RETURNING once again with his exemplary Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, musical maestro Jools Holland brough the party back to York Barbican last Saturday.

The ensemble – which consists of 19 performers in total, including Holland himself – has toured all over the world together, playing to audiences in excess of 500,000 a year.

Indie-folk duo Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou served as the opening act for the evening, providing a subtle and sombre start to the night with a moving acoustic set of songs from their new Expatriot album that was well received by the audience.

Following a short intermission, the lights went down once again and Holland took to the stage, closely followed by the various members of his Rhythm And Blues Orchestra and launched immediately into their first song.

Holland then proceeded to break down the make-up of his big band, introducing the various members and weaving together a tremendous instrumental that built up to a massive brassy cacophony of almost preposterous proportions and setting the tone for what would prove to be an extremely enjoyable evening.

Singers Mabel Ray and Louise Marshall delighted with their song sets and guest performers Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, from The Selecter, delivered a spectacular series of ska performances that had the audience on their feet and dancing throughout, while Ruby Turner provided a truly soulful finale.

Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra absolutely astonished with their energy, talent and enthusiasm, providing a fantastic show for all who came to see it.