Now I’ve wanted to see Jools Holland live for so many years that as I was walking in the rain, (late of course), to the Royal Albert Hall, it hardly seemed likely that I was going to actually make it. But make it I did. As we sat down the house lights went down and the support act came on.

I quite like support acts. It always makes me feel like I’m getting that little extra value for money. If you are lucky you have found someone to listen to and if not well then they are perfect fodder for reviews. Sadly since I was rushed, I had no clue who they were. A keyboard, guitar, drums, bass and that electro synth thing (that no one really knows the name of but makes that cool neeeeee sound). However to my confusion the keyboard player sounded like Jools Holland, played well like Jools Holland except had that beard and lots of hair. Was he some newly revamped country and western style Mr Holland? Or was he in fact Chris Holland, Jools’ younger (and perhaps slightly more attractive) brother?

Ah yes the latter. Whoops.

But they were fantastic. The music, which I’m sure you really care about, is not exactly my cup of tea as it was leaning a bit more folksy and country-ish but you didn’t care. The musicians were first class and the songs were fun, upbeat or genuinely moving and interesting.

But wait it gets better. Remember this is just the support act.

When Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra finally came on I can honestly say it was the most enjoyable sober 2 hours of my week. 16 instrumented people including Mr Holland (and Mr Holland), most of whom are amazingly accomplished musicians, bringing together a sound that seemed so relaxed, spontaneous and satisfying. It was like going to a cosy little pub gig where you know everyone and the band just want to have fun. Audience participation (we had to sing bits at various times and ‘boogie-woogie’) combined with other singers dropping by - as if they just popped by for a quick drink and thought “well, why not?” - made you forget your surroundings. That is until you looked up and realised the ceiling really does go on to forever and those red plush curtains look really smart.

The current album they’ve produced is Moving out to the Country which is Country n’ Western influenced, so many of the songs performed that night weren’t strictly Rhythm and Blues. However I can’t really say I could really tell the difference. Yes, I may be a music neophyte but that doesn’t matter. You can always appreciate good music, performed well, and enjoy something far out of your usual comfort zone.

His special guests that evening were the beautiful singers Louise Marshall, Ruby Turner and Lulu (Yeah THAT Lulu), who each brought their own vibe to the evening. Their voices filled the Royal Albert Hall with melancholic tunes to fast paced boogie tunes. And yes Lulu did That song. Shout.

To be honest with you the only part of the show I did have issues with was when Lulu performed. Jools Holland is possibly one of the most generous and selfless performers I’ve ever seen live. He encourages every single person in the band to have their moment of limelight and will constantly give them credit. It seems that he’s just doing it for the love of music. When Lulu was on you knew it was Lulu singing. She took up all the space and it developed the feeling of the STAR and her supporting band, rather than the previous camaraderie of people just having fun with music. Not to say she isn’t a brilliant performer and although I’m not a fan she certainly tapped in to something the rest of the audience wanted to hear. Everyone standing up and dancing in the Royal Albert Hall I don’t think is a common sight, nor one I’m going to forget.

Two encores I don’t think are that usual too. They actually waited till the crowd was fully wound up with shouting, stamping and clapping. None of that leave-and-come-straight-back-on, which seems such common practise these days. All I can say is that Gilson Lavis on the drums is possibly one of the most amazing sights ever. I need to find a drummer like that so I can just marvel every single day.

All in all, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are worth seeing, and would be worth seeing again and again. Frankly, I’m sure most of the audience was on their umpteenth visit with Jools. So now that I will be joining their ranks; come, join and experience the marvel.