Frith St NE1 @ The Cherry Tree.

Zita Frith (vcl); Lloyd Wright (gtr); Phil Richardson (pno); Ian Paterson (bs); David Francis (dms).

The Way You Look Tonight was the perfect opener for Ms Frith who looked sensational in a mini-dress with a hemline only slightly lower than the ceiling! She sounded good too despite some teething problems with the balance.

A good selection of standards, many of which were heard on the band's previous visit, provided the perfect complement to my Hot Smoked Salmon, Radish, Apple Puree, Wood Sorrel starter.

I was in fish mode tonight and I opted for Whole Grilled Plaice, Brown Shrimp, Cockles, Samphire, Sea Spinach which was delicious but, pleb that I am, I'm not into D.I.Y filleting and it was finicky - back to steak for my next visit.

The set closed with a spirited version of The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B complete with a Reveille blast by guitarist Wright. Lloyd was hot all night and pianist Richardson too had his moments in the sun.

Last week I wallowed in the succulence of the British Strawberry Eton Mess in Rosewater and I saw no reason to change. It was as sensuous as Zita's Choo Choo 'Ch'Boogie done as slowly and evocatively as Louis Jordan's original wasn't. Both versions work.

More sensuality on Loverman as well as great solos from piano and guitar.

Bass and drums held it all together and the final Lullaby of Birdland finished off an enjoyable evening. Not 100% jazz but close enough.

Lance.