RICHARD PARR Holkham Hall

RICHARD PARR

Holkham Hall

The stately pile was jumpin' with this fabulous open-air concert of non-stop boogie-woogie that brought thousands to their feet dancing to the blues and soul sounds swirling around the parkland.

Around 6,000 people converged on the grounds of the Holkham estate on Saturday night dressed and prepared for a blustery and wet evening. Overcast clouds had threatened plenty, there was only a light shower at the start and the wind eased during the evening.

The engaging Jools Holland and

his musicians gave us a colourful musical night to remember performed under the stars and against the stunning backdrop of the 18th mansion.

Informality was a key factor in this fast-paced show which captivated everyone with its foot-stomping rhythms and it was difficult to resist dancing in the evening air.

Jools Holland is an all-round entertainer and he ensured that people were warmed up as they jived and jigged their way through one catchy number after another.

As well as his superb musicianship at the piano (at times he shared the keys with his younger brother, Christopher), we were treated to a succession of band members in solo spots on saxophone, trombone and guitar and, of course, a drum feature from Gilson Lavis.

Jools and his musicians were also joined by vocalists, the legendary Ruby Turner and the flamed-haired Sam Brown. Sam's, My Valentine Moon, was a favourite for his reviewer.

Before we knew it the evening was near its close but not before a couple of encores including Jools' rhythm and blues version of the Glenn Miller classic, Tuxedo Junction and finally, Enjoy Yourself Its Later than You Think. Thanks, Jools and company, we certainly did that.

The wonderful evening of entertainment ended with a spectacular firework display.