Acclaimed jazz vocalist Atila celebrates one of the defining voices of the Twentieth Century, Nat King Cole in ‘King For A Day’ at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on 27 June.
This thoughtful and entertaining show takes a fresh look at the life and work of the timeless Nat King Cole – whose vocal styling in songs such as ‘Nature Boy’, ‘Unforgettable’ and ‘When I Fall in Love’ defined a golden era of music and earned him a place in the history of American music as one of the most iconic vocalists of all time.
Sartorially stylish and musically classy, Atila’s interpretations of the American Songbook are internationally renowned, taking influence from early Frank Sinatra. Sir Michael Parkinson was “very impressed with his singing, he has a real feel for the lyric”, while Pete Waterman told him “I could sit and listen to you all day”.
Atila started his professional career with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and has toured extensively with the legendary Buddy Greco, who said, “I was knocked out by Atila. He has the voice and the class to show the world what great music is all about”. In 2006, Buddy invited him to sing at his own club, Buddy Grecos in Cathedral City, California. Whilst there Buddy told him “You’re gonna be a star, kid”. Buddy and Atila toured again in 2008, highlights of which was an appearance with the BBC Big Band at the 30th Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, broadcast on BBC Radio 2 Big Band Special and four nights at Ronnie Scott’s in London. In 2013, Atila was invited to perform with Buddy Greco for his 70th Anniversary Celebration.
King For A Day sees Atila and his group of musicians performing many of Nat King Cole’s most celebrated songs, alongside stylish reworkings of his lesser-known gems, enhanced with narration and projected archive images.
King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story will be at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 27 June at 7.30pm. Tickets are £19, ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see the website www.theapex.co.uk for more details, or to book.
