Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra land at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 28 November 2026. Pianist, bandleader and co‑founder of Squeeze, Holland has forged a path rooted in piano, rhythm and blues and boogie‑woogie since the late 1970s. His playing draws on blues, swing and early rock’n’roll, with rapid phrasing and arrangements that give space to a full brass section and a big‑band feel. After his early chapters with Squeeze, he developed projects under his own name and established a large touring ensemble that has become his signature on UK and European stages.

On this date, Holland leads the Orchestra from the piano, steering shuffles, stride‑tinged boogie and classic R&B colours through tight horn lines and groove‑driven rhythm. The format suits call‑and‑response sections, punchy riffs and compact vocal spots, with the band’s sound built around interplay rather than showy solos. Alongside his work on British music television, he has recorded albums such as Sex & Jazz & Rock & Roll, The A‑Z Geographer’s Guide to the Piano and Small World Big Band, touchstones that feed this live set’s palette.