Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Music fans all over the world know that there is no better and more varied TV-music shows than Later… with Jools Holland, where the host often plays live with his guests. Just as good is his 18-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which, driven by his piano, can do old style boogie-woogie and blues as well as rock’n’roll and reggae or soul and country.
Holland achieved larger fame with the London pop band Squeeze. He was a founder member, when they started in 1974. He also worked as a studio musician. Squeeze got some hits, but stopped in 1980, only to work again from 1985 to 1990. Since 1978 Jools has recorded nearly 30 albums that range from solo piano to a collaboration with Tom Jones.
Most often they are made with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, like the very successful Small World Big Band, Best of Friends, More Friends and Swinging The Blues, Dancing The Ska. His speciality as a pianist is boogie-woogie and New Orleans style. He sings, too, but usually the main vocalists in the band are Ruby Turner or Louise Marshall.