Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson and their Little Big Band

A Tribute to Ray Charles and Betty Carter featuring Scott Aruda, John Aruda and David Maxwell

Called “riveting” by The Boston Globe and ”truly great" by Dr. John, guitarist/vocalist Ritcher and vocalist Nelson both sprang from musical families (Ritcher’s grandfather led a big band in the 50s that mined the rich vein of Ellington and Basie classics) and both led their own highly successful bands in the Boston area in the early part of this decade. Both moved to New York City in 2004 and then formed the soul, country, rock, blues and gospel duo that has ignited audiences on their return trips to the Boston area.

Both artists share crossover dreams. Last December, Ms. Nelson made a stirring appearance at The Real Deal singing 30s jazz with the Kendrick Oliver New Life Jazz Orchestra. Now she and Mr. Ritcher plan a tribute to what many see as the ultimate jazz and blues crossover recording, the eponymous Ray Charles and Betty Carter, recorded in 1961. Augmenting their usual instrumentation with a full horn section featuring the brothers Aruda on trumpet and saxophone and a rhythm section led by pianist David Maxwell, they will render such duet classics as Just You, Just Me, Cocktails For Two, People Will Say We’re in Love, Baby It’s Cold Outside and many others, in the manner of Mr. Charles and Ms. Carter, as well as individual signature tunes of the two honored masters.

2nd Show - 9:30 pm