Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Ray Brown Jr., son of jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald and legendary bassist Ray Brown, was born in New York City and grew up in a famous family that included greats such as Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra.

The song selection includes Ella's great hits from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s and combines the singer's favorite pieces as well as those of Ella Fitzgerald's admirers. Ray Brown's stories and the accompanying music make the concert an unforgettable experience.

Ray Brown Jr. is an extraordinary singer who has managed to establish his own, unmistakable voice in jazz. Today he performs all over the world and enchants his audiences with the first notes of his unique sound - an impressive experience that touches the soul.

CAST

Ray Brown Jr. grew up in a world of jazz legends: Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Brown - his parents - as well as greats such as Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra shaped his childhood. At a young age he learned from the best, including the famous drummer Louis Bellson, who played in Ellington's orchestra.

It seemed natural that Ray would take the path into music, especially since he experienced many tours alongside his mother. But instead of competing with the great Ella Fitzgerald, he developed his own style. Ray worked with outstanding artists such as Dr. John and had his own show in Las Vegas in the 1980s and 1990s. He has also released several CDs.

Mike Kaufmann-Portnikow is a versatile pianist, composer and filmmaker. In addition to a classical piano repertoire, he devotes himself to the tradition of style-based and freely improvised jazz music and experimental piano pieces.

In the course of his career, Mike has worked with well-known artists from the European and American music scene, including performances with the Klezmatics (USA), the Glenn Miller USAF Orchestra and participation in Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical "Cats".

Michael Porter is a drummer who effortlessly crosses genre boundaries. He masters the drum set in both a jazz trio and a large symphonic wind orchestra and also leads his own formation, the "Michael Porter Band".