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Saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis is set to headline a stage at this year’s Ealing Jazz Festival curated by Ronnie Scott’s, as part of the venue’s 60th birthday celebrations.
The celebrated funk legend, who was mentored by jazz giant Sonny Rollins and later became James Brown’s bandleader, will top the bill on the festival’s main stage on Sunday July 28.
Ellis was instrumental in changing Brown's sound from soul to funk, penning such hits at Cold Sweat, Mother Popcorn, and Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud.
Andy Davies Quartet, a regular at Ronnie Scott’s, are set to appear, as is jazz vocalist Judi Jackson.
Two of the residents from the Soho institution — Ronnie Scott’s Big Band and W3 — will also be playing on the stage in west London.
The other headliners for Ealing Jazz Festival, which will take place in Walpole Park from July 27-28, are yet to be announced. However, Bring Your Own Bass, Necktr and Don Kipper have all been confirmed as part of the line-up.
Ronnie Scott’s opened in 1959 and has since forged a reputation as one of London’s finest jazz venues. Miles Davis, Prince and Nina Simone are among the world-famous artists to have played there in the past.
How to get tickets for Ealing Jazz Festival
Tickets will go on sale on Thursday April 25, priced at £5.50 for a single day pass, £11 for a weekend ticket, and free for children. They will be available to buy here.
Ealing Jazz Festival 2019 line-up — so far
- Pee Wee Ellis
- Judi Jackson
- Andy Davies Quartet
- Ronnie Scott’s Big Band
- W3
- Bring Your Own Bass
- Necktr
- Don Kipper