August Bank Holiday sees Ronnie Scott's host a rare open-air concert for their acclaimed Jazz Orchestra, celebrating artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Chaka Khan on a glorious day at Battersea Park.
A far cry from their usual, classy, dimly-lit venue on Frith Street, the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra have made their name for faithfully recreating and celebrating the music of the greats. Jazz classics from Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Porter, and Calloway find perfect match alongside Nile Rodgers, Chaka Khan, Patrice Rushen, and more. The seamlessness of their medley's are a testament to the indefinite continuum of Black music, as well as hard evidence of their virtuosity.
Joining them on the day are Claire Martin & Ray Gelato, where expert jazz vocalism meets professional saxophany, and Swinging at the Cotton Club, a retrospective act that revives the sounds and vibes of 20s/30s Harlem Golden Age jazz.
All very exciting, but would do very well to beat London African Gospel Choir's reimagining of Paul Simon's landmark Graceland. There are few acts more suited to take Graceland responsibilities. The record, whose style comes from the South African vocal style Isicathamiya, will no doubt be consumately mastered by the African Gospel Choir, in all of its vocal percussion and intricate harmony.
Held on the Monday of the August Bank Holiday, this event is a great way to see out the busy weekend in the chillest way possible. Family friendly, laid back, and only one stage so you walkaphobics can't complain, this day in the sun should be considered unmissable for any Ronnie regulars.