City Rhythm Orchestra

Ray Gelato has been a successful performer in Europe and around the world for more than thirty years, acclaimed for both his Louis Prima styled vocals and big toned tenor sax playing influenced by greats like Illinois Jacquet and Charlie Ventura. Based in London, Ray has performed at the most notable international jazz festivals, nightclubs and concert halls. He holds yearly residencies at Ronnie Scott’s in London and the Blue Note in Milan, and returned this summer to headline at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy for the 10th year. Ray has produced numerous successful albums over the years and recently released “With All Due Respect”, a toast to the great tenor sax masters; and “Live in London” with his swing band the Ray Gelato Giants. When touring the USA, Ray teams up with City Rhythm Orchestra from Philadelphia. City Rhythm has been dazzling audiences for many years and has earned the reputation as one of today’s finest big bands. Led by Pete Spina and Nick Vallerio, the group has consistently cooked up exciting music with their distinct style and sound. They’ve been praised by audiences and critics in both their hometown of Philadelphia and around the world. Their non-stop energy was dubbed “great music and great fun” by the New York Times. The band has been featured at major concert venues throughout the USA and in Europe, with notable shows at the Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center, Lincoln Center, Highline Ballroom, Birdland, the Blue Note, Glen Echo Ballroom, Sweets Ballroom, and at festivals in Rome, Florence, Perugia, Amsterdam, Cologne and Bordeaux. City Rhythm has recorded several successful CDs, including “Goin’ to Town” (1994), “Swinging Blue” (1997), “City Rhythm Strikes Again” (1999), “Sounds of Hope” (2001), “Vibrant Tones” (2005), “Songs You Can Live By” (2012), and “Feel the Rhythm” (2019). “Vibrant Tones” featured renowned jazz artist Joey DeFrancesco on the Hammond B3 organ and earned a spot on the national jazz charts for 18 weeks. The collaboration of Ray Gelato with City Rhythm always results in a high energy evening to remember.