Upstairs@Ronnie's: BRAZILIANCE

Bar opens from 6pm Music starts at 6.30pm.

Live music returns with a passion to the intimate and plush surroundings of our upstairs bar for our Monday to Thursday programme. Here is a rare opportunity to experience some of the best singers and instrumentalists on the London scene:  from popular New Orleans fused singer/pianists such as TJ Johnson on Monday, through ‘jazz ‘n samba’ sets from leading vocalists such as Georgia Mancino and Luna Cohen on Tuesdays, ebullient trumpeter Andy Davies with guest accompanists on Wednesdays plus mouthwatering guitar duos featuring the likes of Jim Mullen and Ant Law on Thursdays. Club DJ Mike Vitti and friends will be spinning soul, funk and jazz vinyl on Fridays and Saturdays.

Gentle bossas and swaying  summer sambas

Born and raised in New York from Italian descent, Noemi Nuti is a jazz and Latin singer, harpist and composer currently residing in London. She studied classical harp at Brunel University and improvisation and composition at Trinity College of Music , graduating with an MA in Jazz Performance in 2012. For this evening, Noemi focuses on her Brazilian jazz duo with guitarist Mario Bakuna and together they explore the music of Milton Nascimento, bringing the best of UK jazz and Brazilian scene together.

25 May – LUNA COHEN vocals & SAM WATTS piano

Originally from Belo Horizonte in Brazil, Luna’s music represents and reflects a rich diversity of Brazilian culture, in which tropical colours, joy and passion combine to produce an unforgettable musical experience. She has captivated audiences with her sultry vocals and charismatic stage presence, each song telling a personal story, leaving the listener with a glimpse into her enchanting world.  

1 June – WENDY KIRKLAND vocals/piano & PAT SPRAKES  guitar/bass

Wendy’s musical career began at age 10, when she started taking piano lessons. She won a scholarship to have all her lessons paid for by Derbyshire Music, and continued to take her ABRSM piano grades.Switching to jazz in her late teens, her  influences range from Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald through Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly to Chick Corea, Eliane Elias and Michel Petrucciani - her voice been likened to that of Diana krall’s with a hint of Blossom Dearie. Tonight, accompanied by her regular guitarist and bassist, Pat Sprakes, her material will dig deep into the heart-warming music of Brazil.

8 June – LAUREN LUCILLE vocals & JO CALEB guitar

Born into a musical family near Brisbane, Australia, Lauren shares her love and life lessons and stories through a musical fusion of jazz/pop/folk and has a sassy, soulful and versatile voice. She has been writing music since the age of ten, which, being heavily influenced by her family and upbringing, has morphed and changed over the years into her own unique style. Her show with first call guitarist Jo Caleb will focus on her Latin repertoire as well as a few choice jazz standards and some originals.

15 June – SARA McGUINNESS piano & ELPIDIO ALEGRIA bass/vocals

A mainstay of the popular ‘Viva Cuba’ club night in Ronnie’s Bar with her band ‘Sarabanda, pianist Sara McGuinness will perform a range of Cuban music including son from the 40s and 50s, as popularised by Buena Vista Social Club, through to more contemporary timba and Salsa plus other Latin American sounds in this rare duo format with singer/bassist Elpidio Alegria.

22 June – NOEMI NUTI vocals & MARIO BAKUNA guitar

Born and raised in New York from Italian descent, Noemi Nuti is a jazz and Latin singer, harpist and composer currently residing in London. She studied classical harp at Brunel University and improvisation and composition at Trinity College of Music , graduating with an MA in Jazz Performance in 2012. For this evening, Noemi focuses on her Brazilian jazz duo with guitarist Mario Bakuna and together they explore the music of Milton Nascimento, bringing the best of UK jazz and Brazilian scene together.