Jools Holland

Jools Holland is a misplaced individual. He has got the classic British stiff demeanour, the slightly awkward smile, the pinkish complexion, he even gives off a slightly regal wave. But he jams on the ivory like Jerry Lee.

He evokes the bayous of Louisiana, the showrooms of Vegas; he busts the Creole swing as though he was kicked to the curb of Bourbon Street with a songbook and a can of beans and basically went from there.

You can envision Kerouac and Cassady pontificating, Dizzy Gillespie tapping along, Nina Simone probably griping in the corner (she’s notoriously difficult to please according to many peer-reviewed accounts). The whiskey’s burning in the veins and excreted from the flesh of a barroom full of revellers and Ginsbergs scribbling away in a Moleskine.

Yes, he’s done stuff with Sting, George Harrisson, Howard Devoto’s Magazine, bloody Bono - he even founded a small cool-as-cats outfit known as Squeeze who did some great songs, ‘Up the Junction’, ‘Tempted’, ‘Labelled with Love’, ‘Hourglass’, and a whole bunch of others. But playing his solo stuff live, you can hear where he draws his real inspiration from.

Usual great night from Jools and the orchestra.I defy anyone not to be entertained, definitely music to make you smile. Surprised by the choice of Leeds arena as only about 2500 people in a venue that hold 13000, but that said it didn't feel like that. It seemed for intimate than a arena gig

Jools is phenomenal and pure joy to watch. Great concert with the atmosphere of a house party. Ruby Turner was sensational too. Marc Almond was a bit like a drunk uncle at a wedding but in a good way. He brought a bit of campness and a lot of nostalgic fun. Loved every minute.

What a talent . . . What a band of first class musicians and vocalists . . . Sheer entertainment every concert . . . Jools is quite unique and has emerged as one of the finest pianists of his generation

Brilliant, fab u luss, wish l could go every Saturday night. Jools, Jose, and Ruby know how to get a party started. And the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra were amazing.