Later With Jools Holland...Live

2:06pm Thursday 31st January 2008

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FOR any fans of Jools Hollands' BBC2 music show Later, his new, two CD release is a fantastic offering from the King of swing and jazz.

The 39 tracks really are the best of the very best in music from around the globe, featuring artists including the honest lyrics from Lily Allen, unique sounds of The White Stripes, American-country sounding Kings of Leon and the troubled Amy Winehouse.

But what really makes this compilation album stand out from the rest is the knowing the tracks really were recorded live and each, though quite a strange mix in one album, just ooze with raw talent.

For anyone who hasn't seen the programme - which will be celebrating its 200th show on Friday, February 1 - I have to ask where have you been?!

Basically the format is Jools in a big studio in front of a packed audience introducing and joining in with the live bands.

But there is never really any one theme or music genre he sticks too - and as the album reflects - the only qualification needed is to sound remarkable.

Other artists on the album includes the Kaiser Chiefs singing Ruby live, Damien Rice with Coconut Skins, Razorlight performing America, Hard-Fi with the catchy Suburban Knights and one of my unusual but well-earned favourites - Seasick Steve with Dog House Boogie.

If there you buy just a few albums this year make sure you include this one, so you can have a good taster for such a great mix of music styles.