WHILE we were aware who Elkie Brooks was - a singer who sang Lilac Wine and Don't Cry Out Loud - what we did not realise was just how talented this dainty lady is.

Backed by five incredibly-talented musicians, she took us through two hours of jazz, rock and blues music that had the half-empty theatre cheering and clapping throughout.

Elkie, who has a powerful voice, has handpicked her band with precision from the French piano player Jon Roussell, totally at ease recreating the Jazz joints in downtown Memphis, to the saxophonist Steve Jones, who made us feel as if we were back in New Orleans.

Lee Jones provided backing vocals with a bouncy enjoyment that made a refreshing change to the usual, more sedate, style of backing singers. Elkie sang an eclectic mix of songs from Rod Stewart, the Carpenters and Gallagher and Lyle, and really won our hearts with her version of Travelling Light, giving Billie Holliday a run for her money.

We hadn't realised just how wide Elkie's vocal range was - hitting the excessively high notes not just once, but holding them for some timee without the need for an inhaler!

In the second half, we were treated to a selection of self-penned numbers, starting off with a great bouncy number called Electric Lady, and finishing with several rock numbers which had the audience tapping and swaying in their seats.

The evening finished far too soon for our liking, and Elkie finished with one of the best versions we've ever heard of the song Stay. An excellent evening of entertainment by a very talented lady.

Updated: 12:49 Friday, June 17, 2005