Ruth Lambert Quartet @ The Lit & Phil - July 21

Ruth Lambert (vocals), Dean Stockdale (piano), Michael Dunlop (double bass) & Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell/Photo © Brian Ebbatson)

I’ve Got the World on a String, and so she had. This packed house at the Lit and Phil rolled up to hear the GAS book interpreted by one of its great interpreters. Ruth Lambert arrived in good time, time enough to sit at the piano to play and sing for her own amusement. The band arrived in due course; first Guildhall student bassist Michael Dunlop. A first meeting between the pair, Dunlop a dep recommendation by Lambert’s peers. Drummer Russ Morgan parked outside to off load then drove off to find a parking meter. Pianist Dean Stockdale strolled in. The quartet got into a huddle to agree on a programme as the audience took its many seats in the Loftus Room.

This monthly Friday lunchtime concert promotion at the Lit and Phil on Westgate Road, Newcastle is a guarantee of quality; Ms Lambert doesn’t do anything other. But Beautiful, ‘S Wonderful, Ruth Lambert’s fabulous swinging style challenges the ‘can’t dance, won’t dance’ types to straighten up and dance, right, or at least shuffle in their seats. Former Jambone bassist Michael Dunlop gained an insight into Lambert’s two hundred plus song book: first lesson, it’s a tad disorganised. Lambert jokingly reassured Dunlop that he’d find the tune in the last of several books scattered around. The wonder of jazz – a first meeting, getting to grips with the material as you go (Dunlop a study in jazz concentration!), our bassist did just fine. Beautiful Love, Jobim’s Corcovado with Lambert offering a solo to Dunlop…was our bassist thinking/cursing : thanks a lot, Ruth! All good stuff.                   

Bonnie Raitt’s Love Me Like a Man should be considered as an addendum to Lambert’s GAS book; a raucous, bluesy workout, on this occasion featuring a bluesy Dean Stockdale at the piano. A One Note Samba with all the words in the right order (fantastic vocals!), followed by a respectful reading of You Don’t Know What Love Is, this was Lambert on top form. It was just on two, time to go out in up tempo fashion with How High the Moon and its in-the-moment ragged ending. Good, that’s jazz!     

There isn’t a Lunchtime Jazz Concert at the Lit and Phil promotion in August, however, September promises to be extra special with an appearance by Zoe Rahman. The concert on September 29th, starting at 1:15pm is a co-promotion by Jazz North East’s ‘Women Make Music’ series, Jazz at the Lit and Phil, Gem Arts and the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music. Tickets - £10.00. and £8.00.- are on sale now (and already selling fast!). To secure your ticket telephone the Lit and Phil – 0191 232 0192.

Russell