Ruth Lambert Trio @ the Great Hall, Sutherland Building, Northumbria University - Feb. 6

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

The Great Hall in Sutherland Building, Northumbria University. You've never heard of it, you're not the only one! This afternoon in the 'Great Hall' Ruth Lambert gave a masterclass in the art of jazz singing. A lunchtime engagement of forty minutes, no more, Lambert was accompanied by pianist Alan Law and bassist Paul Grainger.

The lunchtime audience (students, academics, members of the public) enjoyed the informal set up: wander in, take a seat, snack on a sandwich, whatever. Right on time (a quarter past one) Ms Lambert opened with Beautiful Love. Jazz singing at its best. Alan Law relished the opportunity to play the venue's beautiful Steinway piano, bassist Paul Grainger, positioned between vocalist and pianist, the ever-dependable anchor.

Lambert's use of a mic - singing on and off mic - is second to none, the choice of material couldn't be bettered. Time After Time, Round Midnight (the most miserable song ever written, said Lambert), the allotted forty minutes flew by. Thanking her accompanists - Messrs Law and Grainger - Ms Lambert went out on How High the Moon. Yes, jazz singing at its very best. Russell

                     

Set list: Beautiful Love; I'm Glad There is You; Água de Beber; Time After Time; Round Midnight; How High the Moon.