Originally formed for a one-off performance, The High Tone Pants have evolved into a dynamic blues band performing across the Central West for more than two-and-a-half years.

Known for their high-energy shows and soulful sound, the five-strong group features Melissa Stanford (lead vocals), Danielle Pearce (keyboard and backing vocals), Hughie Brown (lead guitar), Paul Burge (bass guitar), and Ebbo Brown (drums).

The band’s formation was fortuitous.

Danielle, who moved to Orange eight years ago, was invited by guitarist Hughie to join a performance at The Agrestic Grocer in 2023.

Melissa recalled: “Four of us had played together in different settings, but not as a formal band. Hughie had seen Danielle perform and said, ‘She’s great on keyboard... let’s ask her to join us.’ I was thrilled. It’s hard to find a great keyboard player.”

That initial collaboration was intended to be a one-time show inspired by the blues repertoire of Eva Cassidy.

Melissa explains: “Hughie and I just wanted to do something bluesy. After listening to a lot of blues artists who are women, Eva Cassidy popped up on my Spotify, and her story and music sparked the idea for the show.”

The 'Eva Cassidy Blues Show' was a resounding success, and what began as a single performance quickly grew into a full-fledged band.

Danielle adds: “We had such a good time, the next thing we knew, we were a band.”

The High Tone Pants are best described as a high-energy blues band with strong soul, funk, and rock influences.

Their repertoire spans classics from the 1940s and 1950s through to current music, with genres including Australian pub rock legends, disco of the 70s and 80s, and artists such as Heart, Tina Turner, Divinyls, Blondie, and Aretha Franklin.

“We’re lucky to have a background in music that brings us so much joy. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company and the music we create,” Danielle said.

The band regularly perform across Dubbo, Bathurst, and Orange.

They’re especially grateful to venues that continue to support live music, acknowledging the challenges faced by the hospitality industry.

Both Melissa and Danielle have very busy work lives that they successfully juggle with their music commitments (the due also perform as The High Tone 2 on occasion, offering stripped-back gigs when a full band isn’t required).

Melissa, who is a manager with Orange City Council, admits her lifestyle is busier than most but she wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s all-consuming — work, rehearsals, gigs. It’s a privilege to have such a great mix of opportunities through work and music, but it really makes you appreciate and enjoy some downtime when you get the chance,” Melissa said.

Danielle, an accountant by profession, also enjoys the contrast between her career and musical life.

“People are always surprised. They laugh when they find out I’m both an accountant and a musician. But music has a mathematical side — it makes sense,” Danielle said.

The band is reprising 'The Eva Cassidy Show' on October 25 at Heifer Station Wines as part of the Orange Wine Festival.