Claire Martin - Too Darn Hot! - Brighton Evening Argus

Claire Martin Live at The Old Market, Brighton UK 26 April 03
It's no surprise The Old Market was sold out for this gig - Claire Martin is widely recognised as the best British jazz singer of her generation and she has five British Jazz Awards (including Best Jazz Singer and Best Vocalist) to back it up. She has established a substantial following over the past 15 or so years and counts such high-profile figures as Tony Bennett and the late Stephane Grappelli among her fans. Martin's performance on Saturday night lived up to her formidable reputation - that wonderful smoky voice combined with the effortless stage presence that comes only from many years of experience (her professional singing career began at the age of 16 and she was 21 when she first performed at Ronnie Scott's). The band (sax, piano, double bass, drums) were superb, with special mention going to long time Martin collaborator Gareth Williams, who proved himself not only a hugely talented pianist, but an excellent guitarist too.