Jools Holland heads to Birmingham NIA

Musician Jools Holland says his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will bring "an explosion of joy and excitement" to the stage at Birmingham's NIA.

The king of boogie-woogie and founder of Squeeze returns to the city for an action-packed show tomorrow, Saturday, December 17, 2011.

As well as his 20-strong band, this year the music maestro will be joined on stage by legendary sixties singer Sandie Shaw, who is best-known for hits Puppet on a String and There's Always Something There to Remind Me.

Shaw's appearance marks something of a coup for Holland, as she has had a long hiatus from performing.

"It's her first time on stage for 25 years but we were able to persuade her to join us," said Jools.

The musician turned television presenter said he was looking forward to returning to Birmingham and was hoping this time around the weather would be kinder than it was last December.

"We had to postpone last year because of the snow but came back later," he said.

"Hopefully we won't have any problems this time. It should be a good night and it's near Christmas which will add to the atmosphere.

"There will be an explosion of joy and excitement on stage."

His show in Birmingham will follow a string of dates throughout the country.

Holland, who has a string of albums under his belt, said he enjoyed being on tour.

"The best thing about it is those couple of hours on stage as it gives you the chance to communicate with the audience," he said.

Holland is also preparing for his annual New Year's Eve Hootenanny music show, based on his Later . . . With Jools Holland programme.

The show sees Jools welcome a host of special guests from the music world

However, he is remaining tight-lipped about this year's Hootenanny guest list.

"I can't reveal who we've got yet but watch this space," said the 53-year-old.

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