Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra-JOOLS HOLLAND’S BIG BAND RHYTHM & BLUES-CD:
a.k.a. Small World Big Band-19.11.2001 Warner Music UK Ltd. - 809274265623-400 grn
Jools Holland is a musical institution in the UK, and his BBC TV program. On Jools Hollands Big Band Rhythm & Blues, Holland is joined by the likes of Eric Clapton, Sting, Van Morrison, Jamiroquai, Steve Winwood and John Cale, among many others. PLUS the last recorded track by the late George Harrison, "Horse to the Water." It likely took the passing of former Beatle George Harrison, whose "Horse to the Water" here is his last recorded song, to see this lovable shaggy dog of a tribute album get the attention that might have otherwise eluded it. Veteran Squeeze pianist Jools Holland gathers three generations of stellar pals (ranging from Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton to Joe Strummer and Stereophonics) and cobbles together this loosely formatted nod to rocks swing band and R&B roots. With his front-and-center barrelhouse boogie backed by brass and strings, Holland collaborates on a healthy slate of originals, seasoned with standards from Jonny Mercer to Lennon/McCartney. The results are occasionally throwaways (Strummers loopy "Return of the Blues Cowboy", Paul Wellers tepid cover of Billy Prestons "Will It Go Round in Circles"), but the surprises are sometimes as sublime as they are pleasantly revealing. Marc Almond, Jamiroquai, and (especially) John Cale give cannily Vegas-lounge-ready performances; Suggs revives Madnesss breezy, blue-beat sense of fun; and vets Dr. John, Van Morrison, and Taj Mahal ably reinforce their legends. Holland may have missed the hipster-retro-revival wave by a year or two, but this album eschews trend-riding in favor of Hollands heartfelt musical passions.
Comes In A Standard Jewel Case With Clear Tray Includes 16-Page Booklet.
Made In Germany.
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