Jazz breaking news: Chick Corea, Kurt Elling and Yellowjackets spring into action at Ronnie Scott’s
Friday, March 1, 2013
Ronnie Scott’s kicks off its spring programme with more strong bookings this month with back-to-back performances from two former Miles Davis alumni – with guitarist John Scofield bringing his Organic Trio with Larry Goldings in for two nights (3-4 Mar), followed by two hotly anticipated gigs from Chick Corea.
The Return To Forever keyboardist last performed at the club in 2006, and here launches his new fusion-edged band The Vigil (pictured left), featuring top UK multi-reedist Tim Garland, French bass guitar hero Hadrien Feraud, drummer Marcus Gilmore and guitarist Charles Altura (5-6 March). Fusion evergreens Yellowjackets also perform for three nights with a new line up now featuring recently recruited bassist Felix Pastorius (16, 18-19 Mar), while multi-award winning singer Kurt Elling, last at the club in 2010, is back for an unprecedented six-nights running from 15-20 April.
There’s also a debut appearance at the club from cult soul-jazz singer/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello who presents her eclectic tribute to the music of Nina Simone (22-24 April). Other dates include: John Scofield’s Organic Trio (3-4 Mar); Chick Corea and The Vigil (5-6 Mar); Courtney Pine (7-8 Mar); Yellowjackets (16 Mar then 18-19 Mar); James Taylor Quartet with the Nick Smart Horns and singer Yvonne Yanney (20-23 Mar); Erik Truffaz Quartet (25 Mar); Marlena Shaw (26-30 Mar); Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (8-13 Apr); Kurt Elling (15-20 Apr); Joyce (21 Apr); Meshell Ndegeocello (22-24 Apr); Chucho Valdes & The Afro Cuban Jazz Messengers (25-27 Apr); Madeleine Peyroux (29 Apr-1 May); Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band (6-9 May); Michel Camilo (10-11 May); Gary Burton New Quartet with Julian Lage (13-14 May); and Kyle Eastwood Band (3-8 Jun).
– Mike Flynn