TONY HILLIER writes about a truly dynamic duo.

Audiences abroad and around Australia have been seduced by stringmansassy’s sophisticated sound.

Combining a subtle blend of folk and jazz and sensitive self-penned songs, singer Kacey Patrick and guitarist Aaron Hopper have held festival crowds spellbound from Hanover to Yungaburra.

So, fans will be disappointed to hear the partnership has decided to suspend operations after this current tour, to concentrate on individual pursuits.

Patrick and Hopper go together like Tuck and Patti, the high-rolling American duo, to whom they are an Australasian counterpart.

They seem genuinely flattered by such comparisons: "If we can come close to creating their energy we would be very blessed," Kacey says.

"Tuck and Patti are a true inspiration for both of us," she adds, "along with performers like Bobby McFerrin and Ralph Towner."

The pair also draws on Middle Eastern, African and Celtic traditional music in their songs.

Stringmansassy have been weaving their music magic for more than a dozen years now. They started busking together during a trip to Europe in the mid-’90s, and began working as Sassy & The Stringman on their return to Brisbane, a name that was later reversed and abbreviated.

Both have a well-honed sense of theatre. Blessed with a pristine voice and natural sustain, Kacey would be perfectly at home in musicals or on the cabaret circuit.

Aaron, a string bender supreme, matches his partner-in-rhyme’s every nuance on guitar, his fingers leaving no part of the fretboard uncovered.

While Hopper does the bulk of the writing, they work closely together on many of the arrangements.

"If we are ever stuck on something, the other is usually a good fall for writer’s block," Kacey says.

One of their songs, Headless, found its way on to one of high-selling American label Putumayo’s global compilations.

"We have received feedback from listeners worldwide as a result of that release," Kacey reports.

Stringmansassy also include a cover or two in their playlist.

Their version of Sting’s Fragile is prefaced by stunning bird calls. Kacey’s avian impersonations are so authentic sounding, you’d swear she was channelling.

Men At Work’s Down Under is another pop hit turned on its head by the dynamic duo.

Share this article