A new book, Ronnie Scott’s 1959–69, published by Reel Art Press, celebrates the legacy of the legendary jazz venue on its 60th anniversary:
Ask any jazz musician in the world where they found their artistic home and, without doubt, the answer would be Birdland in New York and Ronnie Scott’s in London. No other jazz venue in Europe has ever come close to achieving the reputation and affection shown to Ronnie Scott’s, perhaps because of the rapport between Ronnie, the musicians and the aficionados. This book is a genuine treasure trove of images celebrating the best jazz musicians in the world, performing live, or relaxing in unguarded moments in a setting exclusively created for them by jazz lover Ronnie Scott and immortalised by the extraordinary Freddy Warren, an incredible talent who lived to celebrate music. This is their history and their story.
Ronnie Scott and Sonny Rollins having a tune up © Freddy Warren
Ella Fitzgerald and the audience at Ronnie Scott's Frith Street © Freddy Warren
Jimmy Smith practice © Freddy Warren
Yusef Lateef, Stan Tracey and Rick Laird cooking © Freddy Warren
Tony Bennett and Eddie Lockjaw Davis © Freddy Warren
Bill Evans at Freddy Warren's studio before a performance at Ronnie Scott's © Freddy Warren
Ronnie Scott's Neon Sign © Freddy Warren
A selection of the photos are on display at the Barbican Library.
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