Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald by her only son Ray Brown Jr., Mike Kaufman-Portnikov & Michael Porter Band.

This is not just a concert; it’s an opportunity to experience the world of Ella Fitzgerald firsthand. Ray Brown Jr. is the son of jazz queen Ella Fitzgerald and the legendary jazz bassist Ray Brown. He was born in New York City and grew up in a famous family where Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and many others were regular guests during his childhood.

Ray Brown Jr. is an unparalleled singer who has managed to find his own unique voice in the world of jazz. Today, Ray actively performs worldwide, captivating us from the very first notes with the magical timbre of his voice and impressing us with his uniqueness! The selection of songs reflects Ella’s great successes from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s – all of which are the singer’s favorites and those of her great admirer. His stories resonate and, combined with the music, create an unforgettable experience.

Participants of the concert project:

Ray Brown Jr. grew up surrounded by jazz titans: Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and many others. In his youth, his teacher was the famous drummer from Ellington’s orchestra – Louis Belson. Thus, there was no question about which path the young Ray would take, especially since he spent a lot of time touring with Ella. Having such famous parents is both a blessing and a curse; there is a risk of living in the shadow of their fame. Fortunately, Ray did not compete with his magnificent mother (which is simply impossible) but found his own way – in singing, style, and stage presence. He worked with the most famous bluesman Dr. John and many other artists, had his own show in Las Vegas during the 1980s and 1990s, and released several CDs.

His life and artistic journey are well reflected in the album “Family and Friends”: Here, he sings duets with musicians whom his profession brought him together with, ultimately developing friendships. For this, he has been honored with a number of music awards. Ray Brown Jr. is an intelligent musician and a wonderful person who brings a great deal of positivity and kindness to his performances.

Mike Kaufman-Portnikov is a virtuoso pianist, composer, and filmmaker hailing from a family of musicians, filmmakers, and inventors. He debuted on the piano at the age of 4. Musical legends such as Mozart, Art Tatum, George Gershwin, Oscar Peterson, and Vladimir Horowitz became his virtual mentors. Throughout his career, Mike has collaborated with renowned stars from both the European and American scenes, including performances with the Klezmatics (USA), the Glenn Miller USAF Orchestra, and participation in the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats.”

For the last five years, Mike has been closely working with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, further solidifying his place in the global music scene. European press has dubbed him the “king of improvisation” and the “sorcerer of notes,” highly appreciating his ability to enchant audiences with both his spontaneity and mastery. Once, the mayor of Edinburgh chose to attend one of Mike’s concerts instead of a football match, which speaks to the magnetic pull of his music.

Mike’s performances are a masterful blend of emotions, ranging from fiery expression to delicate tenderness. His music does not just reach the ears; it touches the soul. How does he achieve this? It’s simple: in his hands, the piano becomes as powerful and enchanting as Harry Potter’s magic wand.

Michael Porter also received his first drum lessons from the city orchestra in Schramberg/Black Forest at the age of 7. In 1987, he founded his drum school “Rhythmpoint” in Laupheim and studied for 7 years with Cloy Petersen at “Drummers Focus” in Munich. He also took lessons from Karl Latham (USA), Chad Wackerman (USA), and Wolfgang Lackerschmid. Numerous band and concert projects followed, including collaborations with Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb, and Joo Kraus. Michael Porter was the drummer for the musical productions of “Fame,” “Grease,” and “West Side Story.”

In 2009, he toured Ukraine with his daughters Jessica and Vanessa as the “Porter Percussion Duo.” Porter also taught in Vinnytsia and at the Odessa Music Academy. His current regular formations include his big band “Brassport,” the funk and soul band “The Soul Empire,” the “Daimler Swing Ensemble” (led by Felice Civitareale), as well as the project “Hollywood, James Bond & more” – a 30-member orchestra focusing on film music. Michael Porter sees himself as a stylistic boundary crosser – he plays as a drummer in a jazz trio as well as in a large symphonic wind orchestra, and he leads the “Michael Porter Band.”