BILL Wyman's trademark upright style bass may no longer be as vertical as it was; his playing remains minimalist and he is as inert as ever, but at 77 he is entitled to slow down a bit.

The ex-Stone is content to let those around him take the limelight for this celebration of real rhythm and blues.

With Georgie Fame recovering from pneumonia, the band is down to a seven-piece - and they are all stars. Guitarist Albert Lee is the hero; his laid back demeanour belying his fantastic skill, both on fretwork and vocals.

Effervescent saxophonist Frank Mead, garrulous pianist Geraint Watkins and stalwart guitarist Terry Taylor all took the lead, along with singer Beverley Skeete.

Maria Muldaur, now 69 and best known for the 1974 hit Midnight At The Oasis, belted out bluesy tunes as guest singer.

Once the terribly muddy first half sound was sorted out, we enjoyed a great night of biggish band sounds, with homages to the likes of Elmore James, Howling Wolf, James Brown, Lonnie Donegan, The Everlys and Bob Dylan.

Even Bill himself took the long walk to the microphone for the closer, Chuck Berry's You Never Can Tell.