This delightful soirée was a somewhat intimate gathering of discerning aficionados who nevertheless enjoyed Ruth, Paul and Mick's selections from the gasbook. Ruth, despite singing to a less than crowded room, was in good voice - particularly on "Trouble is a Man" - a fine Alec Wilder composition that I first heard sung by Carol Kidd many years ago. Sarah Vaughan also did something with it. Mention of Alec Wilder brings another tune to mind that I would like to hear Ruth put her stamp of authority on - "I'll Be Around."Paul Edis, on piano, continued his winning streak from Monday at the Side with more brilliant solos as well as a few bursts on flute. Mick Shoulder handled the responsibility placed on his shoulders (no pun intended) of being the bass player in a drummerless rhythm section with ease as well as soloing effectively.
For a bonus, John Wheeler blew a couple of numbers on tenor; he should be heard more often; he gets a good sound.
The trio worked hard; in fact the only person who had an easy night was the doorman (me).
4 comments :
Hi Lance
Another great gig by Ruth and the boys eh? No surprise there.I wish I could have been there.
The upstairs room lends itself well to those wishing to hear a top class vocalist in an intimate setting.I agree that it would be interesting to hear Ruth tackle I'll Be Around.Have I heard Tony Bennett do a rather good version of the tune? Come to think of it the man does good versions of anything!
Russell
There is a distinct shortage of those wishing to hear a top class vocalist in an intimate setting - unfortunately.
Yes Russell, Tony Bennett did do a good version of "I'll Be Around". I also think that Doris Day did one too. Lovely middle 8, as is common with all the good songs of the era. Talking of good vocalists I always appreciate it when they sing the verse, it is the natural lead into the song so therefore essential. Ella always did it.
Doris Day's version of "I'll Be Around" was one of the first records (10" 78rpm)I bought. It was the flipside of "Lullaby of Broadway". Then I heard Sinatra doing it on the "Wee Small Hours" album; talk about poignant! It personified unrequited love. Instrumentally, the late alto player Frank Morgan laid down the benchmark.
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