SUPPORT acts so often get forgotten, so a preliminary word of thanks to Christopher Holland, who provided a short introduction, the highlight of which was a lovely take on Todd Rundgren's I Saw The Light.

He then joined his more famous sibling for what turned out to be another joyous burst of rhythm, blues, rock'n'roll, boogie-woogie, ska and big band jazz through the Count Basie railroad route, all linked by the loveable Jools Holland patter (although thankfully without the cumbersome Later interviews). Jools is a regular visitor to the Barbican, selling out for two nights on each occasion, and it is easy to see why people flock back to see this keyboard showman with his musically-talented friends. With guest singer Ruby Turner on board towards the end of the show, there were 19 people on stage. Between them they belted out, or occasionally softly teased, a winning selection of some 20 numbers, starting with Jools' Dr John collaboration, The Hand That Changed Its Mind.

Too many songs to recall in full, as always, but special mention should certainly go to a creepily fluent take on Woody Herman's Casaba Blues, the Sam Brown duet Valentine Moon and a lyrical, belting Ruby Turner moment with Nobody But You.

As is always the case, this musical hobby that became a national treasure reminds us just what a tremendous, uplifting sound a big band can make when swinging along in uproarious unison.

Updated: 10:49 Friday, November 14, 2003