Claire Martin - The Waiting game - Jazz Journal

Claire Martin has already begun making an enviable name for herself on the club circuit. This album confirms her reputation and shows her to be a major addition to the British jazz scene. lndeed, handled well, she will make a great impact internationalty being blessed not only with a wonderful voice but also the rare abitity to use it with style, intelligence, and wit. Her choice of material is exemplary, blending some excellent, if underused, songs from the popular field with the work of other singers such as Betty Carter (Tight), Joni Mitchell (Be Cool) and Matt Dennis (Everything Happens To Me). There is also an example of her own skills in this area with the title track which is a co-composition with Gee.

Gee's playing is uniformingly excellent as is that by Somegy, and Tracey. Indeed, the latter, perhaps through his work with his wife, singer Tina May, is discreetly supportive. Although the playing time is below par, this is a case where the quality of the music is so good that I must recommend the album without qualification. Sound quality is excellent.