Taz & I had a couple of evenings out at the theatre this week.
We love live music & get to gigs when we can, usually every couple of months. Just our luck though, that this time the 2 bands we wanted to see were on at the same theatre on consecutive nights. So I had to commute to work, from Guildford, Surrey to Basingstoke, Hampshire, at 5 in the morning then home again in the afternoon. Then back again to the Anvil theatre in Basingstoke for the evening perfrmance. Then back for work again a few hours later, Home again, then back again for the second night. Thankfully it was our day off after that, so we had time to recover -I'm getting too old for this rock n roll lifestyle!
First up on Wednesday evening was Jools Holland & his rythm & blues orchestra. One of my favourite performers. The guy's an absolute genius on a piano. True poetry in motion. We had a perfect view of his keyboard & when he launches into his trademark breakneck speed boogie woogie, his hands are just a blur over the keys. Amazing to watch. He was very ably backed by his orchestra, every one of whom was a star in their own right. They wandered onto the stage looking like a ragtag army of guys who'd just found their way in from the street, chatting among themselves, unpacking their instruments, fiddling with the music stands -yet when their cues came -bang, they were right there & note perfect. 5 saxaphones, 4 trombones & 3 trumpets, a double bass, drums, guitar, a couple of backing singers & Jools' kid brother Chris on electric organ. A fabulous, proper big band, sound. Every band member took their turn with a solo spot -the drummer actually earning a standing ovation halfway through a song for his blistering 5 minute solo. Even the backing singers turned out to be accomplished soloists. The bassist also played the bass guitar, one of the saxophinsts played the clarinet, even Jools himself picked up an electric guitar for a couple of numbers -so much talent.
Special guests Dave Edmunds on electric guitar & gospel singer Ruby Turner made a total of 20 musicians on stage, all pulled together by Jools, resplendant in orange silk lined suit & bright red wing tipped shoes -the ultimate musical showman.
A fabulous evening of solid, non stop entertainment. If you get the chance to see them on tour, I'd strongly recommend it -you'll love 'em.
Jools Holland website
