In 1980 I was a fledgling actor and make-up artist knocking around London at the same time as keyboard player Jools Holland was leaving Squeeze who he’d been a founder member in 1974. He rejoined in 1985 for a further five years before leaving to pursue his solo career.
He’s risen from playing in the East End docks as a teenager to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra, selling millions of records and becoming an OBE to boot.
His passion for music is well acknowledged and respected. When legendary blues pianist Dr. John switched to playing the guitar for a track on his live record there was only one man that he asked to take his seat at the piano – Jools Holland.
Holland holds the unique status of performing with musicians who have achieved success in every decade of the 20th Century.
Millions have celebrated their New Year for 25 years of Hootenany shows as well as being glued to his fifty-three series of Later With … series. Jools must hold the record for making more music programmes for TV than any other host: The Tube, made in Newcastle; four series of Night Music, Made in New York; three series of The Happening, filmed at London’s Astoria Theatre; two series of Name That Tune, filmed in Leeds and one series of Beat Route, filmed all over the world.
His autobiography, Barefaced Lies & Boogie-Woogie Boasts, hit the shelves on 4th October 2007 (published by Michael Joseph Ltd).
His choice of abodes has attracted great interest including a converted railway carriage with its own platform and a Kent manor house in the grounds of a 14th century castle where he now lives, “in a world of his own”, with his wife and four children.
Now Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have announced their Autumn/Winter tour and on 14th December they will be at the Brighton Centre. with special guests Marc Almond and blues guitar prodigy, Toby Lee.
From his years in the internationally acclaimed duo Soft Cell to the successful solo career that followed, Marc Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide with his list of hit songs including ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, ‘Touch’ and, of course, ‘Tainted Love’. Marc has been awarded the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award and the Icon Award by Attitude Magazine. His collaborators include the likes of Gene Pitney, Tony Visconti and Burt Bacharach, as well as Jools, who Marc previously toured with in 2018. I remember seeing a torch song style set from him about ten years back, backstage he was shy and humble then he walked into the spotlight and transformed, it was stunning.
Also on the bill you’ll find the supreme talent of blues guitar prodigy and social media sensation, Toby Lee. Described by Joe Bonamassa as “a future superstar of the blues”, Toby first came to public attention at 10 years old when he posted a get well soon jam for BB King which went viral with 5 million views in a week. Since then, he has gone on to perform in West End productions, winning Olivier and UK Blues Awards and showcasing his skills on TV and live performances around the world. Now joining Jools for every stop of the tour, audiences have a chance to see one of the world’s most promising blues guitarists in the flesh.
Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the incredible singer Ruby Turner and the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skilful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from Gilson Lavis with whom he’s played for 40 years Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career. With a catalogue of boogie woogie classics to choose from, the show is sure to have fans of both Jools and Marc Almond on their feet!
14th December At Brighton Centre, Kings Rd, BN1 2GR
