Kamasi Washington announced for Ronnie Scott’s Milestones Festival
Mike Flynn
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The US sax super star makes his only UK appearance in 2020, while the club has a packed programme into the spring
LA sax star Kamasi Washington is set to make his only UK appearance this year when he headlines Ronnie Scott’s jazz club’s inaugural edition of its new one-day summer festival, Milestones, which will take place at Alexandra Palace, London on 26 July. The line-up revealed so far also includes a strong roster of club regulars including Mercury-nominated SEED Ensemble, US bass boss Marcus Miller plus UK stars Courtney Pine with Omar, Incognito and Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B. There will also be a Late Show set led by pianist Reuben James with special guests, while the Funky Nation stage will feature DJ sets from Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective), Women in Jazz and Mike Vitti (Mi-Soul Radio).
The club is also promoting a three-night residency from Grammy-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper, at new Kings Cross-located venue Lafayette, from 6 to 8 March. The pianist aims to replicate the intimacy of his infamous five-week stays at the Blue Note, New York, which became known for surprise guests in an up-close-and-personal atmosphere.
The club itself has plenty of notable nights including Indo-jazz funk bassist Shri who launches his new album The Letter with Norwegian star Bugge Wesseltoft and Arild Andersen (2 Mar, see page 44), then the venue teams up with emerging promoters Women in Jazz to present award-winning singer Zara McFarlane (8 Mar), closely followed by the powerhouse Kenny Baron, Dave Holland, Johnathan Blake Trio (9-11 Mar) and the fiery Bill Laurance Trio (12-13 Mar).
Further March dates include Hamish Stuart with Ryan Quigly Big Band (14 Mar), Soul Family (15 Mar), Vincent Herring Earth Agents (16 Mar), John Williams with John Etheridge (17-19), Incognito (20-25 Mar), Ashley Henry (26 Mar), Joe Lovano/Enrico Rava Band (27 Mar) and Butcher Brown (28 Mar). Future bookings to note include Melissa Aldana (2 May); Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra (3 May); Jazzmeia Horn (20-21 May); David Sanborn Acoutstic Band with Randy Brecker (12-14 July) and three nights, in the club, from Marcus Miller, pictured (21-23 July).
For full listings and info visit www.ronniescotts.co.uk and www.milestonesfestival.co.uk