Jools Holland releases new album

On 17 November 2008, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return with a brand new album. 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. The concert at Rochester Cathedral was in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.

The perfect accompaniment to the release of The Informer, the master of ivories will embark on a 31 UK date tour with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in what will be his most glittering tour yet. Not only will Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Rico Rodriguez take centre stage on the tour, but pop icon Marc Almond will also dazzle the audiences with his captivating presence.

Jools Holland's 2008 UK tour will kick off on 24 October, following on from his hugely successful sell out tour last year, as well as the release of "Best Of Friends", which stormed the album top 10. We will see the music maestro returning for a show-stopping two nights at London's majestic Royal Albert Hall, bringing audiences another taste of his blues and boogie-woogie fun. The hardest working and most prolific British musician and big band leader, promises a trademark foot-stomping night out, not to be missed.

Full Track listing:

CD 1

1. The Informer (with Ruby Turner)
2. Honey Hush (with Ruby Turner)
3. I Went By (with Louise Marshall)
4. St Louis Blues (with Ruby Turner)
5. Boring (with Ruby Turner)
6. Them That Speak Don't Know
7. L-O-V-E (with Rico Rodriguez)
8. Waterloo Bridge (with Louise Marshall)
9. Fat Fred
10. Bang And Pop
11. Jumpin' At The Jubilee (with Ruby Turner)
12. The Life Of Man (with Paul Carrack & Ruby Turner)
13. Max The Miller
14. I Know Where I'm Going (with Rico Rodriguez)
15. Shaking Round The Clock
16. Playboy Life
17. Love Made Them Do That (with Ruby Turner)

Bonus CD

1). Rock Me (with Ruby Turner)
2. Precious Lord (with Ruby Turner)
3. Seven Acts Of Mercy (with Louise Marshall)
4. Consider The Source (instrumental)
5. Where In The World (with Beverley Knight)
6. A Change Is Gonna Come (with Beverley Knight)
7. Peace In The Valley (with Ruby Turner)
8. Kyrie * (with Ruby Turner)
9. Sanctus *
10. Up Above My Head I Hear Music In the Air *