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.
Lance.
3 comments :
Loved the variety provided by "fluctuating" the band. Certain numbers showed that sometimes "less is more" (Easy Street, Cry me a River, for example)while the numbers which closed each set, and the encore, had a six-piece sounding like a big band such was the quality of arrangements and performance. A great night. Thanks, Ruth!
Hi Lance
That was one great night!
Russell
Review of Ruth Lambert is spot on. I am still recovering from the excellence of Mark William's solo on "This Is Always! Keep up the great work.
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