Jools Holland seated at the piano on Wednesday night. (Pictures by Steve Sarre. 1028868)

HAVING seen the band twice before, I had an idea of what to expect and Jools and the gang once again delivered a superb show.

I’m not a fan of 80s music but I have to say that Marc Almond’s voice sounded as fresh as it was 28 years or so ago when the two numbers he sang (Say Hello, Wave Goodbye and Tainted Love) were hits and I would have liked to have heard more from him.

Ruby Turner has the most amazing voice and the many solos by the band members showed musicianship of the highest quality.

The band features great diversity, with members coming and going in a seemingly casual way throughout the fast-moving show.

Trumpeter Rico Rodriguez’s version of Wonderful World struck a chord with me as it was my mum’s favourite song and seeing the former member of The Specials, who will turn 76 next month, could only impress.

Former Soft Cell vocalist Marc Almond was the special guest on the two nights, on Wednesday singing his hit songs Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye. (1028860)

The type of music again raised the ‘seating versus standing argument’.

If people pay the highest price for a seat near the front they should be entitled to sit in it and not have to stand because of people either standing or dancing in front of them.

A larger dancing area at the front with raised tier seating behind could be the compromise.

A small gripe on the face of it, though, and I will be one of the first to buy a ticket if Jools and the gang ever return.

Near the end of the show, they played a number called Enjoy Yourself and by then I think just about everybody had.

* Ruby Turner returns to Beau Sejour on Friday 25 February. Tickets, which are now on sale, are £35 per head for tables of 10. Theatre-style seating, £25. Email ttdgsy@cwgsy.net to reserve tables and to book tickets.