Leo Green Resigns As Ronnie Scott's Artistic Director
Friday, December 7, 2007
After two-weeks of speculation over the future of the Ronnie Scott Club's Artistic Director Leo Green, following a newspaper report that he had a disagreement with owner Sally Greene, Mr Green has announced his departure from the club. This latest news will come as a further blow to the venue that has been criticized for many recent bookings which have been weighted more towards soul, R&B and cabaret acts rather than pure jazz, for which the club has built a world-class reputation.
In a statement emailed to journalists and fellow booking agents Leo Green wrote:
"Just a quick note to let you know that following some recent soul searching, I have decided to resign my position of Artistic Director at Ronnie Scott's. The total inability of the club to attract a General Manager who lasted more than a few months, and the apparent disinterest in jazz of some of the people that work there has only hastened my decision. As well as last week's monumental 6 shows from the legendary Jeff Beck, under my Artistic Directorship, Ronnie's has enjoyed some incredible nights from some incredible artists: Van Morrison, Branford Marsalis, Macy Gray, Tony Bennett, Chick Corea, Pat Martino, Billy Cobham, The Stylistics, Monty Alexander, Wynton Marsalis, Jose Feliciano, Jimmy Scott, David Sanborn, Benny Golson, Johnny Griffin, Mark Murphy, Ron Carter, Marlena Shaw, Benny Green, Chico Freeman, Ronnie Cuber, Gary Bartz, Martin Taylor, Diane Schuur, Lew Soloff, Steve Smith, Vincent Herring, Kenny Baron, Mica Paris, Joan Armatrading, Kenny Garrett, Larry Coryell, Stan Tracey, Yellowjackets, Roy Hargrove, Ramsey Lewis, Wallace Roney, and many others have all graced the stage over the past 16 months.When it came to the point where certain members of management had to ask me who McCoy Tyner was, I arrived, fairly rapidly, at the conclusion that perhaps my skills were to be best utilized elsewhere."
Jazzwise contacted Ronnie Scott's Club PR who confirmed this was Leo Green's statement and told Jazzwise on behalf of the club:
"It is with regret that we can confirm the departure of Leo Green, former Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott's. Leo was without doubt a great ambassador for the club and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future. Leo will be returning to the club over the Christmas period to perform with The Ronnie Scott's All Stars."