Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra

Jools Holland arrived at the Leeds Arena for an eclectic night of music that, much like his TV show, included a mix of musical styles.

His Yorkshire concerts are normally best enjoyed in the more intimate venues he chooses to perform in; the vast arena is probably not the best experience of seeing him along with his fifteen-piece band live; however, any doubts were soon diminished with a set that was personal, entertaining, and exciting—you never knew what was going to happen next.

Part of the appeal of witnessing one of his gigs is the special guests that always accompany him and the band on tour. His latest discovery, Toby Lee, a nineteen-year-old guitarist from Cornwall, comes with a cracking, blues-infused voice and is a dexterous and skilled guitarist who has a very promising future ahead of him. House on Fire, his last single, comes with a maturity that belies his young age.

Louise Marshall radiates everything she sings, amplified on the Jools Holland original Much More Hope Than Me. Sumudu, who also provides backing vocals, captivates listeners with a jazzy rendition of When We're Alone.

It only seemed fair that Marc Almond should return back to Leeds; the Soft Cell singer shared that he was still living in a grotty student bedsit in Leeds when he heard the news that Tainted Love had reached Number One.

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye was composed in the same room, apparently. The orchestra brought the former hit to new heights, transforming it into a bold, breathtaking, and brave rendition.

They call Ruby Turner the Queen of Boogie Woogie - she wore the crown well - most notably on That’s All I Gotta Do and Peace in the Valley, as Holland looked on admirably, the love and respect of one of the country’s most underrated and soulful vocalists was well deserved.

Closing with the obligatory Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think), this had been a night of musical excellence—definitely worth seeing sooner…or later.


2025 dates in the north:
Friday 30th May - Liverpool Philharmonic
Friday 11th July - Blackpool Opera House
Saturday 12th July - Kendal Westmorland Hall
Tuesday 15th July - Darlington Hippodrome