Walking into Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary jazz club in the heart of Soho, is like stepping into a sacred space for music lovers. It’s a place steeped in history, where the walls have heard everything from Miles Davis’s soaring trumpets to Ella Fitzgerald’s velvet vocals. On this night, the club was alive with a different kind of energy, as The Stacey Brothers, leading their acclaimed Steely Dan tribute project The Royal Scammers, took the stage to deliver a masterful rendition of the jazz-rock legends’ greatest hits.
But even as the band played on, it was hard to forget another icon who once walked these very halls – Amy Winehouse. A regular at Ronnie Scott’s, Amy often slipped into the club to jam with local musicians or simply soak up the vibe as a guest. Her presence is woven into the fabric of the place, yet surprisingly, there isn’t a single photo of her displayed inside. As a fan, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment – I was hoping to catch a glimpse of her immortalised within the club that played such a big part in her life.
The Royal Scammers: A tribute worth its name
For fans of Steely Dan, this was no ordinary tribute gig. The Stacey Brothers have built a reputation for delivering a live experience that goes beyond imitation, and at Ronnie Scott’s, they didn’t disappoint. The 14-piece band brought Steely Dan’s intricate jazz-rock arrangements to life, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric.
Monica costa and Jeremy Stacey
From the first note, it was clear this was a labour of love. The set-list included both iconic hits like Reelin’ in the Years and Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, as well as deep cuts for the hardcore fans. Every note and nuance of the music was recreated with astonishing accuracy.
Paul Stacey’s guitar work was a standout, capturing the virtuosity of Steely Dan’s legendary players like Larry Carlton and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Meanwhile, Jeremy Stacey’s drumming was tight, nuanced, and dynamic, anchoring the complex arrangements with flair. The interplay between the Stacey brothers was the beating heart of the performance, their years of collaboration evident in every moment.
Musicianship at its finest
The musicianship on display was nothing short of exceptional. Andy Ross’s saxophone solos were mesmerising, while Andy Caine handled Donald Fagen’s challenging vocal lines with ease and conviction. The brass section added a richness and depth that perfectly captured Steely Dan’s lush soundscapes.
Monica Costa with Louise, Melanie and Wayne Marshall
Backing vocalist Louise Clare Marshall brought warmth and soul to the harmonies, though she didn’t feature as prominently as I’d hoped. Her sister, sitting next to me at the bar amongst the band’s guests and media, beamed with pride – a touching reminder of the personal connections that make live music so special.
A Ronnie Scott’s experience
Ronnie Scott’s, with its dimly lit tables, crimson walls, and understated elegance, remains one of London’s most iconic venues. It’s a place where the music is always the main event, and the intimate setting allows every note to resonate deeply with the audience.
While the faint smell of fish dishes being served at the tables might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, it was a quirky nod to the club’s modern-day dining service. I couldn’t help but imagine the smokier days of yesteryear, when the air was filled with the aroma of cigars and whisky breaths – an atmosphere Amy herself would have known well during her countless visits here.
It’s said that Amy was often found at Ronnie Scott’s, either jamming with the house band or sitting quietly, soaking in the music that inspired her so deeply. Her absence is palpable, yet her spirit lingers in the notes played and the stories told. The fact that there’s no photo of her displayed in the club adds a certain poignancy – it’s almost as if her memory is kept alive in the music itself, intangible and ever-present.
Ronnie Scott’s famous quote: “Only an idiot would open a jazz club in 1959”
The verdict
For Steely Dan fans, The Stacey Brothers’ The Royal Scammers is as close as you can get to experiencing the real thing. The band’s commitment to authenticity, combined with their technical prowess, made for a night that was equal parts nostalgic and electrifying. From the layered brass arrangements to Paul Stacey’s jaw-dropping guitar solos, every detail was executed with precision and passion.
And then there’s Ronnie Scott’s itself – a venue that remains unparalleled in its ability to transport you to another world. Sitting there, surrounded by the ghosts of musical legends like Amy Winehouse, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of something timeless.
If you’re a fan of Steely Dan or simply love live music, don’t miss The Stacey Brothers the next time they grace Ronnie Scott’s stage. It’s a performance that lingers with you long after the final note fades – a fitting tribute not just to the music of Steely Dan, but to the enduring magic of this iconic venue.