In this exclusive interview, Ed Richardson — the powerhouse drummer behind Jools Holland — shares his journey through jazz, swing, touring life and his upcoming performance at The UK Drum Show 2025.
We dive into groove, musical discipline, hilarious tour stories and what it really takes to “keep time” with one of Britain’s most iconic musical outfits.
Whether you’re a drummer, musician, or just a music fan, this conversation delivers deep insight and good vibes.
Don’t miss Ed’s performance at The UK Drum Show 2025 in the Mike Dolbear Masterclass room on Saturday 18th October at 3.00pm…grab your tickets now: HERE
00:38 – Getting the call from Jools
04:00 – This is my life
05:00 – Sight reading
06:16 – The Hootenanny
08:58 – Bringing The Energy to The UK Drum Show
10:25 – Ed’s Advice
Ed Proudly Plays…
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Biography
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Ed has since established himself as a regular face on the UK music scene and continues to be greatly in demand both at home and abroad.
He has recently joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra is currently touring the UK and Europe.
Ed has performed or recorded with renowned artists such as Sting, Noel Gallagher, RAYE, Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Roger Taylor, Marc Almond, JADE, Joss Stone, Beverley Knight, Rick Astley, Burt Bacharach, Paloma Faith, Taylor Swift, Gregory Porter, Seal, Curtis Stigers, Pixie Lott, Peabo Bryson, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mica Paris, Ronnie Wood, Lisa Stansfield, Tony Hadley, Petula Clarke, Rumer, Martin Kemp, Tom Chaplin (Keane), Gary Barlow, Imelda May, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe & Ronan Keating.
He has become one of the top session players in the country playing on many Film and TV Sessions.
Ed is often seen playing with major orchestras including BBC Concert Orchestra, The Guy Barker Orchestra, The Southbank Sinfonia, The Hallé Orchestra, The CBSO and The John Wilson Orchestra.
Though perfectly at home playing many different styles of music, Ed still has his roots firmly placed in jazz and can be seen most often at Ronnie Scott’s, performing with one of the house bands (Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra & All-Stars) his own big band (The Ed Richardson Big Band) and various other headlining artists such as Maria Schneider, Mike Stern, Kurt Elling, Nigel Kennedy, Jacob Collier, Ray Gelato, Gregory Porter, The BBC Big Band, Clare Teal, Jason Rebello, Lee Ritenour, Soweto Kinch, Joe Stilgoe, Eric Alexander, Jim Mullen & Bobby Shew.
Ed is also a visiting tutor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and has given masterclasses in both the UK and around the world.
