Jools Holland to bring his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra back to Reading

Jools Holland is making final preparations for his annual visit to Reading.

The musician will be bringing his rhythm and blues orchestra to The Hexagon, along with some special guests.

Marc Almond, from Soft Cell, is one of them.

He has sold more than 30 million records across the world, including hit songs Say Hello, Wave Goodbye and Tainted Love.

He last appeared on the tour in 2018, so this is a welcome return.

Blue guitarist Toby Lee, who has been deserved by Joe Bonamassa as “a future superstar of the blues”, is the other special guest.

He shot to fame when he was just 10: he posted a get well soon jam for BB King which went viral, racking up five million views in a week.

Also appearing will be Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka.
And in the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis.

The show will see Jools Holland perform tracks spanning his solo career.

With a catalogue of boogie woogie classics to choose from, the show is sure to have fans of both Jools and Marc Almond on their feet.

“I’m delighted to announce a truly remarkable mix of guest artist on this year’s winter tour, from the Boogie Woogie Queen of our orchestra, Ruby Turner, to the iconic songmanship of Marc Almond,” the artist said.

“I’m also proud to introduce the new dazzling voice and guitar of British blues, the extraordinary 19-year-old Toby Lee.

“Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka will be illuminating brilliant songs old and new.

“All backed by the unique sound of my Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the big band that will treat us to mega talented soloists and frenzy inducing rhythms. Please come and join us; I look forward to seeing you.”

The show will be at The Hexagon in Reading from 7.30pm on Sunday, November 10.

Tickets cost £37.50 or £52.

For more details, log on to www.whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.