Jools Holland to bring Rhythm & Blues Orchestra back to Northampton this winter

Jools is heading back to Royal & Derngate on Saturday, November 7, as part of the group’s 31-date UK tour.

Renowned for his exuberant live shows, Jools will once again be backed by the full power and finesse of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, for a night of blues music, swing music, boogie woogie and ska packed with musical virtuosity and joyful spontaneity.

Joining Jools and the orchestra will be special guest Roachford.

Since his breakthrough hit ‘Cuddly Toy’ topped the UK charts in 1988, Roachford has released 10 studio albums, been sought after as a songwriter by Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan and built a reputation as an outstanding live performer.

Awarded an MBE for Services to Music, Roachford continues to perform at the top of his game. His recent releases, including Twice in a Lifetime and Then & Now, have been met with widespread acclaim

Opening each night will be Joe Webb, one of the UK’s most exciting young pianists and improvisers, who has guested with Jools on stage on several occasions and appeared on his latest BBC New Year’s Eve Jools’ Annual Hootenanny TV programme.

Talking about the tour, Jools said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be heading out again with our big band.

“Having Roachford join us for every night of the tour is a real joy – he’s one of the great soul voices this country has produced and every time he sings the room lights up.

“With the mighty orchestra, our wonderful boogie woogie singers and the brilliant Joe Webb opening the shows, we’re in for some very special evenings of music.”

The shows will again feature singers Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together, they will be performing songs from throughout Jools’ career.

Tickets are on general sale from 10am on Friday, January 30, via Royal & Derngate, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.seetickets.com