JOOLS Holland brings his smooth jazz sound to Manchester for two dates later this year.

The pianist and singer will be joined by his famous Rhythm and Blues Orchestra when he takes to the stage at Manchester's Carling Apollo on December 3 and 4.

Fans can expect to hear songs from his new album, which is as yet untitled and released on September 27, as well as a host of classics which helped to spawn a career spanning four decades.

Jools, aged 46, picked up the rudiments of blues and boogie woogie piano from an uncle when he was just eight, and was playing to pubs in south London and the East End by the time he was in his early teens.

By 15, he met the band members with whom he formed Squeeze -- the band which went on to give him hits including Cool For Cats and Up The Junction.

The band also took America by storm and played to a sold-out Madison Square Gardens in 1981.

Jools went on to form his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in 1985 and the 18-piece band accompany him virtually every time he steps out in front of his legions of fans.

His three-month autumn tour will take him around the country before his traditional Christmas appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Jools has also made himself a TV celebrity with his Later... programmes, now in its 22nd series, and was made an OBE last year.

Tickets, priced £27 plus booking fee, are available from 08709 913913.