Known for her expressive voice and charismatic stage presence, Bell has been captivating audiences since 1987 and will be joined by Ian Shaw on piano for these dates. Bell has collaborated with many notable artists over the years including Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Scott Walker, Long John Baldry, Joe Cocker, and Elton John.
She started her career in the mid-50s, singing in a local gospel choir. Her talent took her around the globe, and she notably toured Europe with the musical ‘Black Nativity’ in 1962. Bell settled in London after the tour. She collaborated with many famous artists, such as Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Scott Walker, Long John Baldry, Joe Cocker, and Elton John, in her role as a backing singer. Her 1967 solo album in the UK featured the song ‘Picture Me Gone’, which is heralded as a significant Northern Soul classic. Later in the 1960s, Bell became a part of the pop group Blue Mink, where she contributed to the popular hit ‘Melting Pot’. The upcoming shows promise a blend of jazz and soul, showcasing Bell’s musical prowess.
Shaw was originally encouraged by Ronnie Scott himself and has become a multi-award-winning singer, pianist, producer, actor and broadcaster with twenty critically acclaimed albums to his name. His long list of collaborators includes Cedar Walton, Cleo Laine, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Guy Barker, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Wheeler, Michael MacDonald, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Abdullah Ibrahim, Kurt Elling and Mark Murphy. Shaw tours internationally and has four albums on US labels. His recent release, ‘Greek Street Friday’ (‘smart and soulful’ The Guardian) is followed in 2024 with an album of Strayhorn classics, alongside saxophonist, Tony Kofi.