Kismet have been playing tunes, learning songs, trying out new things, improvising and drinking tea together since early 2002. We are an unusual three-legged animal, in that all of us write and arrange, all of us play more than one instrument and all of us sing.
Kath, who plays clarinet, brings a vast repertoire of songs from all over the world, a voice like honey and a canny knack for harmonising. Melissa, apart from being a splendid accordion player, is a Japanese musical expert too, and brings the exotic sounds of the koto and shamisen in to our musical palette as well as a strong alto voice. Jackie used to play fiddle with medieval pixie-funksters Jabberwocky (where Andy Letcher, of Telling the Bees, also cut his perfoming teeth), and simultaneously worked on her own album of songs, She is Gold, which was released in 2000. She is also a storyteller, which explains why, at most of Kismet's gigs, words weave in and out of the music, and you might find yourself cosying up for a dark tale or a magical myth with musical interactions. Our shared love of improvisation also means you'll usually get something spontaneous in any gig as well, which may or may not be always tonal.
Kismet's shared interests are more than musical. We like to celebrate the Celtic festivals of the year and our gigs often pay homage to the external and internal shifts at these special times. And, being three girls, we like to gossip about life, love and interior decor. This means that our rehearsals take three-times as long as boy-bands' but we think the music benefits from all our digressions, not to mention slices of cake.
In 2005 we were asked by University of Oxford Botanic Gardens to create music for their 'Plant Power Festival'. We sang chants to the Mayan Goddess of fertility, songs about cotton mill workers, created instrumental pieces on the theme of growth, and engaged the public in songs from the forest people of Cameroon, amongst other things.
In 2007 we released our first album, Growing, which includes some of the work from the Botanic Gardens performances.
Right now we are officially on maternity leave and not gigging until the Spring of 2008. This is the fourth Kismet baby! In music, as well as in other areas, we are still growing . . .
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
hi, girls! thanks for the request and great music recorded, I'd seen you once live and it's nice to hear it again, it's great to find musician who know what they do.
Welcome ladies - and thanks for the scrumptious impromptu roast items on saturday Jackie! most appreciated :) and what a gorgeous profile pic you have, may i say. x Su 'Innit' Buddha
