Jools Holland

Jools Holland

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra returns with a brand new album on November 17. Released by Rhino UK, The Informer is a true showcase in musicianship and, with its classic horn and rhythm sections plus Jools’ unique piano playing, it wonderfully reflects the party atmosphere of their ever popular live shows.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have become the most successful big band in Britain since their original incarnation in 1987, honing their craft and chemistry together for more than 20 years. Having returned from a sold out tour of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and following the successful series of Jools Holland and Friends albums, this infectious musical force decided it was time to bring focus back to the strength of the 20 piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Reflecting on an incredible year, Jools Holland explained, “I really wanted to celebrate the talent within the orchestra. Over the past few years our records have featured great collaborations with outsiders, but now is the time to shine the spotlight within. We have superb musicians and vocalists and this album rejoices in these talents.”

The result is The Informer, a 17 track feel-good album performed as live, with 75% of the songs penned by Jools Holland. Opening with the soulful title track featuring the smooth tones of vocalist Ruby Turner, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra quickly establish the beginnings of an eclectic big band party.

With the gentle string led anthemic ‘I Went By’, which showcases a timeless soul vocal provided by Louise Marshall, and the traditional ‘I Know Where I Am Going’ with Rico Rodriguez (famed Jamaican ska and reggae trombonist and member of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra), ‘The Informer’ is an album that shows a big band at the full breadth of their dynamic brilliance.

Additionally, the album will include a bonus CD featuring for the very first time the concerts performed at Wells and Rochester Cathedrals. On 6 and 20 March 2007, the Cathedrals became the stunning backdrop to special concerts held to raise awareness of the country’s most beautiful buildings and their upkeep.

The concerts featured performances from Ruby Turner, Beverley Knight, Louise Marshall and a new setting of the Mass composed by Jools Holland, commissioned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells and starring the cathedrals’ respective choirs.