REVIEW: Jools Holland/Echo Arena, Liverpool

Jul 27 2009 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

IN THIS world of fragmented musical tastes, one man more than any other brings together all ages and interests.

Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra made their annual pilgrimage to entertain one of the most varied audiences at Liverpool’s Summer Pops.

Rarely is top form virtuoso playing and such sheer good fun combined at this level, along with the chance to experience an 18-piece big band in full-flight.

Holland’s good-natured shows, with their chirpy host and audience participation, are almost tailor-made for Liverpool’s party animals. The sheer full-on blast of this brassy orchestra and its mesmeric, boogie-woogie back-beats and driving, contemporary swing-style make it impossible to sit down or stay still. The orchestra’s repertoire powered through Jelly Roll Morton’s 1910‘ Whirlin’ Boy Blues, Ray Charles’s I Want to Know and a perfect finale with Peggy Lee’s rock ’n’ roll hit Alright, OK, You Win.

There were some great novelty numbers, like Holland’s own idiosyncratic jazzy nocturne and trombonist Rico Rodriguez’s reggae version of Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin.

Not only did we hear special guest guitarist Dave Edmund a knockin’, and how he knew the bride when she used to rock and roll, but savoured his party piece Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance. Regular Holland guest stars included singers Ruby Turner, whose “big momma” lungs effortlessly filled the hall, and Louise Marshall.

Outstanding in a fantastic band were drummer Gilson Lavis (formerly with Holland in the pop group Squeeze) and saxophonists Phil Veacock and Derek Nash.

Support was from the beguiling folk singer Charlie Dore and her Hula Valley Orchestra. Particularly poignant was her own new composition, I’m Cleaning Out My House.

PETER ELSON