Ray Gelato (vocals,
tenor sax); Oliver Wilby (tenor sax, alto sax); Daniel Marsden (trumpet);
Andrew Rogers (trombone); Gunther Kurmay (piano); Manuel Alvarez (double bass);
Ed Richardson (drums) + Emma Smith (vocals).
Way back in the day, musicians like Louis Jordan and Louis Prima had the absurd idea that jazz should not only be entertaining but also a fun thing for both band and audience. The critics disagreed. Jazz was an art form to be listened to in concert halls and in reverential silence.
Ray Gelato, like his inspiration Prima, disagreed, and tonight at Ronnie's he made his point with a non-stop show that was full of fun along with a band that jumped (and danced!) Gelato can sing and knock out a chorus or two on tenor sax and he was surrounded by a team of ace players.
Wilby shone on both alto and tenor, Marsden blew some wild screamers as well as tightly muted trumpet, not unlike you know who, and Rogers filled out the front line only occasionally stepping forward for some gutsy solos.
Down below, Kurmay made sure that none of the 88 keys were left untouched, Alvarez dug in deep and Ed Richardson's solo on Cuban Pete almost stole the show - almost!
That accolade went to guest vocalist Emma Smith who sounded as good as she looked which, take it from me, is praise indeed! Duetting with the leader on That Old Black Magic Emma gave us the taste but it was her Annie Ross style take on Doodlin' that earned her the tiara.
However, this wasn't about who was better than who this was about keeping the jazz flag flying and maybe reaching a few who wouldn't normally venture into Ronnie's or any other jazz joint. Hopefully, in the future when ...
Lance
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