The crown Jools

IT’S A MUSICAL tradition and it usually sells out - and now tickets for this year’s show are just about to go on sale.

Jool Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are preparing to return to The Hexagon on Thursday, November 14 for his annual visit.

As ever, the popular musician will be bringing special guests with him.

This year, it will be the supremely talented Ruby Turner, with her breath-taking gospel, soul and rhythm & blues vocals; Louise Marshall, with her beautiful soul and jazz tones, as well as original Squeeze member and powerhouse Gilson Lavis on drums.

Also joining them will be BRIT Award winner Eddi Reader.

Jools has previously described Eddi as “one of (his) favourite singers of all time”.

Jools and Eddi have been collaborating musically for more than 20 years, with highlights that include their single Waiting Game, which Jools co-wrote with Chris Difford, as well as featuring in the 2009 Richard Linklater film Me and Orson Welles and also the soundtrack. Eddi also famously harmonised with Annie Lennox whilst touring with the Eurythmics as well as leading vocals in the band Fairground Attraction, reaching the top of the UK charts in 1988 with the single Perfect.

Previous special guests who have performed with Jools on his UK tours include the likes of Lulu, Joss Stone, Roland Gift, Melanie C and most recently Marc Almond who released a joint album with Jools in November 2018, ‘A Lovely Life To Live’.

Jools’ tour takes in big venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, showing just how popular his set is.

Tickets go on general sale this Friday 1 February at 10am and cost £37 or £42. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or visit readingarts.com