Jazz music will never sound the same again after listening to the diverse style and expertise of the amazing line-up that has been set for the musical spectacular that will be the Ralph Munnings Jazz Band Concert.
Ronnie Butler, Duke Errol Strachan, Freddie Munnings, Naomi Taylor, Osano Neely and Anushka Wright headline the Saturday, June 23 event at Old Fort Bay Clubhouse which will be the talk of the town, as it celebrates jazz saxophone legend Ralph Munnings. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m.
Adding even more flavor to this jazzy affair, the legend himself -- Ralph Munnings will perform.
"This is going to be a great occasion. I have always been passionate about my work and I intend to bring that same love and talent I've always displayed to this upcoming event," said Munnings.
"This event will be really special to me, not only because I'm being honored which is an amazing thing to me, but also because I will be playing in concert with some old friends from when I first started as well as meeting up with some new musicians who I've had different opportunities to play with."
He said the concert will be a treat for jazz enthusiasts and even those who will listen to the music for the first time.
"It will truly be an evening of entertainment, relaxation and sensation. The level of talent that will be displayed throughout the event is not something one sees everyday and the fusion of more modern jazz fusions should be an exciting experience," he said.
Concert organizer, Naomi Taylor, believes the evening will be a sensational, classy and elegant way to spend a Saturday evening.
"It will be a black tie affair with wonderful hors d'oeuvres, beautiful music and singing, great company and a great environment," she said. "Not to mention honoring Ralph Munnings in this way is something special. He has really done a lot to influence the current generation of musicians and we should honor him for what he has done. It's time to recognize the men and women who have paved the way for us in this industry and give them their accolades while they are alive."
The fusion of youth and maturity, old-school jazz to modern mixtures will add an extra pop of character and intrigue to the event according to Taylor. As one of the featured vocalists she said she feels honored to be a part of the melting pot of talent that will be performing on Saturday night.
"You can expect a wide array of talent and style with the performers all evening long. It has been well organized and the execution will be flawless. You can expect to hear different jazz and music styles from Latin jazz, classic jazz, blues and even famous Bahamian ballads. This will be dynamic and beautiful. You do not want to miss out on this event."
Adding more vibrant flavor to the show will be musicians like pianist Clinton Crawford, bassist Adrian D'Aguilar, drummer Neil Symonette, alto saxophonist Tino Richardson, tenor saxophonist Dion Turnquest, trombonist Teddy Russell, trumpeter Lamont Gibson, and percussionists Peanuts Taylor and Kevin Dean.
Proceeds from the night that is expected to be the talk of the town will go to the Ralph Munnings Musicians Mentoring Fund which was recently established to encourage upcoming musicians. With the new program Munnings will be coming to New Providence to do monthly master classes in woodwind instruments for interested youngsters.
The classes are a way for Munnings who began his career in music in the 1950s and has played with the likes of Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte and Ben E. King to give back, and train the next generation.
"It would be a crime to let musicians like Munnings die out and the younger generations not benefit," said Taylor.
Tickets for the jazz concert can be purchased at Custom Computers locations in the Cable Beach Plaza and Harbour Bay Shopping Centre.

Jazz Concert
When: Saturday, June 23
Where: Old Fort Bay Clubhouse
Time: 7 p.m. for cocktail 8 p.m.
Cost: $75

Performers
Headliner
Ralph Munnings
Vocalists
Duke Errol Strachan
Osano Neely
Anushka Wright
Naomi Taylor
Freddie Munnings
Ronnie Butler
The core band
Clinton Crawford - pianist and musical director
Adrian D'Aguilar - bass
Neil Symonette - drums
Guests instrumentalists
Tino Richardson - alto sax
Dion Turnquest - tenor sax
Teddy Russell - trombone
Lamont Gibson - trumpet
Peanuts Taylor - percussion
Kevin Dean - percussion

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