A SMALL girl with a big voice kissed South Lakeland band Absolute Proof farewell this month with a goodbye gig to remember.

Twenty-two-year-old singer Emma Smallman, who has been with the group for just over six-months is leaving the band to do voluntary work overseas.

And, in a bid to raise funds for her project, Emma took to the microphone with Absolute Proof at Kendal's Tintos to sing her socks off.

The band, who initially became established on the local scene as an instrumental group include Steve Edgar on bass Pete Rathbone on drums, Richard Page on guitar and Paul Palmer on saxophone.

Hell-bent on stamping out the straw boater and clarinet jazz stereotype, Richard Page and company have long-laboured to bring Absolute Proof's individual sound to a wider audience and, when they hooked up with a vocalist earlier last year, he said the group appeared to have struck gold.

Pub bookings followed and audiences seemed to lap up the combination of honed musicianship and a sequin-clad singer.

So it was with a tinge of regret that the group took to the stage together for a last time.

And as the wine began to flow at the goodbye bash the audience warmed up to fresh covers by the likes of quirky American singer Macy Gray.

Sparkling in the spotlight, Emma even treated onlookers to a rock-diva style frock change half way through the evening.

The former Dallam School pupil said the goodwill of the audience had made sure the night was "nerves free" and had raised £550 for her work with VSO.

"I am really chuffed. It was a great night and I need to thank so many people," she said.

So with new pastures beckoning for their front woman, Absolute Proof are looking for another singer.

Richard said: "The band was beginning to find a sound that was enjoyable for both the musicians and the audience With a singer, we are striving to reach a wider audience by playing tunes people will know but also give them a bit of a twist," he said.

Vocalists interested in joining the group should call 01539-730964.

February 6, 2003 12:00