Last updated 23:33, Monday, 28 July 2008

Review: Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (plus guests) Maryport Blues Festival

The end of this three-day festival – celebrating its 10th year – was far from blue as Jools led what was possibly one of the best birthday parties Maryport has ever seen.

The 1hr 45 minute set (including two well-deserved encores) was, I’d say, overshadowed by the appearance of the ageless Marc Almond.

The rendition of his most famous hit, Soft Cell’s Tainted Love, brought the house down. The electric Eighties sound was replaced by the brass section and sexy saxophones.

The audience was word perfect and Marc, who is now over 50 but looks exactly as he did at the height of his fame, was backed brilliantly throughout by the orchestra.

I love the fact that Jools never claims the glory or hogs centre stage – all the magnificent musicians get a chance to shine whether they are performing playful swing or something more soulful and slow.

They are also clearly out to enjoy themselves and have a ball while they make their ‘boogie-woogie’ music. You can’t help but get carried along, the energy is infectious.

Their set is also seamless. Jools tinkles away on his Yamaha ivories, cleverly keeping the audience entertained as he forges links to the next part of the set.

Before you know it another guest singing star is introduced, providing powerful vocals.

Ruby Turner was crowned ‘HRH boogie-woogie queen’ by Jools. She’s a big woman with a big voice but newcomer Louise Marshall certainly wasn’t out of her depth despite being first out.

Before I knew it Louise, Ruby and Marc had ridden the Maryport wave, as had reggae trombonist and ska legend Rico Rodriguez, and we were reaching the climax to the show.

US blues star Sherman Robertson – on prior to the orchestra – joined Jools on stage for the final encore number Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think).

Marquee stage manager Mike Dodd will be breathing a sigh of relief after this superb gig as there was no repeat of the problems that forced Jools off stage temporarily back in 2001.

Everyone got a glittery golden wristband emblazoned with ‘10th anniversary’ and, like all good festivals, I’ll be keeping mine on just a little longer as a reminder of the 24-carat shindig.

Well done to everyone involved. According to the MC, one US freelance writer says Maryport is now the best blues festival in the world. It certainly kicked off my 2008 festival season in great style.

Next stop Solfest.

KELLY EVE