Preview: The Ronnie Scott’s Story @ Sage Gateshead - grab a return, if one is going spare!

(Preview by Russell)

Tonight (Friday) at Sage Gateshead, there will be a full house to celebrate sixty years of one of the world’s – and certainly Britain’s – most famous jazz clubs. Sage Two tickets sold like hot cakes for the appearance of Ronnie Scott’s house band led by pianist James Pearson. Joining the 60th-anniversary show will be Frith Street regular Alex Garnett doing justice to tenor saxophonist and club owner Ronnie Scott and, likely as not/hopefully, trumpeter Freddie Gavita. From Gerrard Street to Frith Street tonight at Sage Gateshead has all the makings of a memorable evening.

As MD Pearson and co take to the Sage Two stage an audio-visual feast will await. Vintage still and moving image visuals will illustrate the decade-by-decade story of Ronnie Scott’s. The legendary names - Basie, Cannonball, Mingus, Tubbs, Sonny Rollins, Scott himself and many others - will be brought to life by a top-flight quintet. If Ronnie’s house bass and drums pairing - Sam Burgess and Chris Higginbottom - make the trip north then The Ronnie Scott’s Story: 60th Anniversary Concert will be a sure-fire winner. If a London dep is on the gig fear not, she/he will be as good as anyone you care to name. Call Sage Gateshead’s ticket office now - don’t delay! - to enquire about returns. If none are available wait a few minutes then call again! Repeat throughout the day until a voice says: Yes, you’re in luck, we’ve just had two tickets returned! Tel: 0191 443 4661                  

Russell

PS: 

Do try to get to Sage Gateshead a little earlier than the eight o'clock start because on the concourse from 7:00pm Jambone will be entertaining early arrivals. MD Paul Edis' current crop of aspiring jazz musicians will show what they've been working on over the last few months. Spot the next Ronnie Scott's-bound north of England jazz star!