer can be booked as a vocal soloist, as well as performing in a duo, trio or quartet setting.
In addition to these line ups, Libby also performs with Hip Mo’ Toast, from a quintet to the 14-piece Big Band……plus The Hammer Nine for in-between!
Christmas is covered with The Mistletones, an a cappella vocal quartet.
https://www.bbcentertainment.com.au/artist/libby-hammer
Libby Hammer is one of Perth’s premier jazz vocalists. With a backstory chock-full of musical theatre, acting, comedy, circus, languages, and 26 years of solid gigging, she is regarded in WA as an accomplished jazz singer, band-leader, vocal coach, and composer.
Libby’s awards include the Perth Jazz Society’s Award for Most Outstanding Individual Contribution To Jazz (2005) and Life Membership for Outstanding Long-Term Contribution to Jazz (2007). Libby’s first band, Hip Mo’ Toast, won six consecutive WAMI awards and in time grew into a collective of Perth’s best jazz musicians, performing jazz and also themed shows, such as the ever-popular Bringing Back Bacharach.
Libby is a regular presenter with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Education Chamber Orchestra, and in 2017, 2021 and 2022 performed alongside UK composer and presenter Paul Rissmann in his works for children. Libby’s own original music show for children, Crazy Hat Day, won the WA Children’s Event Award at Fringe World 2017.
https://www.waso.com.au/people/libby-hammer/
