ALL THAT JAZZ AT RONNIE SCOTT’S

If anyone was living the dream it was none other than a jazz musician and famous club owner Ronnie Scott. He grew up a poor young Jewish boy in the East End of London in the 1940s But when he started to make his name as a musician, the legendary saxophonist was motivated to become a catalyst and ambassador of jazz music. He was playing in bands that were named after himself. It was either the Ronnie Scott Orchestra or the Ronnie Scott Quintet and several others. Nevertheless, he was always on top of his game and spreading his joy when it came to jazz music.

But what he was also known for was opening up his jazz club in London. He called it Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club which became an iconic club in Soho. But there was more to this jazz legend than the music he played or the musicians he brought to his club. Ronnie Scott was a genius and was ahead of his time.

Director Oliver’s Murray documentary Ronnie’s is a love letter to the man who brought jazz to the forefront. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club opened on Gerrard Street on October 30th, 1959. The small venue became the epicentre of jazz music. He opened the club with his best friend Pete King who helped make the club have legendary status. At first, many locals played at the venue and Ronnie served as the master of the ceremony each night. He was funny and witty with his one-liners. This is where he transformed from an adult to a kid when he gave way to the musicians to play.

America’s Got Talent

Ronnie Scott, Pete King and booking agent Paul Pace were surprised of where they were getting their talent. This happened to be in America where a lot of jazz musicians flew over the pond to rock Ronnie’s. The local musicians were not working out. So America’s finest such as Zoot Sims, Roland Kirk, Gilles Peterson, Miles Davis and Ellie Fitzgerald would perform their hearts out. Whether it would be jazz, bebop, blues or gospel, the nightly talent mesmerized the crowd while enjoying their cocktails and martinis.

What is so fascinating about every musician that walked through the doors of Ronnie’s is how they came to perform. The physicality of their performances is second to none as you see them stretching the limits of human capacity. Such as Dizzy Gillespie whose cheeks and neck would grow to enormous proportions while playing the saxophone. Or even drummer Buddy Rich where his solo was just incomprehensible. He was using all of his strength to drum this solo that would also stretch and go beyond musical composition. Just like many artists that came to play, Buddy Rich was very physical in his performances.

Pure Archival Footage

Nevertheless, the footage of these performances taken at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is pure in spirit. You will never catch a more organic feel than listening and watching jazz musicians captured on old cameras. This archival footage is an art form in itself. Footage like this don’t come around too often. For documentary and jazz fans, this is like being a kid in a candy shop.

You see the blood, sweat and tears that go into playing jazz music and how challenging it can be. But so rewarding when the audience embraces you. Even though during those times it was not as rewarding when it came to dollars and cents. Some of those notable performances were from Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix. Even Ronnie Scott himself was surprised that he had this type of talent at his club.

Last Night in Soho?

There were problems that Ronnie Scott faced and had to overcome. There were complaints that his club was too small and that the stage could not even hold a proper band. That is why he had to move the club to a larger venue at Frith street in 1965. There were times that Ronnie Scott would gamble much of his earnings away. The club was always struggling to stay afloat as his partner Pete King would say. Despite the troubles, all walks of life came to venture. Especially a lot of hotshot gangsters who wanted to buy the club and have a piece of this pie. Every night felt like it was their last night in Soho because it was always special.

The catalyst of jazz

Ronnie’s is a perfect documentary narrated by Ronnie Scott himself. The film is done through audio footage and many live recorded interviews which he gave while smoking a cigarette. This blends with the narration from those who were closest to him. This includes his partner Mary Scott, Stella King who’s was Pete’s partner and his daughter Rebecca and of course.

Ronnie’s is a film that shows how we were all once able to gather as one. To be able without restrictions to go to a venue, enjoy music, a martini or cocktail and the company of others. It did not matter if you were black, white, woman or man, rich or poor. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club was where the magic was created. All from a man who was both inspired and motivated by jazz music. The music in this club along with this film is astounding.

The iconic club still stands in London today with different owners. But those moments that Ronnie himself created with all those musicians coming every night to play at his club will never be recreated. Especially during this pandemic, nothing like that will ever be duplicated or even come close. To be part of that history back then was a wonderful world. But being mindful of what Ronnie would have wanted will sustain the future of this place. But the music must continue to live on.