Jimmy Scott

Part of Jimmy Scott's appeal lies in his longevity, of course. Now 76, when he throws his arms out wide, one can only marvel, partly at the sheer breadth of the gesture, but mostly at how anyone so frail can remain standing without support.

While Scott has been happy to record the songs of contemporary writers, like Prince and Elvis Costello, his repertoire tonight consists almost entirely of jazz standards. 'All Of Me', 'Sweet, Embraceable You', 'Pennies From Heaven'; one love-song follows another, each burnished to a benevolent gleam. Led by Hilliard Greene on bass, the Jazz Expressions are as sensual and tight as a velvet glove.

The tragedies of Scott's life are well-chronicled by now: the Kallmann's Syndrome that gave him his extraordinary voice also left him with the body of a pre-pubescent boy, while the record company that pushed him to early success then spitefully stifled his career for 20 years.

What is remarkable is how bright and upbeat he continues to be, and how much pleasure he continues to derive from his calling.