AN EVENING AT RONNIE SCOTT’S RONNIE’S

“Ronnie’s’ made me cheer, laugh and weep. It’s a revelation! Aside from being a superb piece of filmmaking and storytelling it’s an important film. In my estimation an incredibly important film.” - Stephen Fry

A celebration of the legacy of Ronnie Scott and his world-famous jazz club, ‘Ronnie’s’ features previously unseen and rare performances from Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison, Chet Baker, Jimi Hendrix, Nina Simone, Roland Kirk, Sonny Rollins, Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis. These are accompanied by new interviews with the likes of Giles Peterson, Michael Parkinson, Val Wilmer, Chris King (son of the club’s co- founder, Pete King) and Ronnie’s daughter Rebecca, as well as with some of the most iconic figures in music, including Quincy Jones, Georgie Fame and Sonny Rollins. The film explores the club’s 60-year history and shines a light on the uncompromising men and women who built it and who took to its stage. ‘Ronnie’s’ is an exceptional story about one of London’s greatest institutions – one of the last remaining vestiges of old, bohemian Soho. Chronicling an incredible journey through late ’50s and early ’60s Soho, the film is not just for jazz fans; it also tells the extraordinary story of how two working-class Londoners (Scott and King) contributed to the cultural life of the capital. A vital social document and a film for any self-respecting lover of music.

Uk 2020 Oliver Murray 103m

Live Jazz Gig

After a 30-minute interval there will be a live gig with a jazz quintet led by Andrew Cleyndert playing music associated with the musicians who performed at Ronnie’s.

Ian Shaw – Vocals, Mornington Lockett –Tenor Saxophone, Gareth Williams – Piano, Andrew Cleyndert – Double Bass, Joel Barford – Drums

Following the success of last year’s Mingus evening, Andrew Cleyndert has put together a powerhouse quintet to reflect on the music of saxophonist/club owner Ronnie Scott and the institution of “The Club” under Ronnie and coowner Pete King. Ian Shaw, an international star, performed regularly at Ronnie’s from early in his career. Both Mornington Lockett and Andrew Cleyndert worked with Scott in his longstanding Sextet and Quartet – which also featured Dick Pierce, Martin Drew and John Critchinson – as well as playing in many different bands in the club over the years. Likewise, Gareth Williams has been a pivotal pianist on the UK jazz scene, appeared often at the club and recorded his own live trio album there. Completing the quintet is the outstanding young drummer Joel Barford, representative of the new generation that Ronnie was dedicated to encouraging. The group will perform music associated with Ronnie during his career as an outstanding saxophonist, as well as delving into the catalogue of some of the myriad international artists that have performed under his roof. Cleyndert and Co. will also, no doubt, have an anecdote or dozen to share.

UK Premiere LIVE AT MISTER KELLY’S

And now… a documentary which will take you back to a swinging Chicago era, peppered with contributions by some of its most illustrious figures, including Herbie Hancock and Barbra Streisand.

David is the son and nephew to the late Marienthal brothers, George and Oscar, who conceived and operated three ground-breaking nightclubs. The London House was opened in 1946, followed by Mister Kelly’s in 1953 and the Happy Medium Theatre in 1960. These venues launched the careers of such stars-to-be as Streisand, Hancock, Bette Midler, Ramsey Lewis, Lenny Bruce, Lily Tomlin, Mort Sahl and Joan Rivers. More than 30 live albums were recorded at the clubs, by such immortal artists as Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, the Smothers Brothers, Freddie Prinze and Flip Wilson. Interviews, recordings, photos and memorabilia tell the story of the movements for free speech, civil rights, women’s liberation and peace that happened alongside the fabulous entertainment provided by jazz and alternative comedy.

USA 2022 THEODORE BOGOSIAN 83M

BUSTER PLAYS BUSTER / STEAMBOAT

BILL JR

Thu 17 Aug 20:45 – Guildhall Priory Park

See Special Events/Silent Cinema on pg81 for full details.

Jazz On A Summers Day

Fri 11 Aug 14:00 – Studio

Sat 12 Aug 18:00 – Pic Palace

See Roger’s Favourites on pg74 for full details.