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.
1992 WASO conducted by Tommy Tycho with soloists Libby Hammer and James Flynn touring Esperance
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.
2007 Quarry Australia Day Concert with Hip Mo Toast Big Band and Libby Hammer
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.
Hip Mo’ Toast
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.
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.
EChO: Allan Meyer and Libby Hammer
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.
Born in Australia, Newton developed her academic focus on jazz and classical traditions while based in Perth, completing studies in clarinet with teacher Jack Harrison at the University of Western Australia. She simultaneously enrolled in a jazz vocals program at the Conservatorium and performed regularly as a member of the Western Australia Youth Jazz Orchestra.
After entering the Australian Singing Competition she advanced to finalist status. Relocating to the UK in 1990, she rapidly gained recognition across London’s jazz, pop and Latin circuits. Early collaborators included acid-jazz guitarist Ronny Jordan and the Latin jazz fusion band Cayenne, where she took the role of lead singer; she was also the first vocalist engaged by Steve Rubie’s Latin ensemble Samara.
In late 1994 Newton joined dance-pop group Strike as lead singer, an affiliation that generated extensive touring and select studio work. The act’s debut single “U Sure Do” climbed to number 4 on the UK charts and achieved solid sales across continental Europe and Australia. Strike subsequently performed in Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, securing additional UK Top 40 singles while their album I Saw The Future earned both critical praise and strong public response.
Newton’s broad repertoire has made her a frequent choice for engagements at prominent London hotels and clubs. She performs repertoire in Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese.
In 2002 she appeared with the London funk outfit 3 Bean Salad. Beyond those affiliations she fronts the all-female ensemble Katmandhu and participates in Oxala, a Brazilian-music collective.
Her debut jazz album under her own name appeared in 2004 and met with favorable notices from both reviewers and listeners.
Jazz artists she has accompanied include pianists Jonathan Gee, David Newton, Gwilym Simcock and Gareth Williams. In addition to her stage work, Newton instructs on the Jazz Studies course at Trinity College of Music and maintains an established practice as a vocal coach.
Victoria Newton relocated to Perth in 2008 after many years in the UK, where she was recognised as one of the most exciting and dynamic jazz vocalists on the scene. In recent times she performed at the famous Ronnie Scott’s in London, Alexis in Kuala Lumpur, for their International Jazz Series, and a dream gig performing Brazilian songs cruising up the Amazon!
She has appeared at many festivals and venues throughout the UK and Europe including Queille in France, The Ingolstadt Jazz Festival in Germany, The Oxford Literary Festival, Pizza Express, the 606 Club and the Jazz Cafe in London where she supported Terence Blanchard and performed with Ronny Jordan.
Victoria also experienced international success during the mid 1990s with UK dance / pop group Strike and their hit ‘U Sure Do’. This led to her appearing on MTV and the BBC’s Top of the Pops, touring throughout the world and recording the critically acclaimed album ‘I Saw the Future’.
She released her first jazz album ‘The Song is You’ in 2004 which received a great response from the press and regular air play in the UK.
In March 2009 she was the featured singer during the opening week of the Ellington Jazz Club, where she continues to perform regularly.
Her rich, sensual voice and powerful stage presence are summed up by Steve Rubie (owner of London’s 606 Club) when he describes her as having “a fabulous strong, clear voice with a great sense of time and an ever greater sense of fun!”.
BRIGHT AND CLEAN – Luxor Presents Snappy Show – (By “Grease Paint”)
This week’s show at the Luxor Theatre is bright, snappy and clean. The first half finale has an Hawaiian atmosphere in which Dixie and D’Raine and Cliff Adam contribute several melodious numbers on the ukulele and guitar, while Desiree Maurice, Nat Hanley and Joe ValJi supply the humor. Other bright and popular numbers in this half are songs by May Webster, Joe Valli (the Un-canny Scot), Fred Moore, Kath Esler and a male quartette, comprising Joe, Hughie, Cliff and Fred and Thelma Pittar. Cliff Adams and the ballet present “Ballet Artistique.”
The second half introduces some real clever work by popular Nat Hanley who showed his versatility on the piano (he had to give several encores), and some first class work is done by Desiree Maurice and Joe Valli in a sketch written by the latter entitled “Not a Word to the Wife.” A number that received long and sustained applause was that of the “Clifton Duo” (Bootsie Williams and Cliff Adams), step and tap dancers of outstanding ability. A clever kiddie in Thelma Barrey puts over a good contortionist act. The revue written by Nat Hanley and called “Cowboys and Clues” is built around the exploits of two comical cowboys (Nat Hanley and Joe Valli) who expose a supposedly-wealthy Mexican Don as a card-sharper and murderer. Some splendid acting is seen from Desiree Maurice, Dot D’Raine, and Charles Baker (Don Pedro Garcia); the latter’s fine voice was also heard to good effect in that one-time popular song “Marcheta.” A brightly-frocked and clever ballet, good support from the talented Luxor orchestra and colorful and artistic backgrounds (the work of Alf Maurice) help to make this week’s show one of the. best yet presented to Luxor fans.
New Call (Perth, WA : 1931 – 1934), Thursday 14 April 1932, page 17
“SHOW GAME PERSONALITIES – What They Do Outside The Theatres No. 7.— “The Versatile Duo.” (By D.M.S.).
AN act that has been receiving well-deserved applause at the Luxor Theatre is provided by that versatile couple, Bootsie Williams and Cliff Adams. Both are exceptionally fine and versatile exponents of the terpsichorean art and are comparative youngsters in both age and length of time spent in team work. But their work is well up to the standard of any yet seen in Perth. Both were born in the West and are also former pupils of Miss Emmie Gable.
“BOOTSIE” WILLIAMS had her first lesson at the age of thirteen, and besides being a classy stepper is also in a class of her own as an acrobat and wire-rope walker. V, hen fifteen she went on a two-years’ tour of the North West as a member of the Sylvester Co., and whilst on this tour, had with the other members of the company the unenviable experience of being lost for three days. Returning to Perth she and a partner appeared at Hoyts’ Regent Theatre in a dancing act which included exhibitions of the “Black Bottom,” and “Varsity Drag.”When When the Ambassadors opened she was a member of the ballet and remained with it for two and a half years. Th? last six months she has been a member of that sextette of bonny steppers around at the Luxor, and just recently teamed up with her partner.
KNOWS A LOT: Cliff Adam like his partner is not confined to dancing alone. A clever musician he plays the ukelele, guitar and banjo, and has appeared in numbers with Dixie and D’Raine (well known and popular entertainers with Luxorites), he can sing a good song and is also a good acrobat. His first stage appearance was as a juvenile in the Nellie Brainley Co. some years ago. Three years ago he received his first dancing lessons, and has appeared at the Ambassadors, Regent, Capitol and suburban theatres. He was a member of the Prince of Wales male ballet and then after a season at the Capitol Theatre joined up with the Milton and Adams Co. at the Luxor. When Brock and Thompson (whose whirlwind dance was an outstanding number in the “Golddiggers of Broadway”) were in Perth, Cliff Adams’ ability as a tap dancer was favourably commented on and both predicted that in a few years he would be among the top-notchers. Both Cliff and his partner are quiet and unassuming types of young Australians and the sort who wherever they might be will always bring credit to themselves and Western Australia. and the wish of “The New Call” is good luck, good hunting and the greatest success in the near future.
New Call (Perth, WA : 1931 – 1934), Thursday 21 April 1932, page 6
1933
LOCAL BAND HONOURED. – Engagements in Eastern States.
For the first time in broadcasting history a West Australian band has been engaged through the Australian Broadcasting Commission to give performances over the air in the Eastern States. Ron Moyle and his ‘Westralians,’ a combination of local performers, will leave for Adelaide by the Great Western express on Saturday, night, and will be absent for about six weeks. The ‘Westralians’ will be heard over the air from 5CL, Adelaide, on December 21 and 22, and from South Australia they will go to Melbourne, where they will broadcast from 3LO- between January 6 and 27. It is possible that the band will also visit Sydney.
Ron Moyle himself is wellknown to listeners in Western Australia, having been connected with broadcasting in this State for many years. His band, which is composed of the following players, was heard from 6WF during last dancing season: — Ron Moyle, A.C.T.L. (pianist); Bob Gibson, L.A.B. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin) ; George Caro, A.T.C.L. (tenor saxophone, clarinet and violin); Allan Gough, A.T.C.L. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin); Viv. Nylander (trumpet and trombone); Kem Fimmel (trumpet); Charles Thompson (trombone and’ trumpet); Wally Hadley (banjo, flute and guitar); Cliff Adams (guitar, tap dancer and vocalist); Eddy Roberts (drums and vocalist); and Tom Bennett (bass). The band will give a final concert at the Ambassadors Theatre on Friday night.
West Australian (Perth, WA), Wednesday 13 December 1933, page 5
1934
CLIFF ADAM DOING WELL – Perth Boy’s Success
Cliff Adam, a Perth boy, is doing exceptionally well in Melbourne just now. Cliff will be remembered for his supers dancing turns at the Luxor and elsewhere. Some time ago he went East, but was compelled to break his engagement and return West owing to illness. He is now at his top again in Melbourne, and is one of the most popular performers at the New Embassy in that city, where his items on the guitar and his clever dance numbers ARE A FEATURE of the programme. Cliff, who is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Adam, of Beaufort street. Perth, is the cleverest stepper of his type that this State has yet produced, and ‘The Mirror’ predicts a big future for him. His many W.A. friends will be delighted to hear of this unassuming young Perth lad’s progress.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 14 April 1934, page 7
1951 ABC Studio 7 Cliff Adams, Bill Hendry, Muriel Costigan, Dave Howard, Sylvia Caporn, Harry Bluck, Ralph Filmer
1953
PERTH MUSICIANS PLAN BIG WELCOME FOR RAY HARTLEY
ON HIT PARADE
Local-boy-made-good Ray Hartley will step off the Strathnaver onto the proverbial red carpet rolled out by WA musicians when he arrives in Fremantle Tuesday week. Busy drawing up plans and specifications for a monster concert featuring local artists at the Capitol is band leader Sammy Sharp. Many other suggestions about ways and means to honor the writer pianist must be shelved until Ray has been consulted, but certain it is that Ray’s rapid rise in the entertainment world will be appropriately recognised. Present vague information about his ‘working holiday’ stay in Perth will not allow the mapping of any schedule. In fact, it’s thought that the concert at the Capitol will have to wait til a week or so after his arrival because of theatre bookings. How polished pianist Ray broke through the formidable barrier to success with his catchy ‘Let’s Do It Again’ soon after his arrival in London is well known. For some weeks the local radio hammered Donald Peers’ rendition of the number, and it was the same in England and America, where the tune topped the hit parade. Ray’s is truly a ‘rags-to-riches’ story— from a laundry hand to a celebrity in a few years, which seem incredibly short. He put his RAAF discharge in his pocket and went to work in a Perth laundry. Seven years ago he was 6 PM’s station pianist and supplemented his income with odd engagements at the ABC and a dancing school. He made steady local progress and moved across to Sydney in early 1948. There his services were in demand on radio and stage, and in his spare time he collected his A.Mus.A. at Sydney Conservatorium. This was the signal for his departure for London, where he quickly got his feet on the ladder of success. It’s almost 4 years now since Ray landed in London full of hopes and ambition, and since then he’s had at least 16 tunes published, including 2 best sellers. BBC and Radio Luxembourg have sought out his services, and he has made the screen with M-G-M and Pathe. Definite it is that Ray will be heard in 4 broadcasts from the ABC while in his home town. A week after his arrival he will appear in ‘What Next?’ ?
This well – known Perth band is heard weekly in Hit Parade all over Australia and by the troops in Korea. It is the noted combination of Harry Bluck and the conductor-arranger himself is shown at the far left, front row, Next to him in front, from left: Sylvia Caporn, Johnny McCaughan, Mario Burlini, George Franklin, Cliff Adam. Back row: Ralph Filmer, George Caro. Jack Pateman, Ted Mc-Mahon. Arch Waddell.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 18 July 1953, page 12
An effort is being made to have a reunion of players of Ron Moyle’s old band. – These include: Ron Moyle (pianist and leader), Cliff Adam (guitar, vocals and tapdancing), Niddy Roberts (drums), Wally Hadley (banjo), Tommy Bennett (bass), Ken Pimmell and Viv Nylander (trumpets), Charles Thompson (trombone), Alan Gough, George Caro, Bob Gibson (saxes).
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 24 October 1953, page 12
1955
Cliff Adam Band one of best on WA radio
Heard and enjoyed often on local stations are popular members of the Cliff Adam Band (below from left to right) Jack Pope, Harry Wicks, Cliff Adam, and John McCaughan. Leader Cliff Adam -something special with a guitar, a song, and formerly a tap dance – is among the most experienced of WA musicians.
He left Perth to tour the Eastern States with. Ron Moyle’s “Westralian” in 1933 and, finding things over that way to his liking, stayed for several successful years.
He played in famous Melbourne cabarets and toured with the Bert Howell band, one of Australia’s best in Sydney. He played with the tuneful Jay Whidden unit and had success on the air with the Colgate – Palmolive, Fred Hartley and other well-known radio bands. Now he broadcasts with his Hawaiian ensemble,, the 55-60 Show with the ABC Variety Band and. of course, his own Cliff Adam show.
Drummer and vibraphone player Harry Wicks moved here from Sydney two years back with the smash-hit Moreton and Kaye show He liked the place, decided to stay, and is heard in many local commercial shows. Harry hails originally from New Zealand but he has the Australian “bounce” in abundance.
Trumpeter Jack Pope, a member of Harry Bluck’s ABC Melodians, is heard
also on commercial stations. So does tenor-sax maestro John McCaughan, a momentous Melodian with the ABC. The quartet play together several times weekly in Cliff’s dance band. Other members of the band, pictured, are Russ Shepgeard pianist, and Ralph Filmer, bass.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 9 January 1955, page 20
She attended Bayswater Primary School and in her teenage years began performing with her sister Bessie Amelia Kerr in the entertainment troop the Rainbow Pierrots where she met her future husband William Edward Harrison in June 1922.
1924 article Rainbow Pierrots with William and Edna Kerr1920 Edna Kerr’s 14th birthday, Bayswater
She worked in a photography shop hand colouring photographs prior to getting married.
Edna KerrEdna Kerr 1924
On Sunday 10 August 1924 the engagement was announced in the Sunday Times of:
Edna May, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Kerr of Leake Street, Bayswater, to William Edward, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Harrison, of Merriwa Street, Nedlands.
Amy, Edna and Wally Kerr on Edna’s wedding day1925 Edna Kerr on her wedding day getting into the car
1925 William and Edna’s wedding
At the age of 27 on the 25th July 1925 at St Mary’s Church of England West Perth William Edward Harrison was married to the eighteen year old EDNA MAY KERR.
1944 Bill & Edna on Cottesloe Beach1926 Edna Harrison
They lived at 64 Bruce Street Nedlands until their own house at 24 Highway (later Kingsway) Nedlands was completed.
Harrison family1945 Edna at Highway, Nedlands1945 Edna
1937 Kalamunda shack: Bill Jnr, Edna, Bill Snr. Front: Jill, Jack, Ray Harrison
1948 Edna at Highway Nedlands
From her home at 24 Highway Nedlands (later renamed Kingsway) Edna and her sister Bessie ran a catering business, often providing suppers for the performances at which her husband and children performed.
1949 Jill & Edna in 24 Highway Nedlands kitchen
1939 At around this time Edna Harrison and her sister Bessie started a catering business called George Harrison Caterers.
1949 Edna & Jill in the kitchen
Both their houses had large areas set up mass cooking (pastry made by hand using lard).
1948 – Edna, Jach Harrison and Amy Kerr1935 Shirley George, Bill and Edna Harrison and Bessie George
Grand daughter Lois remembers: I use to scrub the cake tins out in the backyard drain for a shilling, I’d say I was about 6. So maybe 60 years ago. They never advertised it was all word of mouth. They used the back outside room to Bessie’s house to do a lot of prep. All the dishes etc were kept in the second garage/shed they had 3 at 3 Croydon St shenton park. They always made trifles for dessert. I am sure there was always a beef curry with keens curry powder and rice and probably a tuna mornay. They had little bacon cheese savouries. Ross George’s wife was an expert wedding cake decorator and most likely contributed. Doug: “I recall Grandad Bill George making bricks and building the small kitchen at the back of the house and it probably was 60 years ago. I did a couple of waiter jobs for them. They would be in the kitchen cooking for hours on end. Think they also made sausage rolls.”
R.A.A.F. COMFORTS FUND.
In connection with the march through Perth today by men of the Royal Australian Air Force, a street appeal will be conducted by the R.A.A.F. Comforts Fund. Stalls will be situated as follows: Mrs. Harrison: City Mutual building (St. George’s-terrace).
The West Australian Friday 18 October 1940 page 6
Edna and Bill1944 Edna & Bill sitting on fence at 24 Highway Nedlands with “Happy”1950 25th Wedding Anniversary party: Ray, Norma, Bill Snr, baby Susan with Edna, Jack, Mavis, Bill Jnr
1953 Bill and Edna Harrison at the wedding of Jack and MarciaBessie, Amy and Edna
1953 Edna, John and Jill Mowson1954 Mavis, Marcia and Edna Harrison1955 Mavis, Marcia, Edna, Norma & Jill Harrison1960 Olive, Edna, Jill and Bessie and dogs1960 at Whitfords Beach: Jill, Edna, Trevor, Marion and Archie Howe1965 William, Marcia, Edna, Kim Harrison, Peter, John, Penny and Jill Mowson, Jay Harrison 1965
Edna was widowed in 1977 and sold the Harrison family home at 24 Kingsway Nedlands to move to a unit on Stirling Highway.
She was very active playing tennis, croquet, cards and was much admired and loved by her children and grandchildren.
1981 – Jack and Jill’s 50th Edna’s 75th: Jack, Jill, Edna, Mavis, Bill Jnr, Norma with Ray in front1986 Birthday – Jack, Edna and Jill1981 Jill Mowson and Edna Harrison1987 William Harrison’s “Subiaco March” performed at Shenton Park Lakesister-in-law Nellie and Edna in fancy dress – two little girls in blue1988 Edna, Jack and Jill1991 Edna and JillEdna, Mavis Harrison and Jill1991 – Jack and Jill’s 60th Edna’s 85th1994 Ramon’s 65th with family
Edna died 28th June 1996 just shy of her 90th birthday.
