Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra

It reads like an A-Z of big band history, from 1930’s British dance band leader Henry Hall to the latest sounds from New York.

On the way you can expect a nod in the direction of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and many others. If that wasn’t enough, star vocalist Liane Carroll will be singing a selection of masterpieces from the Great American Songbook in the second set. The first set will be one hour and the second set will be forty-five minutes.

All ticket holders will be welcome to attend pre-show talks in the chapel and will have complimentary access from 3pm onwards to the Nevill Holt Estate gardens and 20th century sculpture collection as well as the 2024 Festival’s exhibitions of Anthony Caro and Eduardo Paolozzi’s sculpture, marking the centenary of both men’s birth.

The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra is one of the UK’s best, boasting an array of top-tier musicians. Under the expert guidance of Pete Long, an award-winning band leader, they’ve been delivering outstanding performances since their establishment. Since becoming residents at Ronnie’s in 2007, they’ve been consistently thrilling audiences with their exceptional ensemble playing and inspiring solo performances. Their music appeals to a wide range of jazz enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned fans, thanks to their energetic and engaging style. Their performances are powerful and span various genres. They’ve made headlines for their ability to switch styles quickly and smoothly. Attendees can look forward to swing music that roars with life, vocals that ooze sass, funky beats that get you moving, and Latin tunes that add a delightful twist. Their versatility and talent make every show a unique and memorable experience.

Pete Long studied at the Royal London College Of Music, and soon after toured with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing the saxophone, flute, bass guitar and fourth trumpet (but only once). Playing on the QE2 led him to bandleading, assembling ad-hoc ensembles on the ship for various passenger and crew functions. He then toured internationally with the award-winning sax quartet Itchy Fingers, working with, amongst others, Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield, Chick Corea and Supersax. He then worked extensively in the West End, before a five-year stint with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, where he worked with Tom Jones, Norah Jones, Lulu, and Lionel Richie, to name but a few. As an educator, Pete works with music students across the country and has helped develop a new series of student woodwind instruments. It is however, as a bandleader and orchestrator that Pete spends most of his time, directing the Big Band at Ronnie Scott’s alongside his own projects.

Liane Carroll is a multi-award-winning jazz artist. She has won Best female Jazz Vocalist at the first Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards in 2007 and was also the recipient of two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year. Liane has worked with artists such as Gerry Rafferty and Paul McCartney, has made a headline appearance at Glastonbury and regularly headlines at Ronnie Scott’s. Liane has worked for over 25 years with Drum and Bass label Hospital Records in London Elektricity. Liane not only performs all over the globe but also teaches students of all nationalities both in an academic environment and in her tailor-made jazz workshops.