Jazzfest gets a big-name start with Jools and his merry band

Published on Sunday 26 April 2009 22:40

THE jazz-band leader, television presenter and former Squeeze keyboard player Jools Holland was the first headline act to be announced yesterday by the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

Holland is to bring his much-acclaimed Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festival's closing night concert on 9 August.

He will be joined on stage by the veteran Welsh rock guitarist and singer Dave Edmunds.

A former co-presenter of The Tube, and the host of Later… with Jools Holland, now in its 33rd series, he and his orchestra have played to an estimated 500,000 people a year, accord-ing to his official website.

Alongside the 20-piece orchestra's regular guest singers, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, Mr Edmunds is set to sing hits like Girl Talk and I Hear You Knocking.

The festival's chairman, Brian Fallon, said: "This year's Festival is promising to be one of the best yet, and we've got lots of new events, and new artists. But we will be maintaining all the great festival traditions.

"It's marvellous to have one of our best friends and one of our audience favourites back with such an exciting format."

The full festival programme will be announced in late May or early June. The Scotsman is a media partner.