Resplendent in a scarlet off-the-shoulder gown "call it magenta" ­- the glamorous KT Sullivan is one of those classically trained singers who seem to be inhaling when producing their highest notes.

She also possesses a late-blooming vibrato, ultra-clear diction, a playful Irish-American sense of humour and a blues feel most US vocalists share.

Her American Songbook in London show focuses on Jerome Kern, whose evergreen masterpieces include Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, The Folks Who Live on the Hill and All the Things You Are, arguably the finest popular song ever written.

She does them all justice, plus such lesser-known gems as Ol' Man River, The Last Time I Saw Paris and a PG Wodehouse lyric, Nesting Time in Flatbush.

"He liked American placenames," she explained, "and I like yours. My favourite is Nether Wallop." Noting that Kern also "wrote a lot of songs about women left on pianos with nothing but a song and a bottle of gin," she delivered Raggedy Ann atop the grand.

On keys, incidentally, is Chicagoan John Webber, whose Simple/Complex album has received rave jazz reviews. No mere accompanist, he produces dazzling right-hand lines and skilful stride-piano breaks. Definitely recommended.

* Until Saturday 2 May. Information: 08456-027-017.