JAZZ REVIEW : Ruth Brown Headlines at Cinegrill

Returning to the Cinegrill Wednesday, Ruth Brown referred to herself as “the oldest rhythm and blues singer in the world.” While the point was debatable, the main issue is not the age of this soul survivor, but the talent.

Brown, 60, has long since earned her black belt in blues belting. That she can still bring passion to her blockbuster record hits of the early 1950s--”Teardrops From My Eyes,” “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean”--soon became apparent. Her contagious way with this material is somewhat fuller and darker now, leaning at times toward an overkill of volume; in fact, some of her more satisfying moments were provided in the warmly engaging treatment of such ballads as “What a Wonderful World.”

Despite the encore-milking reaction of a crowd that lapped up every syllable, her show left considerable room for adjustment. For openers, there was an inexplicable appearance by a tall, bald man in a three-piece suit, Carl Fisher, who sang a conventional mishmash of blues lyrics followed by a drearily paced ballad that included an attempt to imitate Billie Holiday.

Brown’s own performance was marked by similar lethargy as in a series of five songs, dedicated to other singers, all in roughly the same downbeat tempo. Individually, they would have been fine--in particular “Since I Fell for You” and “Good Morning Heartache” were superb--but the need for a change of pace became increasingly evident as the medley dragged on.

Before her encore, Brown introduced her son Ron Jackson, a personable young man who sang a pop song very pleasantly. All three singers in this protracted performance were splendidly backed by Bobby Forrester, Brown’s musical director since 1972 and a nonpareil blues organist; Bill Williams on guitar, Clarence (Bootsie) Bean on drums and the ever-dependable Red Holloway on saxes.

The show continues through Saturday, resuming Wednesday through June 11.