A TRIBUTE to the godfather of big band jazz will be paid as a singer steps up to the mic for a special concert in Maidenhead.

Natasha Seale, a former West End leading lady, will perform at Norden Farm this Saturday (February 19) to celebrate American composer, Duke Ellington.

Natasha said audiences can expect the delights of Duke Ellington’s most well-known, well-loved songs.

“A special influence behind this show is Ella's 1957 album with the Duke - a seminal album and I want to share the joy of these songs and the spirit in which they were written,” she said.

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“Years ago I met a jazz quintet in the Colorado Mountains and they said if you can sing Ellington's music, you're in." 

Being a major figure in jazz history, Duke led his band for more than half a century and was one of the originators of big band jazz.

The Duke Ellington Songbook features songs such as The A Train, Satin Doll, Sophisticated Lady and It Don’t Mean A Thing If you Ain’t Got That Swing.

She added: “To sing in such a historic space as Norden Farm with its inspiring story and great community is a great privilege, we can't wait.”

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Natasha has previously starred as leady lady in London’s West End productions including Les Misérables, Aspects of Love and Mamma Mia.

She will be joined by band members Alex Bryson, on keys, Robert Rickenberg, on double bass, and Matt Home, playing drums.