Saturday Brunch: Songs & Stories with Jacqui Dankworth

She also happens to be the daughter of the legendary jazz singer Cleo Laine and the renowned saxophonist, arranger, composer and friend of Ronnie Scott, John Dankworth.

Dankworth started her career as an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre Her debut album, ‘As the Sun Shines Down on Me’, was released in 2003 and brought her to the attention of BBC Radio 2. Since then, she has released several albums, including ‘Detour Ahead’ (2004) and ‘Back to You’ (2009), as well as recording and touring with the world-famous Brodsky String Quartet. Jacqui was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2019 for her contributions to music.

Celebrating her brand-new album, ‘Windmills’, she joins Ian today, as they talk singing, song writing, recording and the touring life. They will perform together for the first time at Ronnie Scott’s. There will also be a Q&A.

‘Songs & Stories’ places a UK music luminary centre stage, alongside multi-award winner, singer, pianist and broadcaster, Shaw, up-close and personal. Shaw has interviewed (and often performed at the club with) the likes of Van Morrison, Monty Alexander, Frank Sinatra Junior, George Benson, Madeline Bell, Claire Martin, Pee Wee Ellis amongst many others.

The (often) legendary artists we have invited will perform songs that have marked their rich and varied careers, often taking their unique artistry all over the world. With a Q&A section, the stories will flow around the live performances, as Shaw invites you into the peculiar, challenging and exciting world of the recording and touring artist. Come and enjoy this unique, relaxed, revealing, funny and fascinating new Saturday Ronnie’s special, with Ian and guests.