About this event
The powerhouse legendary New Jersey-born singer, Madeline Bell, comes to The Ropetackle, alongside one of her long-time collaborators, the BBC and Parliamentary award-winning singer, pianist and broadcaster, Ian Shaw.
The voice of Blue Mink ('Melting Pot', 'Good Morning Freedom') and one of the world's most-heard session singers (Joe Cocker, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer) Madeline went on to a dazzling solo career, touring with the world’s greatest orchestras, headlining The Talk of The Town, Ronnie Scott's, as well as featuring in the Soul Brittania tour. Her association with Dusty Springfield is widely known – she was there from the beginning, her gospel-drenched voice creating the Dusty sound.
With Ian Shaw at the piano, these two old friends weave a magical evening – whether singing Hal David and Burt Bacharach classics together (Ian recorded 'Alfie' in New York, with the Titan US pianist, Cedar Walton) or telling musical and showbiz stories, this concert is unmissable. Expect searing ballads, swinging songs from the American classic canon, the odd surprise (!) and of course, the unmistakable voice of an era – Madeline Bell.
"She's one of the greats" (Elton John)
"The real sound of classic pop and soul." (Paul Gambaccini)
"A tour de force" (The Guardian)
