Welcome to a great programme of Jazz music at Twickenham Jazz Club – “Hot Jazz in an Intimate Setting!”
Ray Gelato
“He Plays what He Means and Means what he Plays.” – Jools Holland
For 18 years, Ray Gelato has starred in a sell-out Christmas show at the illustrious Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Twickenham Jazz Club to open our 2024 programme!
We are so fortunate to have Ray as one of our brilliant local jazz musicians and a cherished friend of the club.
Ray’s influences need no embellishment—rooted in the R&B movement and inspired by the likes of Bill Haley, Ben Webster, and Coleman Hawkins, Ray has developed his own warm-hearted and energetic style. One of the busiest musicians on the jazz circuit, Ray’s band, The Chevalier Brothers, clocks up 200 gigs a year. He features annually at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan, has entertained Her Majesty The Queen twice, opened for Robbie Williams at the Royal Albert Hall, and even played by request at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding.
You might also recognise him from the iconic Levi Dockers commercial, performing Louis Prima’s Tu Vuo’ Fa’ L’Americano. In his “spare time,” Ray has written a cookbook (Coffee with Ray), hosts Gelato’s Parlour Podcasts, and has just released a new album for Christmas 2024, Live at Ronnie Scott’s.
Ray’s approach to music is full of fun, but always underpinned by serious jazz talent. He can fire up an audience with the vocal stylings of singers like Louis Prima and Dean Martin, then captivate them with a ballad played on his lush-sounding tenor sax. Internationally acclaimed, Ray is highly regarded for his reverent approach to the standards and the unique, joyful stamp he places on the classic jazz tradition.
Suffice to say, this evening promises to be a Winter Warmer—one to fire and inspire your New Year, reminding us all to stay positive and enjoy life to the fullest.
I so look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a truly fabulous evening @ Twickenham Jazz Club.
The band:
Ray Gelato: Saxophones & Vocals
Gunther Kurmayer:Piano
Eleazar Ruiz:Double Bass
Steve Rushton: Drums
