"I see you've all got your boogie sticks turned on," said Jools as hundreds of umbrellas danced in the drizzle. "Let's all boogie and keep warm."

Even at the height of summer, the temperature in Dalby Forest had dropped alarmingly even before Jools and his multi-piece band arrived on stage.

But while the audience may have had to don another fleece to keep out the chills, none of that was needed on stage.

Cold it may have been, but Jools and his band were red hot. A rhythm and blues orchestra concert is an awesome cacophony of sound - imposing, but at the same time inspiring.

With a dozen members it's sometimes hard to take in all the sights, but the 'wall of sound' is unforgettable.

Ably assisted by the powerful vocals of Sam Brown, Jools and his band were in town to party.

He was having fun leading the 4,000 strong crowd effortlessly through a selection of easy listening, jazz and blues classics.

They moved, they swayed and they played as if they had no equals. To watch such a supreme talent - a man who barely even looked at his piano throughout two hours of song - was a privilege.

Charismatic and colourful, this was Jools in his element - leading his big band of merry musicians through a sublime set in front of a willing crowd.

It's hard to keep the spirits up in a damp, open field in the middle of the woods, but Jools and his orchestra managed it with something to spare.

Rhythm...but definitely no blues.

Updated: 11:54 Monday, June 23, 2003