Exploring Boisdale Patron of Music Jools Holland’s passion for music
Mary Ann Haslam
Pianist, composer, founder of Squeeze, ianist, composer, founder of Squeeze, bandleader, TV presenter, Patron of Music at Boisdale... is there anything Jools Holland can't do? One thing's for certain, there is a common theme weaving through all these successful roles and which, he says, has been with him since he was very young.
"[Music] is the first and chief passion. It was really the starting point of my life and has been my life ever since. It's something I am plugged into all the time. Sometimes you're on stage doing it, sometimes you're at home playing here on this piano [pointing at a Yamaha grand piano in the corner of the room], or sometimes you'd be in the studio or sometimes you might even be at Boisdale doing it!" he once said in conversation with Boisdale founder Ranald Macdonald.

As Patron of Music since 2011, Jools presents the very best in jazz, blues and soul and rock'n'roll. He has hosted and been centre stage of many sensational events at Boisdale, plenty of which have seen big-name stars including Melanie C, Courtney Pine, Shala Arna, Horace Andy, Gabrielle, KT Tunstall and Scouting For Girls grace the stage. Though unbeknown to some, his particular passion is boogie woogie piano and that love for the style formed the basis for the spectacular annual Boogie Woogie Dinner at Boisdale Canary Wharf, which he programmes and hosts, which celebrates the classic jazz music of the era by some of the biggest names in the business.

He first learnt boogie woogie when he was eight or nine, when he heard his Uncle David on the piano.
"I went to my grandmother's one day and heard him playing this and I thought 'what is this?' It's so fantastic; you had the left hand contrasting with the right all at once and all the rhythms in it... it really was as if the chaos of the universe became ordered at that moment and I thought this is just the best thing I have ever heard. It made you want to jump around and dance," he recalled.

Today that joyful passion well and truly shines on the Bois dale stage, where the usual magic of the finest British produce, exquisite drinks and impeccable service all combine with up close and personal performances from global recording artists to create a heady concoction of a wondrous night of live music.
You can see Jools in action when he hosts September's Boisdale Music Awards 2022, which sees a cross section of genre-defining performances. When you get there, we can toast the exciting future of our highly dedicated and beloved Patron of Music.

WHAT'S ON
Discover what's going on across our famous venues
Golden Voices of Lovers Rock
Canary Wharf
23 May 2026
Golden Voices of Lovers Rock returns to Boisdale with Michael Gordon and Sylvia Tella for a soulful evening of romance and classic British reggae. Joined by the Zaine Band and host John McLean, expect smooth grooves, heartfelt favourites and the rich spirit of Lovers Rock.
The Neo Soul Sessions
Canary Wharf
10 June 2026
The Neo Soul Sessions bring the rich sound of a genre that reshaped contemporary soul to Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Expect songs associated with D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and Maxwell, performed by exceptional musicians in a night of deep grooves, warmth and soulful expression.
R&B Orchestra
Canary Wharf
11 June 2026
Led by internationally acclaimed musical director OKIEM with The Infinity Orchestra & Soundhouse Band, R&B Orchestra is a 12-piece cinematic celebration of 90s and 00s R&B. Expect powerhouse vocals, sweeping strings and reimagined classics by Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Usher, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.
Horace Andy
Canary Wharf
19 June 2026
Horace Andy, the unmistakable falsetto voice of roots reggae and longtime Massive Attack collaborator, comes to Boisdale with Dub Asante Band featuring Matic Horns. Expect deep dub rhythms and classics including “Skylarking”, “Every Tongue Shall Tell” and “Mr. Bassie” from a five-decade career.
The Real Thing
Canary Wharf
26 June 2026
The Real Thing, the first Black British band to top the UK charts, bring their signature blend of soul, funk and disco to Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Expect classics including “You To Me Are Everything”, “Can’t Get By Without You” and “Can You Feel The Force?” delivered with style, warmth and unmistakable groove.
Rebecca Ferguson - Birthday Celebration
Canary Wharf
18 July 2026
returns to Boisdale of Canary Wharf with her live band for a high-energy birthday celebration. Expect feel-good anthems and soul classics including Ain’t Nobody, Freed From Desire and Glitter & Gold, set against Boisdale’s signature food, cocktails and late-night glamour.

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Coming up at Boisdale
Discover what's going on across our famous venues

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