POP MUSIC REVIEW : Ruth Brown Displays Her R&B; Chops

Ruth Brown’s return to the Cinegrill on Tuesday had a poignant aspect: It was a booking in that Hollywood room three years ago that triggered the revival of the veteran R&B; singer’s career. In the interim, her voice has grown richer and more versatile, her onstage manner has become smoother and more self-assured. Above all, at age 63 she has transformed herself from a revival act into a powerful contemporary artist.

The only problem with Brown’s opening set was that she may have been a tad too generous with her programming--especially with a medley of five ballads that must have taken 20 minutes to complete. At least part of the time might have been better spent singing classics like “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean” and “Lucky Lips.”

But that was minor carp about a set that touched most of the peaks in the still underappreciated R&B; styles of the ‘40s and ‘50s. “Snap Your Fingers” was done as a hard-cooking, urban swing number; “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” simmered in a slow, gutsy 12/8, building to a passionately expressive climax--call it Brown’s “My Way”; and Nellie Lutcher’s “Real Gone Guy” virtually defined Harlem jump-band style.

As always, Brown eschewed the trio backing favored by many singers, opting instead for a hard-swinging, six-piece ensemble that featured the powerful tenor saxophone of Victor Goins, Greg Skaff’s brisk guitar lines and the blues-drenched organ of Bobby Forrester.

Brown continues at the Cinegrill through Saturday, and will also appear Sunday at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.