JATLP: Ruth Lambert Quartet - June 17

Ruth Lambert (vocals); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Tim Johnston (drums).

When it comes to north east based (and beyond) jazz singers there are few, if any, better than Ruth Lambert when it comes to getting to the heart of a lyric. Indeed her take on But Beautiful has been known to bring tears to the eyes of all but the hardest of hearts. The tears may not have gushed this time around but they certainly came close!

You and the Night and the Music got things moving and it soon became obvious that this was no throw away, take the money and run, gig - Ruth and the guys were playing for keeps.

Over the years, Ruth has made an impression on me at a variety of venues - Blaydon Jazz Club, Side Café, Corner House and, of course, the Customs House Big Band whom she's singing with tonight at St. Cuthbert's Centre in Crook. These are but a few and I've enjoyed every one of them that I've been to but, post pandemic, her voice seems to have taken on a new dimension. A greater range, more adventurous phrasing and complete control - the real deal.

Likewise, Alan Law too seems to have raised his game developing into the man to go to for swinging piano. Hearing him on the Lit & Phil's grand piano is nothing less than magic.

Go to any jazz gig north of the Tees, south of the Tweed, east of the Sun or west of the Moon and ten will get you one that it will be Paul Grainger on bass and it's none the worse for that.

The drum intro to Caravan laid down Tim Johnston's credentials as well as indicating just how tight a unit this is.

There may be better ways of spending a Friday afternoon but, if there are, I can't remember them! Lance

You and the Night and the Music; But Beautiful; You'd be so Nice to Come Home to; Teach me Tonight; Secret Love; Dindi; Caravan; 'Round Midnight; How High the Moon.