Jools Holland makes it a night to remember in Cheltenham (From Gazette Series)

Jools Holland makes it a night to remember in Cheltenham

1:27pm Saturday 19th November 2011 in Leisure By Alexandra Womack

Jools Holland, Cheltenham Racecourse

EVERY time you see Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra it feels like a party but Friday night’s show at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse was extra special.

From the opening, it was clear the 4,000 people gathered in this plush venue were here to party. And Jools was in the mood too.

With a 20-strong orchestra featuring some of the greatest musicians in the world today, plus special guests Louise Marshall, the astounding Ruby Turner and the first performance from Sandie Shaw in 25 years, as well as the magic only Jools is capable of creating, it was certainly a night to remember.

Described by Jools as delicious, Louise’s voice did not let him down as she performed three stunning songs with enviable ease.

Sixties singer Sandie Shaw appeared shaky at the start but tried her best to get over the nerves of being on stage again and at 64 showed she can still hit the notes.

But it was Ruby Turner whose unfaltering capacity to belt out a tune was simply staggering. She put so much energy and enthusiasm into each song, the legendary soulstress appeared to be quite stunned herself.

Each of the five saxophonists, four trombonists and two guitarists gave us a taste of their extraordinary talents with a number of short solos throughout, and drummer Gilson Lavis was clearly the best in the business with a set that simply took people’s breath away.

Of course Jools and his piano are central to the fast-paced set and all the rhythmic tinkerings and audience participation inbetween. His love of great boogie woogie is what brought all these amazing musicians together and everyone in the room, on stage and in their seats, was grateful to him for the experience.

Once we were standing there was no stopping the audience and by the time the second encore got underway the place had erupted into an electrifying night of uplifting music appreciation.