Welsh singer Dionne Bennett has been selected by the iconic Dr. John to provide guest vocals on his critically acclaimed Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch show - a tribute to New Orleans music legend Louis Armstrong on Saturday August 8 at the Grolsch Market Hall, one of the standout shows of this summer’s Brecon Jazz (tickets: breconjazz.com / brycheiniog.co.uk)
Dionne was recruited after Dr. John heard her rendition of They Can't Take That Away From Me, and will perform four songs alongside the six-time Grammy Award-winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Dionne Bennett works across many styles and genres, combining a rich and powerful voice with a large dynamic range and soulful phrasing. She has worked on numerous projects including The Earth with Daf Ieuan (Super Furry Animals) and Mark Roberts (Catatonia), and is currently involved as a lyricist and vocalist with Slowly Rolling Camera, playing the likes of Love Supreme and the London Jazz Festival.
Dionne said: “I've been a fan of Dr John's work for many years - I’m so looking forward to playing with him, and still can't believe it's happening.”
Brecon Jazz is only the second UK date for Dr. John’s Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch world tour, following the 2014 release of the album which captures the spirit of Louis Armstrong, and itself involves a number of guest musicians. The show features blues, soul, gospel and plenty of jazz, filtered through Dr. John’s classy piano and rich voice. Dr. John says Louis came to him in a dream and told him: “Do my stuff your way”.
A local horn section will also accompany Dr. John in the show, including solo trumpeter Percy Purseglove, Ray Butcher and Laura Jurd on trumpet, Lee Goodall on alto sax, and Alam Nathoo on tenor sax.
The Satchmo tribute headlines the Saturday night of Brecon Jazz, with The Kinks legend Ray Davies topping the bill on Friday, and Robert Glasper who is fast bringing jazz to a whole new generation, bringing the festival to a close on Sunday August 9.
Brecon Jazz operator Orchard is running the show for a fourth year. Director Pablo Janczur said: “Dr. John’s acclaimed show will be a highlight for 2015. He likes to involve talented local musicians, and has selected Dionne to sing a few numbers with him, and a classy local horn section has also been lined up for the privilege of performing with the great man.”
The Brecon programme also features special appearances by Phronesis; Courtney Pine presenting his favourite ballads featuring the great pianist Zoe Rahman; pianist Kenny Barron and bassist Dave Holland; Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin; Norma Winstone MBE; Neil Cowley with a special homage to Dudley Moore; Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen; Brecon favourite Scott Hamilton; artist in residence Huw Warren with Wales Meets Brazil, and Tails for Wales; and Barcelona’s Andrea Motis & Joan Chamorro.
Below: Dr John
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