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OUT OF THE BLUE BIG BAND

We are Out Of The Blue, an 18-piece Jazz Big Band with a great vocalist and are based in Birmingham, UK. Under the musical directorship of Jo James, our repertoire is drawn from the classic swing and Big Band arrangements of the Basie and Ellington era as well as latin, blues, soul, pop and even rock n’roll. We play a mix of music that crosses all genres and ages - there is something for everybody to enjoy!

About Us

Welcome

Oh, so you’ve stumbled across our little corner of the internet, huh? Let me guess—you’re either a jazz connoisseur who knows their Coltranes from their Kenny Gs (thank goodness), or you’re desperately trying to find a band for your next event that doesn’t sound like it belongs at your Aunt Edna’s retirement party. Well, congrats! You’ve hit the jackpot.

 

We’re Out Of The Blue Big Band—the big band that brings serious swing, plenty of sass, and just the right amount of brass. Think bold solos, toe-tapping rhythms, and enough swagger to make you forget your problems (or at least where you parked your car). Whether you’re planning a charity fundraiser, a corporate shindig, jazz festival, wedding, barmitzvah or just a Tuesday night soirée with your cat (no judgment), we’ve got the tunes to turn any room into a smoky jazz club—without the smoke, of course. Basically, if you’ve got a crowd, we’ve got the soundtrack. From swing classics and smooth ballads to high-energy Latin grooves, we tailor every set to suit your vibe.

Why us?

Why not? Seriously, though—there are plenty of bands out there, but do they have the chops to make your event unforgettable? Can they belt out Sinatra and Buble classics and jazz standards one minute and dazzle you with Santana, Oasis, The Monkees and Elton John the next? We didn’t think so. We don’t just show up and play—we bring it.

Future Gigs
FUTURE GIGS

Saturday 1st March 2025 - 7 pm
Feckenham Village Hall 

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Sunday 11th May 2025, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Saturday 17th May 2025, The Bear Tavern

Further details to follow

PAST GIGS
News

February 07, 2025

Back at our favourite venue, Thimblemill Library. The place was packed out, the audience was incredible and it was an amazing evening. The band played two great sets and Lee Hamblett yet again stole the show. 

Download our Set List here.

December 6, 2024

Back at Moor Green Allotments, but unfortunately, Lee Hamblett could not perform. Nevertheless, we played two instrumental sets that included numerous Xmas favourites with great audience participation on vocals.

Download our Set List here.

October 26, 2024

Back at Solihull Methodist Church, but for a change not playing festive Xmas numbers. There was a large, friendly and incredibly generous audience. We played two great sets featuring the amazing vocals of Lee Hamblett.

Download our Set List here.

August 25th, 2024

At WizzaFest, our first ever music festival. We made the most of it by thinking it was Woodstock, so many of the band dressed up as (ageing) hippies. We played one set mainly to families with young children (many had been camping there for the Bank Holiday weekend) who were dancing and singing along to our numbers. 

Download our Set List here.

Gallery

OOTB at Solihull Methodist Church

OOTB at Himley Hall and Park

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Halesowen Cricket Club

OOTB at Solihull Methodist Church

OOTB at Feckenham Hall

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at Halesowen Cricket Club

OOTB at LAYCA Centre

OOTB at Thimblemill Library

OOTB at LAYCA Centre

BAND LINE-UP

Musical Director
Jo James

Saxophones

1st Alto Sax - Martin Leeson
2nd Alto Sax - Linda Cullen
1st Tenor Sax - Dave Badger

2nd Tenor Sax - Catherine Gulati
Baritone Sax - Phil Murray

Trombones

1st Trombone - Lewis Robertson
2nd Trombone - Matthew Powell

3rd Trombone - Rheinallt Vaughan
Bass Trombone - Colin Howard

 

Trumpets

1st Trumpet - Nick Frost
2nd Trumpet - Gabriele Impiombato
3rd Trumpet - TBA
4th Trumpet - Gill Kelly

Rhythm Section

Keyboards - TBA
Bass - Michael Lacoult
Drums - Alex Robertson
Guitar - Neil Bevan

Percussion - Noel Warr​

Vocalist

Lee Hamblett 

Band Line-up

MUSIC

Music
CONTACT

Ready to Book?

Still on the fence? Come on, what’s the worst that could happen? (Spoiler: absolutely nothing. We’re professionals.) Just drop us a line, and let’s make some magic together.

But hurry—our calendar fills up faster than a jazz critic at an open bar. Click that shiny “Contact” button before someone else snags your date. Seriously, do it now. We’ll wait.

Jo James, Musical Director

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An 18-piece Big Band too big for your venue? Then check out The Soul Providers 

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Thimblemill Library 2016 photos courtesy of Liying and Jonathan Law.

©2017 by Out Of The Blue Big Band

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