SLIMMED from 20 musicians to 12, Jazz Jamaica All Stars still make a joyfully massive noise.

But will playing only Motown numbers prove a straitjacket for the British ska/jazz big band? Only time - the best part of two hours - will tell.

This, as band leader Gary Crosby points out, is fun music, "spelt p-h-u-n". It is also party music and if events take a while to heat up, some parties are like that.

Sticking to songs from Motor City may seem restrictive, until you remember the impermeable influence of this music and recall what tremendous songs they were and still are.

Motown numbers getting the Crosby treatment include My Cherie Amour, Heard It Through The Grapevine (with a great saxophone solo by Denys Baptiste), What's Going On (sax pyrotechnics from Soweto Kinch) and My Guy, as well as War, Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours and a tremendous take on Tears Of A Clown.

By the time gutsy guest vocalist Mary Pearce leads a closing Dancing In The Street, she has coaxed and cajoled a packed house to their feet and the theatre sways and sings with an enthusiasm to make Berwick Kaler proud.

Reduced in size and sticking to a Motown diet they may be, but Jazz Jamaica All Stars still leave your feet dancing for a day - and you don't have to be a jazz-head to join in the fun.

Top marks to the Theatre Royal for hosting York Dune Jazz Festival. More please.

Updated: 09:06 Monday, August 01, 2005