Musical maestro Jools Holland and his world-renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are delighted to announce their 2026 Autumn / Winter tour.
Renowned for his exuberant live shows, Jools will once again be backed by the full power and finesse of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, delivering an evening of blues music, swing music, boogie woogie and ska, packed with musical virtuosity and joyful spontaneity.
Joining Jools and the Orchestra as special guest for every date of the tour will be one of the UK’s most celebrated soul voices, 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. Jools is so excited to have Andrew Roachford with him on this tour.
Awarded an MBE for Services to Music, Roachford continues to perform at the very top of his game. His recent releases, including Twice in a Lifetime and Then & Now, have been met with widespread acclaim, and his live shows are celebrated for their warmth, soul and emotional connection. Joining forces with Jools on tour promises a thrilling meeting of musical minds, rich in groove, passion and timeless songwriting.
Opening each night will be Joe Webb, one of the UK’s most exciting young pianists and improvisers, who has guested with Jools Holland on stage on several occasions and appeared on his latest BBC New Year’s Eve Jools’ Annual Hootenanny TV programme. Blending the flavour of Britpop with classic jazz idioms, Joe’s inclusion is the perfect complement to proceedings.
Jools Holland 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.”
Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the incredible Ruby Turner, the Boogie Woogie Queen, as well as the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skillful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will be performing songs from throughout his career. With a catalogue of classics to choose from, the tour promises another unforgettable run of shows.
