Review: Jools Holland, Birmingham Symphony Hall
Jools Holland certainly knows how to party, and so do his musicians.
The king of boogie-woogie and his talented Rhythm and Blues Orchestra put on a show bursting with energy last night.
It was a real mixed bag, with a number of special guests joining the 54-year-old on stage.
His younger brother Christopher kicked off the party with a half-hour slot before the main show, and Jools's daughter Rosie Mae performed with her father.
The party got well and truly started when former Fine Young Cannibals frontman Roland Gift, from Birmingham, pounced onto the stage.
His rendition of Good Thing was one of the highlights of the evening, with half the audience on their feet.
Soul singer Ruby Turner – another second city favourite – was also extremely popular with the audience. Once she came onto the stage, those still seated got out of their chairs and danced the night away.
Former Squeeze man Jools and his band closed the night with Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think).
A drum solo by Gilson Lavis, Jools's former Squeeze bandmate, was another highlight although each member of the orchestra got a share of the limelight.
Laura Blyth
