In 1932, Louis Armstrong was a sensation when he made his European debut at the London Palladium. A year later Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra became the talk of the town when they topped the bill at the same venue performing such classics as Ring Dem Bells, Bugle Call Rag, Black and Tan Fantasy and Mood Indigo.

Now, over 90 years later, the 13-piece Midnite Follies Orchestra (founded by Keith Nichols and Alan Cohen in 1978) recreate the sound of Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra in all its majesty with Vimala Rowe performing as Duke’s featured singer Ivie Anderson in Stormy Weather and It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.

For this concert, Enrico Tomasso plays the role of Louis Armstrong. At the tender age of six, Enrico performed for Louis Armstrong’s arrival in England in 1968 and the two of them became great friends, exchanging letters for the rest of Armstrong’s life. Satchmo’s influence is paramount in Rico’s style and the spirit of this jazz legend lives on in his playing.

Both Louis and the Duke appeared at the Palladium with a number of variety acts of the time (Duke was 14th on the bill after an evening of juggling, tumbling, magic and novelty items). To recreate this style of presentation, the concert also features a selection of fine entertainers, including the Mampara Dance Troupe and Thomas ‘Spats’ Langham performing as George Formby.

Connecting us directly with the world of show business of the early ’30s we have John Sutton who, besides being drummer with the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, Chris Barber and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, is the grandson of music hall star Randolph Sutton who appeared at the Palladium with Duke Ellington.

The concert is presented by master of ceremonies Mr Kerry Shale.

The Jazz Repertory Company has been presenting a wide range of jazz concerts at Cadogan Hall since 2008.  Everything from Ragtime to Modern Jazz, from Swing to Be-Bop, from Bix Beiderbecke to John Coltrane. The concerts are largely acoustic, feature the finest jazz musicians in the UK and from abroad and are renowned for their authenticity, scholarship and most importantly, their emphasis on entertainment.