Jools
and his R & B orchestra served up their usual high energy mix of jazz, blues
and boogie and everything in between, and sometimes beyond. If you only see him
on TV it's easy to forget what a top class pianist he is, as demonstrated when
most of the orchestra leave him to it. He also sings, plays guitar and conducts
the band. The whole band are capable of swinging like crazy when required but
everyone took at least one solo which demonstrated their excellent
musicianship. Most of the band are long-time members, but sadly longstanding
drummer Gilson Lavis, who's been with band since the start and also played in
Squeeze with Jools, has had to retire to be well-replaced by Ed Richardson.
Special guests were Chris Difford (ex Squeeze, with Jools), and regular vocalists Sumudu Jayatilaka, Louise Marshall, and Ruby Turner all singing three songs each.
The support act was pianist Joe Webb who did five instrumental pieces, including I Can't Believe That You're in Love With me, a ragtime original and a sizzling version of Tiger Rag. Later on he joined Jools for a piano duet of the gypsy jazz classic Dark Eyes, which was the highlight of the night, and got a great reception. Ian Hodgson
Set list: Hamsters Wheel; Skin the Cat; Ain't Misbehavin'; I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town; Boogie Woogie Baroque; Honky Tonk is Here to Stay; Trouble in Mind; In the House; Miss You Every Way; Them There Eyes; Improvised Boogie; Forgive me; Dorothy (Dr John); Dark Eyes (duet w. Joe Webb); JJ Boogie; I Went by; Much More Hope Than That; Take me I'm Yours (Difford); Pants on Fire (Difford); Cool for Cats (Difford); Jumpin' in the Morning; Roll out This Hole; Peace in the Valley; Enjoy Yourself; Alright, OK, You Win.
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