Review: Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Jools Holland and his band of merry men mixed it up with a new pal, namely the Fine Young Cannibals' front-man Roland Gift, at Wolverhampton Civic Hall last night.
As one of the BBC's presenters for over 20 years, Holland knows how to handle a musical act or two but it's only when you see him in the flesh you realise how talented he 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 number eight hit with such a cover in 1986 yet it 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.
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.
Craig Birch
