Jools Holland, BIC (From Bournemouth Echo)

Jools Holland, BIC

9:30am Monday 19th December 2011 in Reviews By Neal Butterworth

THERE was almost a sense of guilt from those in the packed hall who responded to Jools Holland's call for first-time visitors to his traditional festive visit.

Hardly surprising, given that there are some fans who have been making the pilgrimage annually throughout the entire lives of their teenage children.

That Jools can still comfortably fill the BIC every year says everything about the urbane charm and consummate professionalism of the man and the musical power of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

And boy, can he play the piano. Not always perfectly -it's a show not a recital - but with such passion and joie de vivre that it was impossible to keep your limbs still and yours eyes off the big screen as it focused on his hands dancing across the keys.

With the band firing on all four cylinders and beyond - Holland's right-hand man Gilson Lavis a trusty navigator behind the drum kit and making the most of a solo spot that had the crowd baying for more - this was a celebration in every sense of the word.

Jazz, blues, boogie-woogie; you name it, they'll play it with style and verve. With Shane Macgowan still on the sidelines, a grinning, lively Sandie Shaw made the most of her four-song special guest spot, offering spirited Beatles and Kinks cover versions before an excellent 'grown-up' version of Puppet On A String and a rousing Always Something There To Remind Me.

She received a warm welcome from an audience that suddenly changed its mood as the mighty Ruby Turner took to the stage. Possibly the true beating heart of his creation, the boogie-woogie queen ripped out a series of songs that had the neck hairs standing to attention and the crowd on its feet.

A great night and see you next year.