
OUT OF THE BLUE BIG BAND
We are Out Of The Blue, an 18-piece Jazz Big Band with a great female 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!


NEWS BEATS
Recent Gigs
November 18, 2023
Back at Feckenham Village Hall after a one-year absence and we received the same amazing reception as last year. A first for us was having two vocalists, Jan Harris and Lee Hamblett and both went down a storm. It was a fantastic evening and thanks for the great hospitality we were given.
Download our Set List here.
September 10, 2023
Great weather, amazing homemade pizzas and burgers, Glasshouse beers on tap, what more could you want at Moor Green Allotments? Two fantastic sets from OOTB and their amazing new vocalist Lee Hamblett, with an enthusiastic audience (including comedy celeb Joe Lycett!) dancing and singing along to our numbers.
Download our Set List here.
August 04, 2023
Another great gig back at Moor Green Allotments. With Jan Harris unavailable, up stepped our new vocalist Lee Hamblett and he wowed the packed audience (Bublé you had better watch out). There were excellent beers and BBQ food available, and a brilliant audience singing along and dancing to our numbers.
Download our Set List here.
March 31, 2023
What an amazing audience at The Bear Tavern in aid of Warley Woods Community Trust. A fabulous evening with the band playing playing really well and Jan Harris again at the top of her game, and brilliant performances from Rebecca Bazlov and guest vocalist Lee Hamblett.
Download our Set List here.
February 04, 2023
Back at Thimblemill Library with a large, friendly and incredibly generous Thimblemill audience.
We played two great sets featuring the sublime, silky vocals of Jan Harris. The highlight of the evening was a vocal number by our pianist, Rebecca Bazlov.
Download our Set List here.
![]() OOTB at Himley Hall and Park | ![]() OOTB at Thimblemill Library | ![]() OOTB at Halesowen Cricket Club | ![]() OOTB at Solihull Methodist Church | ![]() OOTB at Feckenham Hall |
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![]() 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 - Noel Warr
2nd Tenor Sax - Catherine Gulati
Baritone Sax - Phil Murray
Trombones
1st Trombone - Lewis Robertson
2nd Trombone - Matthew Powell
3rd Trombone - Michael Lacoult
3rd Trombone - Rheinallt Vaughan
Bass Trombone - Colin Howard
Trumpets
1st Trumpet - Nick Frost
2nd Trumpet - John Sheard
3rd Trumpet - TBA
4th Trumpet - Gill Kelly
Rhythm Section
Keyboards - Wolfie
Bass - Bob (Fred) Walker
Drums - Alex Robertson
Guitar - Neil Bevan
Vocalists
Jan Harris
Lee Hamblett







MUSIC
VIDEOS
FUTURE GIGS

In aid of Friends of Matthew Rusike Children’s Home
CONTACT
Want to learn more about Out Of The Blue Big Band, their music, gigs and how to book them? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Jo James, Musical Director
An 18-piece Big Band too big for your venue? Then check out The Soul Providers
