Ruth Lambert CD Launch @ The Saville Exchange, North Shields.

Ruth Lambert (vcl), Mark Williams (gtr), Paul Edis (pno), Andy Champion (bs,), Tim Johnstone (dms), Graham Hardy (tpt), Graeme Wilson (ten).

The girl was nervous, this was a big one for her. Ruth and the team had put a lot of time and effort amid a blaze of local publicity in launching this, her second CD. If she fell flat on her face she'd be doing it in front of a lot of fans and friends - the worst place to fall.

Ruth didn't fall.

Instead, she emerged triumphant and unfaltering. Even in the opening bars of "Easy Street" - the title of the album - her voice never wavered.

It was a brave move to open with just guitar accompaniment but Mark Williams isn't just any guitarist. He fed Ruth the chords giving her the ideal cushion as well as playing a delicate solo of his own.

The applause that followed Mark's solo told Ruth it was going to be okay - the natives were friendly.

Throughout the evening it just got better and better - I doubt if I've ever heard Ruth sound so good. All but one of the songs on the new CD were represented as well as a few from her first CD and each one was on the money.

The encore - "Secret Love" - which Ruth dedicated to Russell had our boy beaming with delight!

The band, fluctuating in size and line-up from number to number, were never superfluous always providing solid content and meaty solos. Mark William's solo on "This Is Always" perhaps the instrumental highlight - sheer magic - although Paul's sensitivity on "Cry Me a River" didn't hurt either. But this was Ruth's night - a night when she moved her profile up a gear or three.

It's a great CD Ruth - every home should have one.

Sorry I couldn't make it to the Maggi Bank afterwards - I hope they rolled out the Red Carpet for you.

Slideshow.

Lance.