Claire Martin - Perfect Alibi - The Jazz Rag

Claire Martin has rightfully established herself in the forefront of jazz singing in this country picking up awards and praise on the way. She has avoided adopting the American accent, so much beloved by home-based singers, and she also is happily free of irritating mannerism. Her strength is a smooth-as-silk voice, which has ripened and maturated over the years, and deceptively, casual, conversional, delivery of lyrics. Her choice of repertoire is also unusual and adventurous. On this album she puts her mark on compositions by john Martyn, Julia Fordham, Phoebe Snow and Todd Rundren, all writers who should be welcomed to the jazz repertoire...

She has absorbed her influences and surmounted those, arriving at a sound which is distinctively and recognisably her own. Her version of Dedi Madden's Shadowville is haountingly memorable and she offers a wonderful bluesy portrayal of More Than You'll Ever Know by Al Kooper.

This is a singer who is confident and in total control of her material. She should be a bigger name. She is probably only a record away from international recognition. Perhaps a ‘theme' album might do it.