Jools pulls out the stops at Hampton Court Music Festival

Jools Holland kicked off this year’s Hampton Court Music Festival by walking on stage with a huge grin on his face. A small man with a big grin and a massive musical talent who takes control of the show from the first note on his keyboard. He does, as they say, ‘really deliver’. 

The intimate courtyard of Hampton Court Palace is a brilliant venue for a man like Jules who really enjoys his crowd. Despite a wicked wind that try to stir up trouble, the atmosphere was warm and full of excited anticipation. Jools launched straight into some amazing keyboard jazz and stunned us all evening with his self-effacing talent. He always likes to bring a few mates along and last night his guests were some of the greatest.

I couldn’t hardly believe that Rico Rodriguez was actually there, I loved him back in the day when he was with The Specials and I feel bad that I’ve let Ska slip somewhere along the way. Last night it was re-ignited just seeing the great man singing in his deep bass tones ‘Don’t Roll those Bloodshot Eyes At Me” - not strictly Ska I know but it kindled an old flame inside me.

Roland Gift from Fine Young Cannibals fame also belted out some great favourites that got the crowd on their feet singing along, not quite sure of the words but familiar with the tunes. Equally powerful in voice and presence was Ruby Turner - such a fabulous legend of a lady and the crowd loved her.

Lurking quietly at the back through all the tunes by Jools and other fine musicians was Gilson Lavis - and forgive me if I didn’t initially know his name but I shall certainly never forget it. He was originally the drummer with Squeeze and now plays with Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. I thought the old Tudor walls at Hampton Court might crumble when he started an incredible drum solo that went on and on, raising the pulse beats of all the middle aged old rockers in the audience and creating a storm of whistles and cheers when it finally came to an end. 

And backing all of this great musicianship was Jools’ regular band, a pulsing brass section and 2 great female vocalists, all performing with great vigour and looking like they’d happily play all night.

Hampton Court surpassed all my expectations as a music venue - once they’d closed those massive old oak doors, the courtyard became an intimate space with great music bouncing off the walls and rising up to those incredible chimneys where swallows dipped and soared as night fell. I hope Jools was pleased with his crowd - he was certainly still grinning at the end.

Hampton Court Music Festival runs until Monday June 24th. Tickets for sale via the website: http://www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

** Tickets still available for Lisa Stansfield (tonight), Russell Watson (Sunday 16th) and Imelda May (Weds June 19th)