67. The Godfather of Swing Ray Gelato on Jazz in Today’s World

Break Out Culture With Ed Vaizey by Country and Town House

This week we focus on jazz for the first time and talk to the singer, songwriter, bandleader and sax player who’s been taking his fun, upbeat, distinctive style of swing, jazz and R&B to concerts, clubs and festivals all over the world since 1988.

Ray Gelato and his band The Giants have had a long-established residency at London’s famous Ronnie Scotts in Soho, have twice entertained Her Majesty the Queen, opened for Robbie Williams at the Albert Hall and played at Paul McCartney’s wedding. Ray tells us about his extraordinary life in music, beginning by busking on London’s streets with The Chevalier Brothers and ending up doing the rounds of huge venues like the Lincoln Centre and numerous jazz festivals – like Montreal, Blue Note and Umbria – where he’s played 12 times. Listen in to hear some of his most famous songs – including Just a Gigolo and the song he wrote for Bar Italia, one of his favourite Soho haunts.

Ray’s latest album Locked Down and Not Out is available here

Ray and his band will be playing live at the Green Room, Leo Green’s speakeasy and residency at QT Presents in the Middle Eight Hotel in Covent Garden. For two nights only: at 8 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday 9th March and at 8 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday 23rd March. Tickets available here.