Sunday Night @ the Globe: The Ruth Lambert Quartet - Sept. 11

(© Sheila Herrick)

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

This year's Great North Run took centre stage, at least until seven o'clock in the evening when Newcastle Jazz Co-op opened its doors. Not quite the sixty thousand who took part in the race from Newcastle to South Shields, nevertheless, the room on Railway Street began to fill up in anticipation of a vocal masterclass by Ruth Lambert.

(© Russell)

Initial difficulties with the sound didn't deter Ms Lambert as the Jazz Co-op sound crew set about resolving the matter. Opening with You and the Night and the Music, our vocalist was on form - when isn't she?! GASbook gems abounded, we've heard them all before, let's hear them again! Pitch, phrasing, expression, Lambert has got it all, but we knew that, didn't we? 

Pianist Alan Law is a great match for Lambert - a sensitive accompanist, and, when let off the leash, blues-infused solos pour forth. The bass and drums guys - bassist Paul Grainger and drummer Tim Johnston - provided the foundation, from time to time grabbing a solo or exchanging fours.

Highlights? But Beautiful, Beautiful Love and, of course, Secret Love. Masterclass done and dusted, Ms Lambert will be holding court again across town at the Black Swan in November. Russell

Set list: You and the Night and the Music; But Beautiful; You'd be so nice to come home to; Teach Me Tonight; One Note Samba; Save Your Love for Me; How High the Moon; Secret Love; Beautiful Love; Caravan; 'Round Midnight; On the Sunny Side of the Street.