ALTHOUGH the Evening Press previewed the recent Jack Jones concert at York Barbican Centre (June 14) I was surprised there was not a review of the show.

The auditorium was only half full when one of the world's finest vocalists walked on stage before a predominantly middle-aged, well-dressed audience. He was suffering from a heavy cold which caused him to sniffle, blow his nose, cough and clear his throat throughout his 135-minute performance.

Jack Jones is a singer of high esteem in the eyes of his musical peers and fans. Although segments of his extensive vocal range and control were inevitably affected by his cold, he showed his professionalism, talent and wit to win the audience over.

Ably backed by a trio of piano, guitar and drums, Jack went through an impressive repertoire of quality material, singing standards of varying tempo in differing styles. His throat problem meant his jazz-swing numbers came out best, while the slower, softer songs were less impressive and prompted him to cross his fingers while attempting one particularly tricky vocal manoeuvre.

Colin S Jeffrey,

East Mount Road, York.