China Moses is a 'special chick'

"She had seven husbands, plus a few lovers on the side. She died at the age of 39. She also made over 200 records, discovered (singer-pianist)Patti Austin, had two kids, owned 16 mink coats and flew around in private jets."

"At one time," she added, "she had a husband and an ex-husband working in her band at the same time. How many girls manage that? And how come we don't all know this stuff?'"

Any such news suppression is anathema to chatty China, clearly a special chick herself. Dee Dee Bridgewater¹s daughter, she has a similarly incisive voice, powerful swing and high-voltage personality.

Backed by energetic French pianist Raphael Lemonnier, London bassist Mark Hodgson and US-born drummer Rod Youngs, she belted briskly through the Washington canon, including Fine Fine Daddy, Mad About the Boy, Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby and the Grammy-winner, What a Difference a Day Made.

There were a few tender moments, many leather-lunged finishes and a parting promise: "Don't leave, we get dirtier in the second half."

A tough act to follow for Rosario Giuliani, who had nothing to declare but his talent, which is considerable. The Italian altoist was in blistering form alongside fellow Roman pianist Pietro Lussu, US bassist Darryl "Mr Obama" Hall and Benjamin Henocq, a sensational drum discovery from Paris whose hi-hat cymbal snaps shut four times per bar at fast tempos. Ideal for Giuliani, whose impassioned streams of thought recall Kenny Garrett, another altoist who likes his drumming extra hot.

Rosario Guiliani Quartet, China Moses Quartet