Vintage night of musicianship and entertainment

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Motorpoint, Cardiff

JOOLS Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra returned to Cardiff for the last night of their annual festive tour.

Jools arrived on stage at the Motorpoint Arena in his signature pinstripe suit and presented the crowd with a Christmas selection box of rhythm and blues treats, each one individually mesmerising. From the big band boogie woogie numbers to ska and soul there is no denying Jools’ and his band’s musical ability, as the maestro’s hands whizzed up and down the piano on the big screen.

Jools’ brother Christopher provided improvised moments of musical genius on the keys and an impressive array of brass musicians who form part of the 19-piece orchestra surrounded the piano, some of whom wouldn’t look out of place at your local pub.

But when this band takes to the stage, you know it isn’t about gimmicks or overproduction.

It’s pure musicianship, enjoyment and years of entertainment at its finest. Even if there were a few jazz hands and extended, big finishes.

Jools was joined on stage by Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond, whose hits include Tainted Love and Say Hello Wave Goodbye.

Their joint forthcoming album has been 10 years in the making and includes original big band numbers penned by the pair as well as classics by Almond.

Up and coming singers Louise Marshall and Mabel Ray provided their own soulful renditions and backing vocals but it was boogie woogie queen Ruby Turner who stole the show with her mind blowing rendition of Peace in the Valley, which had everyone, young and old on their feet.

This was a show that had something for everyone, and when the band join a star studded lineup including Michael Buble, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers and George Ezra for this year’s annual Hootenanny, it’s safe to say that there’s plenty more in store for fans to look forward to. ■ Meg Haf