Lockdown Sessions: Emilia Mårtensson - Live stream from Ronnie Scott's. Feb. 15

Emilia Mårtensson (vocals); Matt Robinson (piano); Luca Boscagin (guitar); Sam Lasserson (bass); Jon Scott (drums).

(Screenshots by Ken Drew)

I last heard Mårtensson back in 2010 at The Spice of Life where she sang a mix of standards, Swedish folk songs, originals and a Paul Simon tune. A mix which, over the years, would appear to be a formula that has stood her well.

Compared to last night's ebullient set by Emma Smith, tonight was a little more low-key but nevertheless, made for an interesting  contrast.

I didn't catch all the titles but they included I Learned it From You; Paul Simon's America; Dat Dere; Here's That Rainy Day; Never Will I Marry; My One and Only Love; Cheek to Cheek and the final We'll be Together Again. The latter number was a bit over the top and would have benefitted from a less theatrical performance.

Robinson had a blinder and Boscagin's guitar solos were also quite special with Lasserson and Scott providing the solidity needed.

Mårtensson? Loved her standards but I would have better appreciated some of the others if I had been more familiar with the Swedish language - but that's just me. Her adoring YouTube fans would no doubt disagree judging by the comments,

Lance