Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra @ O2 City Hall Newcastle

As the UK's most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison and Luther Vandross, Sting, BB King and Paul Weller. Jools is respected not only as a performer, but also an authority on all music. His BBC 2 Live music show Later with Jools Holland has now broadcast over 60 series featuring artists from all time periods, countries, and genres!

The 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra features, at its helm, former Squeeze drummer, Gilson Lavis. Lavis has been drumming with Jools Holland for over 25 years, since their SQUEEZE days, with special guests Pauline Black & Gaps Hendrickson from The Selecter and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.

As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances.