Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Jools Holland brings his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to the Brighton Centre in Brighton and Hove on 12 December 2026. A pianist, bandleader and founding member of Squeeze, Holland has crafted a piano sound steeped in blues, boogie-woogie, swing and early rock ’n’ roll. On stage he leads a large ensemble driven by the brass, trades exchanges with saxophones and trumpets, pushes shuffles and jump tempos, and times it all with a rolling left hand and crisp accents on the keys.

The concert places his piano and a solid rhythm section at the centre, surrounded by brass that provides momentum and colour. The repertoire moves between barrelhouse grooves, slower blues numbers and big‑band swing passages. Tight arrangements, room for solos, call‑and‑response vamps and a sense of collective unity honed by years on the road form the backbone of the set. Between pieces, Holland links the sequences with simple stage patter and highlights the musicians accompanying him. An evening tailored for those who enjoy live, direct and danceable rhythm and blues, without unnecessary effects.