Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra are a rhythm and blues band led by boogie-woogie pianist Jools Holland. Holland formed the band in 1994 and the current 20-piece band consists of piano, organ, drums, female vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, trumpets, and trombones. In 1973, at the age of 15, Holland was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis – who still drums with Jools. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York's Madison Square Garden. We are delighted to be able to include this very special concert as part of Rhondda Arts Festival Treorchy– a week of events and activities celebrating creativity in Rhondda.
The King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland is a genuine British Legend. Famed for his exhilarating live shows featuring a thrilling mix of boogie-woogie, swing, jazz and R&B, his incredible 20 piece band and guests with show-stopping vocals, this legendary show is guaranteed to be the highlight of your year – and ours too! Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide; his list of hit songs includes Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, Touch and Tainted Love. “I didn’t think anybody could play like that. Jools has got that left hand that never stops.”– BB King This very special concert is part of Rhondda Arts Festival Treorchy– a week of events and activities celebrating creativity in Rhondda. Featuring Gilson Lavis, with special guest Mark Almond, guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall & Rosie Mae, support: Galia Arad.
