A packed Playhouse theatre was treated to some very poor support from a Julia Fordham-like female songstress warbling inanely along to a backing tape ("my cd's for sale in the foyer", she kept threatening) and a disastrously unfunny Irish comedian who thought he was Father Ted. If only he had been, he could have performed the Last Rites on his desperately corny and unamusing stage act. He got booed offstage - and should have considered that getting off lightly.

The natives were thus restless before Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra appeared: fortunately they saved the proceedings though with their infectious, addictive and downright groovy tunes; ranging in repertoire from own boogie-woogie style compositions to Ray Charles numbers. Each was played with mammoth good-nature and humour, which shone through the playing and washed over the audience, causing dancing in the aisles and big cheers.

The band consisted of Holland on piano, Holland Jr (Christopher) on keyboard, a tight, experienced drummer, bass and lead guitar. It was also augmented and elevated above the norm by a 5-piece brass and horn section, who playfully beefed up the big band sound. Each musician was given the chance to perform 'solo'; the tenor saxophonist and drummer shining particularly brightly here. Vocals were shared between Holland's reedy but nevertheless accomplished singing and guest vocalist Sam Brown's wonderful and melodious voice, which managed to fill the auditorium, hitting high notes effortlessly and adding hugely to the overall sound. She was under-utilised, sadly, but this made the numbers she did sing to all the more impressive.

Christopher Holland also took the mic for a couple of numbers: one a self-penned Squeeze-like song, and the other the actual Squeeze track "Tempted". Both were impressive; the latter in particular a big crowd pleaser due to its familiarity. Christopher Holland's other main highlight was when he joined his elder brother at the piano for a fast-paced and frantic duet which was skilful and very enjoyable.

Reappearing for an encore, the band played to an audience on its feet, dancing and grooving away for all it was worth. This alone was a perfect reflection of the feel-good and popular music Holland, Brown and the band treated us to and everyone was left wanting more. A groovy treat.