AND ANOTHER THING . . . The Jools experience

THE nearest we get to the Old Grey Whistle Test TV magic these days is Later with Jools Holland. He might have a wonderful “Rhythm & Blues Orchestra” and regularly tours with the likes of the great Ruby Turner, but his TV show brings the best of music to our screens.

I have six DVDs of the show. The best? Giants and giants his guests are, 32 artists feature on this DVD alone. Amongst them — Johnny Cash with Folsum Prison Blues, Georgie Fame with Yeh,Yeh, Patti Smith with Because the Night, the great Willie Nelson with How can you mend a broken heart and the unforgettable Dusty Springfield with Where is a Woman to Go.

Others featured are Al Green, Bo Diddley, George Benson, Stevie Winwood , Bobby Whitlock and the inevitable Eric Clapton. The most outstanding of all? The brilliant Jeff Beck with Brush With the Blues — a guitar virtuoso.

Rock gets a look-in with Page and Plant, but the unlikeliest combination is the pairing of Ronnie Spector and The Divine Comedy with the magical Don’t Worry Baby. This DVD is a joy. It’s available on Amazon. You won’t be disappointed. Rock on!