Madeline Bell

Following rave reviews of February 2023’s sell-out concert marking Madeline’s 80th birthday, she returns with the world’s most recorded orchestra of its kind. Whilst keeping in the staples, conductor and arranger Matthew Jones delves deeper into Bell’s as-good-as-endless discography to bring you a new programme featuring his celebrated choir. A Newark, New Jersey native, Madeline first arrived in Europe in 1962 with the Alex Bradford Singers and has stayed ever since. The show will take in her gospel beginnings and time as a much sought-after session singer for the likes of Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker and The Rolling Stones, as well as her solo career, dating back to albums such as Bell’s a Poppin’, Doin’ Things and This Is One Girl. For the first time in 30 years, Madeline reunites on stage with Roger Cook, one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation, having penned ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)’, ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’ and ‘Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart’, to name just a few. Sharing lead vocals in Blue Mink, they enjoyed six Top 20 UK hits including ‘Melting Pot’, ‘Good Morning Freedom’ and ‘The Banner Man’. A Ronnie Scott’s favourite, Bell will be accompanied by more recent collaborator Ian Shaw in a nod to her jazz/blues repertoire. Don’t miss this unique event, fronted by a true music stalwart, or “lifer”, as affectionately dubbed by host and interviewer Paul Gambaccini. ‘A mesmerising performance and a concert experience that will long stay in the memory of audience members.’ (Morning Star) ‘It really was a night to remember, proving 80 is the new 60!’ (Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2) ‘The love shown to her not only by her fellow musicians on stage but also by the audience was moving to witness.’ (RnR Magazine)