Ray Gelato

Ray Gelato has been taking his special brand of jazz, blues and R&B music all over the world for more than thirty years, earning the moniker “The Godfather of Swing” for his unique vocal flair and sax virtuosity. Based in the U.K., Ray has appeared at top jazz festivals, clubs and concert stages all over Europe, the USA and many other destinations, including repeat performances at The Blue Note in Milan and the Umbria Jazz Festival.

Back home in London, Ray has held a residency at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for many years, performed with Robbie Williams at Royal Albert Hall in London, entertained at Paul McCartney’s wedding, and delivered a command performance for Queen Elizabeth at The Ritz Hotel.

His approach to music is full of fun, yet he never stops displaying his serious jazz talent. He can fire up an audience with the vocal stylings of singers like Louis Prima and Dean Martin, then captivate them with a ballad played on his lush sounding tenor sax. Highly regarded by critics internationally, Ray is recognized for his reverent approach to the standards and the distinct imprint he leaves on the classic jazz tradition.

Ray gained increased notoriety when he was featured in a commercial for Levi’s Dockers performing the classic Louis Prima hit “Tu Vuo’ Fa L'Americano”. This was followed by television appearances and the recording of several popular CDs. His newest album “Live at Ronnie Scott’s” was just released for Christmas 2024.

When performing in the USA, Ray teams up with the acclaimed City Rhythm Orchestra, dubbed “Philly’s premier swing outfit” by Philadelphia Magazine. The band is led by Pete Spina and Nick Vallerio, and their high voltage style is a natural fit for Gelato’s show. City Rhythm has had great success presenting a wide variety of musical genres in shows all along the East Coast and other parts of the USA and Europe, including 15 tours of Italy. The group has produced several fine CDs on Limehouse Records including “Goin’ to Town”, “City Rhythm Strikes Again” and “Swingin’ Blue”. In 2005 they released “Vibrant Tones” with jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco, landing on the Top 20 Jazz Charts for 18 weeks (JazzWeek, Inc.).

Ray Gelato and City Rhythm have together performed at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night, Birdland Jazz Club and the Blue Note in New York City, the Foxwoods Casino, Chicago’s Grant Park Summer Fest, Glen Echo Ballroom in Washington DC, and many casinos and clubs in Atlantic City and Philadelphia.

When Ray Gelato teams up with City Rhythm’s 4 horns and swinging rhythm section, it is an evening of non-stop fireworks. They are excited to present their 2025 USA tour.