Opening up with a somewhat restrained Stomping at the Savoy followed by a cool, laid back, The End of a Love Affair - re-phrased almost re-written - Lindsay then took the band up a gear for Blue Monk. This was the first time I'd heard a vocal version of Monk's famous composition and I hope it won't be the last. Likewise my Atlantic Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail and Whisky Marie Rose.
Out of consideration for the diners this first set was quite low key. Unfortunately, some of the diners didn't show the same consideration which made the slower, more tender numbers, not always easy to hear. And while we're talking tender my Eight Hour Confit of Pork with Spiced Red Cabbage and Sour Cherries was the tenderest, most succulent cut of pork I have ever tasted! Last week's turkey was good but this was sensational - in France the chef would be made a member of la Légion d'honneur for a dish like this! And a dish like Lindsay would surely join that exclusive club for her renditions of Why Try To Change Me Now? Blue Motel Room, In Walked Bud and Harold Arlen's So Long Big Time.
But Beautiful, Stormy Weather, Lullaby of Birdland and, to finish, an up tempo Long Ago and Far Away.
Which went nicely with my Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce.
Alan Law, as ever, was a tower of strength soloing and 'comping whilst John Pope and Mark Robertson kept the engine room ticking over.
This was a class act in a class place all that is needed is an audience mute!
Lance.
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