Jools Holland and his revered Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have recently announced the run of dates and special guests of their 2023 Autumn/Winter UK tour.

Starting in Southend on Thursday, November 2, the tour will take in 30 shows across the UK including two dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall and a return date at the Stockton Globe.

Renowned as one of the UK’s most popular tours, this year the show will feature The Selecter’s Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson as special guests.

The shows will feature vocals from Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as Sumudu Jayatilaka, who joined Jools for the first time in 2022.

The Northern Echo: Jools Holland is coming to the North East later this yearJools Holland is coming to the North East later this year (Image: Inez Gordon)

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Together with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career.

Jools Holland said: “Myself, my piano and Orchestra are thrilled to bits because our special guests this year are Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson of The Selecter. This magnificent addition will amplify our Ska music credentials and bring an extra razzy dazzy to our dance capabilities.

“Coupled with our own Boogie Queen and Enchantress, Ruby Turner, this mix will result in one of the most dynamic shows we’ve ever had.

“But it doesn’t stop there, adding her delicious voice and harmonic enchantments to the evening, will be our very own, Louise Marshall.

“Further, for your aural delectation we introduce, the much sought after and wonderful new voice of Sumudu Jayatilaka. All this music will be underpinned by the drums of my Squeeze co-founder, Gilson Lavis and decorated by the scintillating soloists of the Orchestra.”

The Northern Echo: The Stockton GlobeThe Stockton Globe (Image: The Stockton Globe)

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra arrives at Stockton Globe on Thursday, November 9.

Tickets go on general sale Friday, February 3, at 10am. Tickets are available from £36.57 and can be purchased via www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

The show will also be coming to Harrogate on Sunday, November 12, Newcastle on Thursday, November 30, and York on Wednesday, December 20.

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