24-aug-19

30 years at Ronnie's

Here's what Ian says about his own 30th year at Ronnie Scott's:

"My first experience of Ronnie Scott's was really only owning records of live shows there, in particular, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Chet Baker. So to be invited to sing there at such a tender age, was a dream realised. To play opposite Cedar Walton, Horace Silver, Monty Alexander and then headline myself, with various ace line-ups, over the years, remains a constant and humbling thrill.

"On that historic stand, I've duetted with Mark Murphy, Cleo Laine, Jon Hendricks, Van Morrison, Sheila Jordan, George Benson, Annie Ross, Amy Winehouse, Claire Martin, Liane Carroll, Georgie Fame, Georgia Mancio, Curtis Stigers - the list is long. I've hosted An Audience With Al Jarreau, Frank Sinatra Jr, Monty Alexander… and I am constantly enthralled by the extraordinary new roster of talent that graces the stage every night after hours.

"For these shows with my amazing band (Barry Green, piano, Mick Hutton, bass and Dave Ohm, drums) I'll be singing songs that have lived in me for thirty years of the club, and playing arrangements of Legrand, Bowie, Joni, some old tunes rebuffed - as well as introducing some brand new arrangements. It'd be lovely to see you - and celebrate my 30th year playing this amazing place."

Photo: Lisa Wormsley