In the intimate world of cabaret, the relationship between vocalist and pianist creates the foundation upon which the entire performance is built. Behind every nuanced phrase, every emotional crescendo, and every moment of vulnerability is a musical dialogue that transforms individual talents into something greater than the sum of their parts.
10 Years of Musical Partnership
For nearly a decade (with a brief COVID hiatus), I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of collaborating with Ed Heddle, the exceptionally talented pianist who brings depth, sensitivity, and musical intuition to every performance we share. As we prepare to bring “Hear My Voice” to Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar on May 10th and the Arts Centre at Port Nourlunga on June 7th, I wanted to introduce you to the musical partnership that makes this show possible.
A Fateful Encounter at La Bohème
Our story began at the now-closed La Bohème, where I attended a cabaret performance by fellow artist Shelley Dunstone. That evening, I was captivated not just by the performance, but by the soulful accompanist behind the keys.
Ed’s sensitivity, expressiveness, and technical prowess caught my attention immediately. After the show, despite some nerves, I approached him to inquire about his availability. The timing proved serendipitous – Ed had just returned from completing his Masters in Music in New York and was yet to fully reimmerse himself in Adelaide’s jazz scene. He was available and eager to explore new musical opportunities.
The Audition That Started it all
When we scheduled an audition, I discovered something truly remarkable. Ed’s ability to grasp the essence of a song almost instantly (even pieces he didn’t know), transpose keys effortlessly, and rely on his exceptional ear rather than chord charts was extraordinary. I sensed immediately the potential for a special musical synergy and realised that Ed would be someone that stretched me out of my comfort zone.
What I couldn’t have known then was how this partnership would evolve over 10 years, creating countless musical moments and eventually leading to the development of “Hear My Voice.”
The Musician Behind the Piano: Ed Heddle
Ed’s musical journey is as impressive as his playing. Beginning piano at age six, he dedicated his teenage years to classical studies before expanding into jazz and composition. His talent has been recognized through multiple awards, including twice winning the Young SA Jazz Composers competition and earning the prestigious Maude Harriet Riley and Tommy Norman Memorial Prize during his Bachelor of Music.
In 2015, Ed completed his Masters in Music from SUNY Purchase in the US, where he studied with jazz luminaries including John Abercrombie, Steve Wilson, and Hal Galper. His musical influences span from classical masters like Bach and Rachmaninoff to innovative contemporary artists such as Brad Mehldau, Steve Reich, and Tigran Hamasyan. He brings this broad musical knowledge and skill to every performance, cleverly weaving elements of both musical traditions seemlessly.
Currently pursuing his Doctorate in Music, Ed continues to push musical boundaries, experimenting with uncommon rhythmic grids and innovative compositional techniques. When not performing with me, he occasionally plays with his trio featuring Josh Baldwin on drums and Lyndon Gray on bass.
What Makes Our Collaboration Special
In developing “Hear My Voice,” Ed’s contribution goes far beyond simply playing the notes. His sensitivity to the emotional journey of the show has been essential in creating the intimate, authentic experience that defines cabaret at its best.
What makes our collaboration unique is the musical conversation that happens between us – moments where the piano creates the emotional landscape, moments where the voice leads the narrative, and moments of perfect synchronicity where the boundaries between instruments seem to dissolve.
In the context of a show exploring voice, identity, and authentic expression, Ed’s accompaniment becomes a crucial voice in its own right – sometimes supporting, sometimes challenging, always responding to the emotional truth of each moment.
Experiencing the Musical Dialogue
In an intimate venue like Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar, you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience this musical conversation up close. You’ll hear not just the notes but notice the subtle communication that happens between musicians during a live performance – the breath before a phrase, the subtle tempo shifts that follow emotional intensity, the spaces between notes that are as important as the notes themselves.
This is what separates cabaret from recorded music or larger concerts – the ability to witness and be part of the living, breathing musical dialogue happening in real time.
Join Us on May 10th
As we prepare to bring “Hear My Voice” to Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar, I’m profoundly grateful for the musical partnership that has made this show possible. Ed’s extraordinary talent, deep musical understanding, and intuitive responsiveness create the perfect foundation for the personal journey of voice and identity that defines this performance.
I invite you to experience this musical collaboration first hand on May 10th. Whether you join us for dinner at 6pm or arrive for the show at 8pm, you’ll be part of an intimate evening where music becomes a vehicle for authentic expression and genuine connection. It may also make you think about your own voice and the part it has played in your life.
Alexandra Frost performs “Hear My Voice” with Ed Heddle at Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar (109 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA 5034) on May 10th, 2025. Dinner from 6pm, show from 8pm-10pm. Limited seating available – book tickets via Trybooking and book for dinner by calling Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar directly at 08 7073 2361.