Spice of Life.

Hard on the heels of Lee Konitz it might be thought that the Spice would be a let down

Of course it never is - what you see is what you get and tonight you got plenty.

I arrived midway through Kerry Hodgkin set - Kerry sang an assortment of contemporary classics - even Roxanne - plus lots of Van Morrison. Have you noticed how much VM is infiltrating the jazz repertoire? No bad thing. Kerry does it good and her new CD is worth looking out for.

On piano, Jenny Carr - a new name for me - played some great backing as well as punchy solos - watch this space. Julian Berry on bass and Jonathon Lee on drums were a sound rhythm section.

After Kerry's departure the singers came fast and furious with, as usual, the ladies outnumbering the men.

There really is a conveyer belt churning out these girls and who's complaining?!

The minority sex included Victor (You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You), Peter (Deed I Do) before the girls moved back into power.

Maggie Burrowes sang Bye Bye Blackbird - she really got into the song - Miles with words.

Val Kelly exuded class on The Nearness of You - a hint of Dinah/Sarah. Esther Bennett knocked out On A Clear Day - those heels that voice!

Penultimately, Kai Hoffman sang Teach Me Tonight - you can join my class anytime - and, for the grand finale, Kerry and Kai joined forces for the rockingest Route 66 you'll ever hear this side of Gallop, New Mexico. To make sure it reached San Bernadino Esther and Peter kicked in.

Lee Konitz? Oh yes, that was earlier.

Photos.

Lance.