Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

On 21 November 2026, Symphony Hall in Birmingham welcomes Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. A pianist steeped in blues, swing and early rock’n’roll, Holland leads from the keys with boogie-woogie drive, rapid right-hand lines and a rhythm section built for shuffle and swing. The Orchestra’s trademark brass gives the music a big-band edge, tight riffs and punchy choruses, a frame for his piano and for arrangements that move easily from jump blues to New Orleans shuffles.

Born in Blackheath in 1958, Jools first broke through with Squeeze alongside Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook before carving his own path around the piano. Over the years he has recorded under his name and toured widely with this large ensemble, bringing rhythm and blues into concert halls across the UK and Europe. Also known for The Tube and Later… with Jools Holland, he carries the same curiosity for songcraft and groove to the stage at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, for a set centred on feel, swing and the conversation between piano and horns.