FEELING all strung out? Is life in a spin? Let Australian court jester George Washingmachine wash away the dust of the everyday 9 to 5 with his brand of swing and gipsy jazz at Hovingham.

Working the jazz traps of Sydney for years, fiddler George is a long-time member of what he calls the Bonzer Vista Social Club, and he now plays with fellow Aussie Allstars Dave Blenkhorn, on guitar, and Sebastian Girardot, on double bass, and British guitarist Dave Kelbie.

This line-up happened only by accident in 2006, when put together for a short tour of UK festivals, but went on to be a hit at the Miri International Jazz Festival in Malaysia.

Washingmachine plays in the style of Stuff Smith, throwing in velvet vocals and comedy for good measure in sets that find space for Dixieland romps and smoochy numbers.

"It's not cutting edge or 'intelligent' jazz and there are no modern compositions, " says Shed promoter Simon Thackray. "It's old time with a commitment to swing."

Doors open at 7.15pm on October 19 at Hovingham Village Hall. Tickets: £12.50 on 01653 668494 on www.theshed.co.uk