Ronnie Scott’s All Stars - Salute to the Jazz Divas
Lineup
About the Event
The word diva comes from the Italian for goddess, and jazz has produced its fair share. From Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day to Nancy Wilson and Chaka Khan, the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars celebrate the women - and a few honorary instrumental divas - who commanded the stage and left their mark on the music.
Beyond the music, the show brings these legends to life with stories from their time at the club. Ella Fitzgerald first graced the Ronnie Scott's stage in the 1960s under a few non-negotiable conditions. Mark Murphy had his own clever tricks for securing free Martinis, a habit pianist James Pearson saw up close. Vocal powerhouse Natalie Williams takes centre stage to channel these legendary voices, while saxophonist Alex Garnett highlights the instrumental divas, from Stan Getz to other musicians with famously quirky rider requests.
A celebration of great voices, great characters and some seriously good songs, with the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars doing what they do best.
“One thing can always be relied on – the house trio led by pianist James Pearson. How they sustain such full-on brilliance night after night is a mystery… as real as it gets.”
— The Guardian
“Effortlessly slipping between furious bop and a sprinkling of songs by Nina Simone, Antonio Carlos Jobim and the like... Technique to spare.”
— The Times
“Exceptionally versatile outfit led by James Pearson, a two-fisted swinger of the Oscar Peterson school… Singer Natalie Williams delivers Ella-ish straightahead swing… Tenorman Alex Garnett plays with admirable fluency and gusto.”
— Jazzwise