Ruth Lambert @ The Cherry Tree.

Ruth Lambert (vcl), Stu Collingwood (pno), Neil Harland (bs), Paul Smith (dms).

I had a ringside table tonight at the Cherry Tree. Comfortably ensconced, Ruth joined me and thrust the Concise Edition of the Gasbook in front of me and said, "Pick out some tunes for me." Meanwhile, at the other side of me the waitress asked me if I'd like to order?

The food choice was only slightly simpler and I deliberated long before deciding that Black Pudding Terrine with Pickled Apples looked as safe a banker as Newcastle against Stevenage in the FA Cup - well one out of two isn't bad I suppose and the starter was indeed delicious.

For Ruth's starter I wondered what our worthy constituent in York - Gasbook specialist Liz - would have chosen had she been here and there it was - her favourite - It Could Happen To You. A worthy choice that Ruth exploited to the full.

To follow came, I'm Glad There Is You, How High The Moon, that lilting Jobim piece Agua De Beber, Peggy's He's a Tramp, Nightingale Sang in BS, Old Devil Moon and Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea which is where I was when it came to deciding on a main course.

I opted for Rump Steak done medium rare upon the chef's recommendation. The steak was accompanied by French Fries and Peppermint Butter which was just perfect as were Ruth's own accompanists.

The trio opened up the second set with Stu playing All The Things You Are and adding a few more just as he'd done so brilliantly with A Train in the first set. My Spiced Apple Crumble with Nutmeg Ice Cream didn't need tarting up!

Nor did Ruth who gave out with You and The Night and the Music, Way You Look Tonight and I Fall In Love Too Easily. The meals over, the conversation stilled, I felt all four really loosened up on the latter two numbers - one a swinger the other perhaps the most touching ballad ever written (I know there's many more but that one gets me every time).

The Black Orpheus tune that seems to have more names than Elton John's "son" - Tears Of A Fool this time round - featured some good drumming from Paul, No Moon At All, S'wonderful and 'Round Midnight showed Neal to be at his most inscrutable best .

Metro time meant I missed the finale but it had been a very digestible evening both musically and otherwise.

Photos.

Lance.