Few artists can boast both a personal connection to jazz royalty and a career spanning four decades on the world stage. This November, audiences in Poznań will have the rare opportunity to experience Ray Brown Jr live, the son of legendary bassist Ray Brown and the one and only Ella Fitzgerald. His concert at the Blue Note Jazz Club promises not only masterful music but also stories, charm, and a living bridge to the golden age of jazz.
A Voice Shaped by Jazz Royalty
Ray Brown Jr was born in 1949 into one of the most iconic families in American music. His father, Ray Brown, was one of the greatest double bassists in jazz history, and his mother, Ella Fitzgerald, remains the “First Lady of Song.” Though Brown Jr forged his own path, the echoes of his parents’ influence are always present in his performances.
Unlike his mother, Ray Jr did not immediately step into the spotlight. His career unfolded gradually, and by the 1980s he had established himself as a touring artist. In 2001, his debut album Slow Down for Love placed him among the most respected jazz vocalists of the era, praised for its warm tone, emotional phrasing, and timeless quality.
Since then, Ray Brown Jr has released multiple albums and performed worldwide, gaining recognition as both a singer and storyteller. On stage, he shares anecdotes about his life and the unforgettable world of jazz that shaped him, giving audiences a glimpse behind the curtain of history.
My philosophy is to make the audience feel better when they leave than when they arrived. It’s a mix of Frank Sinatra’s approach and my father’s: make every show as if it were your last and never do anything halfway.
Says Ray Brown Jr.
A Special Concert in Poznań
Ray Brown Jr’s upcoming Polish tour includes stops in Warsaw, Łódź, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, and Kraków. But for Poznań’s jazz lovers, the highlight will be his performance on 12 November 2025 at 20:00 at the Blue Note Jazz Club on Kościuszki Street.
The Blue Note itself is a local legend. Opened in the late 1990s, it quickly became one of Poland’s premier venues for live jazz, hosting both Polish and international stars. Named after the famous jazz label, the club’s intimate setting is its greatest strength. With just the right acoustics and a close connection between audience and performers, Blue Note concerts often feel like private encounters with music history. Over the years, it has welcomed names such as Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis, and Tomasz Stańko. For Ray Brown Jr, it’s the perfect stage—a place where his mix of music and storytelling can resonate directly with the audience.
Accompanying him on stage will be the Jermakow Live Band, featuring Andrzej Jermakow on piano, Artur Lipiński on drums, and Ludmiła Krukowska on double bass. Together, they will provide the rich musical backdrop for Brown’s soulful voice.
Ray Brown Jr in Concert – Poznań
- Date: 12 November 2025, 20:00
- Venue: Blue Note Jazz Club, ul. Kościuszki 79, Poznań
- Tickets: Available via dreamshows.eu
Practical Information for Visitors
The concert begins at 20:00, but given the Blue Note’s popularity, it’s advisable to arrive early. The club is located at ul. Kościuszki 79, just a short walk from both Stary Browar shopping centre and Poznań Główny railway station. For those using public transport, tram lines running along ul. Królowej Jadwigi and ul. Gwarna stop nearby, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city. Parking is limited in the immediate area, so using public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services is recommended.
Inside, the Blue Note offers table seating and a cozy bar. Jazz fans often recommend booking tickets in advance, as concerts with international stars tend to sell out quickly. For those visiting Poznań from outside the city, staying overnight nearby is easy—numerous hotels and apartments are within walking distance of the venue.
Why This Night Will Be Special
Ray Brown Jr’s appearance in Poznań is an intimate evening with a man whose life has always been tied to jazz. The son of two legends, he is also an accomplished artist in his own right, carrying the tradition forward with authenticity, humor, and respect for the music.
This November at the Blue Note Jazz Club, expect blues, swing, ballads, and stories only someone raised at Ella Fitzgerald’s table could tell. This is more than a show—it’s an encounter with history, memory, and timeless sound!
