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OUT OF THE BLUE BIG BAND

"Putting the Big back in Big Band"

BIRMINGHAM'S MOST ENTERTAINING BIG BAND

Who We Are

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, Nirvana, 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
UPCOMING GIGS

TBA

Past Gigs
PAST GIGS

August 10, 2025

A boiling hot day, in a marquee at Coleshill Strollers Walking FC, did not deter us from playing two great sets. What more could the audience want than to be serenaded by the dulcet tones of Lee Hamblett and OOTB playing pop, rock, rock n'roll and of course Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Dean Martin classics.

Download our Set Lists here

July 06, 2025

We can't believe it but we actually played at the famous Snobs in Broad Street, Birmingham. We just squeezed into the venue and played two sets that went down extremely well with the highly appreciative audience. Let's hope we get invited back. 

Download our Set Lists here.

June 27, 2025

Back at Moor Green Allotments on a hot summer evening. What an amazing audience that gave us a great reception. The band and Lee Hamblett (aided by The Dynamix for several numbers) were again on top form. 

Download our Set Lists here.

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.

Gallery
GALLERY

MEET THE BAND

Musical Director
Jo James

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Vocals

Lee Hamblett â€‹

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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
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Meet the Band

LISTEN TO THE BAND

Liste to the Band

WATCH US IN ACTION

OOTB 'Sway' 27th June 2025
OOTB 'Sway' 27th June 2025

OOTB 'Sway' 27th June 2025

00:42
OOTB 'Hallelujah I Love Her So' 27th June 2025

OOTB 'Hallelujah I Love Her So' 27th June 2025

00:41
OOTB 'Let The Good Times Roll' 27th June 2025

OOTB 'Let The Good Times Roll' 27th June 2025

00:26
OOTB 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' 27th June 2025

OOTB 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' 27th June 2025

01:47
Watch Us in Action
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

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

Book Us / Contact

Thimblemill Library 2016 photos courtesy of Liying and Jonathan Law.

©2017 by Out Of The Blue Big Band

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