
OUT OF THE BLUE BIG BAND
"Putting the Big back in Big Band"
BIRMINGHAM'S MOST ENTERTAINING BIG BAND
Who We Are
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 an 18-piece Jazz Big Band with a great vocalist and 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!
We’re 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.
"Big Band. Big Sound. Big Fun."
UPCOMING GIGS
Friday 27th June 2025
Moor Green Allotments​ Club House

Sunday 6th July 2025
Snobs, Birmingham (yes, Snobs!)
Big Bear Music - Birmingham Rocks!
Sunday 10th August 2025
Coleshill Town Football Club
More details to follow


PAST GIGS
May 17, 2025
Wow, what an amazing evening at The Bear Tavern in aid of Warley Woods Community Trust. A large and enthusiastic audience (considering it was Eurovision) who joined in and danced to some of the songs. They were also treated to guest appearances by some of the Dynamix. Two great sets and has the band and Lee Hamblett played and sung any better?
Download our Set Lists here.
May 11, 2025
A beautiful afternoon, the sun was shining and great music was in the air. After a very long gap we were back on the Bandstand at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A large and appreciative audience stayed to listen to both our sets. The band and, of course Lee Hamblett, were on top form.
Download our Set Lists here.
March 01, 2025
Who would have thought that a small Worcestershire village would be full of ravers, but the audience at Feckenham Village Hall went wild for OOTB. It was a full house and everyone joined in with the singing and vocalist Lee Hamblett was again on top form. A big thank you to the organisers in providing incredible refreshments for the band.
Download our Set Lists here.
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 Lists 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 Lists here.
![]() OOTB at Thimblemill Library | ![]() OOTB at Solihull Methodist Church | ![]() OOTB at Birmingham Botanical Gardens | ![]() OOTB at Halesowen Cricket Club | ![]() OOTB at Solihull Methodist Church | ![]() OOTB at Thimblemill Library |
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![]() OOTB at Himley Hall and Park | ![]() OOTB at Feckenham Village Hall | ![]() 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 |
GALLERY
MEET THE BAND
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
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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 - Gill Kelly
4th Trumpet - TBA
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Rhythm Section
Keyboards - TBA
Bass - Michael Lacoult
Drums - Alex Robertson
Guitar - Neil Bevan
Percussion - Noel Warr​
​
Vocalist
Lee Hamblett ​







LISTEN TO THE BAND
WATCH US IN ACTION


OOTB 'Mack the Knife' 11th May 2025

OOTB Showreel 17th May 2025

OOTB 'California Dreaming' 11th May 2025

OOTB 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine' 11th May 2025
BOOK US / CONTACT
Ready to Book?
Still on the fence? Come on, what’s the worst that could happen? (Spoiler alert: 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 'Book Us / Contact' button before someone else grabs your date. Seriously, do it now. We’ll wait.
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Jo James, Musical Director

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