Jools Holland at the Jam House in St Paul's Square

Mar 15 2010 by William Oliphant, Birmingham Mail

IT MIGHT be a tight squeeze at the Jam House for Jools Holland and the 20-odd members of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, but that’s part of what makes his show so electric.

There’s no denying that Jools has become a national treasure and this was reflected in the reception he got from the crowd at the venue where he has been musical director since 1999.

Surrounding himself with a host of veteran musicians it was an excellent night of music fusing hard rock and blues guitar with Jool’s piano and a host of musicians who seemed to be having almost as much fun as the audience.

The fact that Jools managed to whip his, let’s say slightly ageing, audience into such a frenzy is testament to the electric feel of the show.

And it was topped off by the showmaster’s charm and affection for the venue and his fellow musicians.

VERDICT HHHHI

WILL OLIPHANT