Formerly known as the Blue Max Big Band, Out of the Blue was formed in the early nineteen nineties by members of a jazz workshop run by Andy Hamilton. With a repertoire drawn from the classic swing arrangements of the Basie and Ellington orchestras together with more modern numbers by the likes of the great Sammy Nestico, the band has built a high reputation in Birmingham and the Midlands.

They are now under the musical direction of Jo James.

The photomontage at the top shows the whole band live at Corks Club in April 2004, while the other picture hones in on Jo conducting. The link (their name inblue text) takes you to a site about the Band by one of the Bands members - it has downloads.