Rhapsody in Light Blue (classical/jazz)

James Pearson director and piano 

Lizzie Ball co-presenter and violin/vocals 

Jon Shenoy saxes/flute/clarinet 

Robbie Harvey trombone

Sam Burgess bass 

Will Riby percussion 

Matt Skelton drums

In a suitably celebratory end to the 2024 Festival, Ronnie Scott’s leading light and Artistic Director, pianist James Pearson, joins us with a top team from the iconic London venue together with the remarkable talent that is violinist, singer and arranger Lizzie Ball.

The programme builds towards a special adaptation of George Gershwin’s mould breaking and thrilling jazz concerto for piano, Rhapsody in Blue, 100 years on from the work’s premiere.

Elsewhere the programme takes us through a cavalcade of Gershwin classics – including a stunning medley from Porgy and Bess – Lizzie Ball’s fabulous singing voice also working its magic on other American Songbook classics.

This concert is generously supported by HH Susan Hamilton KC, Nick & Pat Moore, Roebuck Estates and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous

Programme to include:

Strike Up The Band Gershwin (arr. Pearson)  

Swanee Gershwin (arr. Pearson) 

I’m Coming Virginia Heywood/Cook (arr. Andrew Cottee)

Blue Lullaby Gershwin (arr. Heifetz)

The Man I Love Gershwin 

Rhapsody in Blue Gershwin (arr. Pearson)

Interval

Porgy and Bess Medley Gershwin (arr. Pearson)

Too Darn Hot Cole Porter (arr. Pearson)

Miss Otis Regrets Cole Porter (arr. Pearson) 

You Do Something To Me Cole Porter (arr. Pearson) 

West Side Celebration – The Music of West Side Story Leonard Bernstein (arr. Pearson)