MAESTRO Jools Holland presents a fabulous night with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, featuring Gilson Lavis and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday, June 2, at 8pm.
Jools Holland, OBE was born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958 in Blackheath, South East London.
At the age of eight, he could play the piano fluently by ear, and by the time he reached his early teens he was proficient and confident enough to be appearing regularly in many of the pubs in South East London and the East End Docks.
At the age of 15, Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis (who had already played with, among others, BB King, Chuck Berry, and Max Wall) – who still drums with Jools.
In 1987, Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band – comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 18-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of one pianist, one drummer, two female vocals, one guitar, one bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, one baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.
Gilson Lavis has achieved legendary status in the world of drumming through a career that has spanned five decades of remarkable success, earning him the reputation of being one of the most talented and respected drummers in the entertainment industry. Gilson is currently working with his lifetime friend and colleague Jools Holland in the hugely successful Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Ruby is currently performing her own gigs along with touring the country with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra as his very special guest. Jools Holland features tracks by Ruby on his last three “Jools Holland & Friends” platinum-selling albums - 'Nobody But You', 'Count Me In' and 'When I Get Home'.
Louise Marshall was born in Oldham, Lancashire and started singing at the age of 15 months and playing the piano at three and truly loves performing. Her musical styles stem right through from Classical, singing and conducting The National Youth Choir of GB to Jazz at Ronnie Scott’s and The Jazz Café.
To book or for more infmormation contact Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 01970 62 32 32 or go online www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre.