Dick and Christa Hughes
Legendary jazz pianist Dick Hughes – the first solo jazz pianist to play at Sydney Opera House – returns to his old stomping ground to perform with his singing daughter Christa.
Both solo artists in their own right, Christa first sang with Dick in 1986 at one of Sydney’s past favourite jazz joints Soup Plus. A unique jazz combination of father and daughter, they had a residency at the Shakespeare Hotel, Surry Hills from 1990 to 1994.
It was here they grew quite a following, establishing themselves as a highly entertaining and beautifully rowdy duo performing songs associated with the roaring 1920s and the swinging 30s.
Dick’s sturdy, swinging “stride” piano playing, combined with Christa’s rich voice and powerful delivery fuelled them to rock the house each Sunday night.
Since Christa flew the coup she has enjoyed a flourishing career as a solo and group performer while Dick devoted more time to journalism and wrote his second book Don’t You Sing!
Now for The Famous Spiegeltent, Dick and Christa Hughes reunite to perform one of their legendary Sunday night sessions including classic songs by empress of the blues Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and the husky warm tones of Lee Wiley.