Events

JAZZ SINGER CLAIRE MARTIN OBE AND LEGENDARY SAXOPHONIST & SINGER RAY GELATO JOIN FORCES IN THEIR NEW SHOW – ‘A SWINGIN’ AFFAIR’ ‘Claire Martin ranks amongst the four or five finest jazz vocalists on the planet’ – Jazz Times USA ‘The stylish, sharp-suited Gelato brings an unmistakable physical presence to the bandstand. He is a larger-than-life character’ – The Times Bristol, UK – September 13th, 2014 – One of Britain’s most treasured jazz singers, award- winning Claire Martin OBE, will join forces with friend of 30 years, legendary saxophonist & singer Ray Gelato, in a A Swingin’ Affair, coming to UK venues from Jan 2017. This pair of beloved British performers celebrates the music of the Great American Songbook through a collection of specially arranged duets. Classics include Orange Coloured Sky, C'est Si Bon , Smack Dab in The Middle , Come Dance With Me and many more .

Claire says of the show: "Ray and I go back many years, he gave me my first musical break in my late teens! It's wonderful that we have come full circle to put this show together. We are both passionate about this music and share the same love of great songs, which we will be singing and swinging with the world-class pianist Dave Newton. We also love to put on a show, so get ready to be entertained!" BBC Radio 3 presenter and multi-award-winning singer Claire Martin’s love and knowledge of the American Songbook shines through beautifully in this show, in a return to her musical roots. Her long-standing friendship with consummate performer Ray

Gelato also comes across, and how could it not – Ray’s stage presence and inimitable personality, not forgetting his musicality on not one but two instruments has made him the name he is today . Ray says of the show: 'It's a pleasure to share the stage with one of my favourite singers, and dear friend Claire Martin. Our aim is to present jazz music for everybody, and to bring back a revitalised, new concept of the vocal duet. To Claire and I, music is about communication and telling a story. We hope to communicate our love of swingin' music to you'. If you like your music sassy, sharp and swinging - this is the show for you… A Swingin' Affair Indeed .

The Album 'We've Got A World That Swings ' on Linn Records was highly acclaimed . Gaining mainly five star reviews : " The easy relaxation in their vocal exchanges were a delight to hear " - Dave Gelly . The Observer . " Claire's smoky , highly musical delivery and Gelato's swinging vocals and big toned tenor sax , are worth the admission price alone " . Jazzwise Magazine .

Highlights include performances at The Liverpool Philharmonic, Snape Maltings summer concerts , Love Supreme Jazz Festival and The San Sebastián Jazz Festival