Classically-and-jazz trained bi-lingual vocalist Loxston and the Anglo-Italian Jazzato Band began to perform together in 2016, appearing at festivals here and on the continent, and now here's their debut album. As Loxston says, they have ‘focused on creating an uplifting album of original arrangements’ by using an eclectic mix of music forms, and so they have.

Certainly influenced by the Louis Prima band sound and doubtless in sympathy with what Ray Gelato does so well, the accent here is on bright tempos, swinging saxophone figures [arranged by Legg) and the kind of fast-moving shuffle rhythms that prompt feel-good outcomes. Loxston sings engagingly on the album's 11 tracks, in Italian or in English, the band purposeful and eager behind her, guitarist Bonacci impressive as both sideman and composer. ‘On An Evening in Rome’, the opener, sums up the band's attributes pretty well. The ensembles swing hard, the solo playing is spot-on and Loxston's vocal is exuberant and undeniably cheery. The better known ‘Quando, Qyuando. Quando’ goes like the proverbial train, the alto and clarinet solos short and to the point. Much the same applies for the much-loved ‘Buonasera Signorina’, slow to start before moving into a zippier pace: good alto on this one too.

With their mix of familiar Italian songs and cleverly structured originals, pin-point musicianship and sheer elan, Hetty and the Jazzatos are on to something. A good way to brush up on your Italian too.