Ex-Squeeze man Jools Holland adapts to country life
Reuters, Dec 2, 2006 7:54 pm PSTBritish Pianist Jools Holland, once of
pop-rock act Squeeze and long known for his versatility as both
a musician and broadcast personality, has released a country
music album.
"Moving Out to the Country" (Radar/Warner Music International), his 11th album for Warner Music, hit shelves on November 20 in the United Kingdom. Warner plans world-wide release of the album in early 2007.
The album features myriad guest artists (KT Tunstall, Mark Knopfler, India.Arie, Brian Eno, Lulu) along with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Holland's touring band. The country music-themed set mixes originals with country standards.
Holland says the album concept came through co-writing the title track with soul veteran Solomon Burke.
"When Squeeze used to play in tiny pubs," he explains, "we did songs like 'House of Blue Lights.' The tunes in country are so perfect and clear, and Hank Williams was one of the greatest poets of all time."
Holland hosts the long-running live music TV show "Later" -- which will soon air the sixth and final show in its 28th season on national TV channel BBC2.
He is out on his annual U.K. winter tour until December 23.
Reuters/Billboard
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