The magic of Lizzie Ball and James Pearson
Friday 14th July
Lichfield Cathedral
Some of the glitz and glamour of one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs rubs off on Lichfield this summer. We’re welcoming James Pearson, Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s, and regular Ronnie’s guest, violinist and vocalist Lizzie Ball for three superb shows.
They wowed audiences last year with their sensational arrangements of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and the American Classics, so much so that we’ve snapped them up as Associate Artists for the next three years.
We chatted to Lizzie about the partnership. “We have worked on many shows together at Ronnie’s, both on James’s own productions and also on my own venture, Classical Kicks, which I created in 2012 and made a monthly residency at the club.”
We can’t wait to hear them together in Celebrating the Songwriters, which they’ll perform with an exceptional all-star band. It’s a golden opportunity to revel in the fabulous creative genius of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the late, great, Burt Bacharach. Expect hit songs like King’s You’ve Got A Friend and (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman to Mitchell’s Both Sides Now and River, plus Bacharach’s The Look of Love, Walk on By, and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again to some of his unforgettable film music.
“It’s such a highlight for me, because these are songwriters who I have been particularly attached to my whole life,” says Lizzie. “Carole King is just the epitome of a female icon in music, her songs totally encapsulate the essence of the human condition, I feel particularly from the feminine side. I am really excited to be singing a few of her true classics, alongside some beautiful timeless songs from the incredible Joni Mitchell – again, another totally epic female legend, and one I really can identify with, in both her personal and musical life.”
James and his band also join Broadway star Melissa Errico in The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby, and Lizzie presents a fascinating show – Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky: A Musical Portrait, with accordionist Miloš Milivojević.