Jools Holland brings his friends to the Civic

As one of the BBC's presenters for over 20 years, Holland knows how to handle a musical act or two and did so at Wolverhampton Civic Hall last Thursday night.

But it's only when you see him in the flesh you realise how talented one of our OBE's actually is.

A pianist up there with the world's best, a fine vocalist, a musician who can sit in the background and lead the charge with equal effect, he's easily the best rabble rouser of his vocation in his homeland.

A packed out and enthusiastic Civic welcomed the 55-year-old Londoner as he made a no airs and graces arrival to the stage with his entourage, along with a 12-piece brass band.

Every member brandishing a brass instrument were given their five minutes of fame but it was Gift who added a new edge to the proceedings upon his arrival.

Few have carried off Elvis Presley's hit Suspicious Minds to much effect but the Cannibals enjoyed a No 8 hit with such a cover in 1986 and is sounded oh-so more special under Holland's beat.

While he passes the baton on more often than not when occupying our screens, there's no place to hide on the live stage and that's where he appeared to come into own under a different gear.

Holland was everywhere – occupying keyboards and organ throughout when it was not his moment in front of the mic. He only left our sight once.

That's when special guest Gilson Davis - an operator at the drums for Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dolly Parton no less- showed his pedigree when his band abandoned him for a set.

Holland's act then diversified to incorporate rhythm'n'blues as support acts Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall before him, but all headed backstage as the main man conducted the finale.

'When You're Smiling' celebrates its 70th anniversary at the end of next month and 'Enjoy Yourself – It's Later Than You Think' is all of six years older, but classics made for a fitting farewell.

Review by Craig Birch